[Herald Interview] Jeju governor eyes green hydrogen, space tech for island's future growth


Jeju, a picturesque island in South Korea, is not only a popular tourist destination but is also being developed as a testing ground for cutting-edge industries such as aerospace and hydrogen vehicles. Governor Oh Young-hoon highlighted Jeju's strategic location near the equator, making it an ideal spot for satellite launches due to its proximity to the Earth's equator. This has already attracted private aerospace businesses, with Contec planning to expand its satellite ground station and Hanwha Systems constructing a space center on the island. Moreover, Jeju is also making strides in green hydrogen production, aiming to transition to a zero-carbon era and become a hub for eco-friendly energy solutions. In addition to its focus on future industries, Jeju is actively engaging in diplomatic efforts through cross-border relations with other municipal and provincial governments. Governor Oh emphasized the importance of municipal-level diplomacy and cited partnerships with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. Furthermore, Jeju is vying to host the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, touting its infrastructure, including the International Convention Center Jeju, and its alignment with APEC's values of sustainability and inclusiveness. Lastly, in response to the influx of refugees, Jeju is working on a blueprint to enhance its immigration policies and accommodate both refugees and immigrants within its existing visa framework. Governor Oh, a two-term liberal lawmaker, has been at the forefront of Jeju's development, leveraging his political experience and educational background from Jeju National University.


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