Provincial Governor Extends Invitation for Strategic Investment Talks
A formal invitation has been extended to Jensen Huang, the CEO of global semiconductor giant NVIDIA, to engage in discussions regarding potential investment in the Saemangeum development zone. The proposal comes from Lee Won-taek, the newly elected Governor of Jeollabuk-do Province.
The governor’s office confirmed on June 27th that a letter detailing this invitation was sent to NVIDIA’s headquarters in the United States and its Korean representation. This outreach follows recent remarks by Jensen Huang, who identified Saemangeum as a potential investment opportunity.
Saemangeum Highlighted as Prime AI Hub
During a recent visit to South Korea, Huang expressed a positive view of Saemangeum, referring to it as a ‘valley for artificial intelligence (AI)’. This statement was made in response to an investment proposal from Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun during their meeting on June 8th.
In the correspondence, Governor Lee described Saemangeum as a ‘clean slate’ with virtually no regulatory hurdles. He emphasized that the location possesses the ideal conditions for NVIDIA’s needs: ‘zero tariffs, unlimited expansion, and overwhelming speed,’ positioning it as a prime investment destination.
The governor also drew parallels to successful ventures in Arizona, USA, and Saudi Arabia’s Oxagon, highlighting Saemangeum’s potential for ‘clean energy,’ ‘abundant water resources,’ and a ‘bold regulatory sandbox.’ Notably, the letter also mentioned the popularity of singer Hwasa, a native of Jeollabuk-do, who Huang has recently expressed admiration for.
An Invitation for Informal, Strategic Dialogue
Governor Lee proposed a departure from rigid protocols and formal presentations. Instead, he suggested a more relaxed setting, perhaps over a shared meal of Samgyeopsal (pork belly), to discuss the future of Saemangeum and NVIDIA.
“Let’s set aside stiff protocols and tedious presentations and share some Samgyeopsal in a comfortable atmosphere,” the governor proposed. “I want to discuss the next 100 years for Saemangeum and NVIDIA.”
He expressed strong confidence that such a meeting would mark the beginning of Saemangeum’s transformation into NVIDIA’s ultimate ‘global AI valley.’ The letter concluded with an eager anticipation of meeting Huang in Saemangeum soon.
