South Korea: At the Forefront of Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development. A view from the World Journalists Conference in Seoul

This April marked a significant event for media representatives worldwide – the World Journalists Conference in Seoul, reports a correspondent of "Dunyo" IA.

Participants of the forum not only discussed cutting-edge practices and challenges in the profession but also gained a unique opportunity to witness firsthand how South Korea is integrating future technologies – primarily artificial intelligence – into various aspects of life.

Discussions centered on AI’s transformative impact on journalism, highlighting its potential to augment capabilities in data processing, multimedia news delivery, and information verification. However, South Korea’s vision extends beyond journalism. The conference also addressed the application of AI in promoting sustainable and green development, facilitating smart city planning, and advancing clean energy production.

This overarching theme was further explored through a field trip to Jeju Island, which serves as a practical "testbed" for sustainable technologies.

Jeju Island is notably home to CONTEC, South Korea’s pioneering space startup listed on the KOSDAQ stock exchange.
CONTEC offers a comprehensive suite of satellite ground station services, encompassing everything from design and construction to satellite data reception and advanced analysis.

The company has established and operates Asia’s only Ground Station as a Service (GSaaS) network, a strategically located network encompassing 11 stations in 9 countries with 24 antennas serving over 150 satellites. This infrastructure enables rapid and secure data acquisition, a critical asset for climate change mitigation, environmental monitoring, and the development of smart cities.

Of particular significance is the Asia Space Park (ASP), the nation’s largest privately owned satellite ground station complex. This impressive facility boasts 12 antennas dedicated to satellites in low earth orbit, two of which were directly engineered and constructed by CONTEC.

The ASP has become a pivotal element in fostering the growth of the space industry and cultivating a skilled workforce on Jeju Island, as well as serving as a collaborative platform for engagement with international space companies.

The subsequent destination on the itinerary was a hydrogen fuel plant, showcasing South Korea’s commitment to transitioning towards alternative energy sources. Leveraging hydrogen as a clean energy resource reduces the carbon footprint, promotes sustainable transportation initiatives, and lessens reliance on fossil fuels. This represents a significant stride toward a greener future for Jeju Island, which the national government envisions as a blueprint for regional sustainable development.
Another compelling point of interest along the tour was the CFI Energy Future Hall, a cutting-edge center dedicated to the research and demonstration of future energy technologies. Ongoing research and development efforts are focused on renewable energy sources, the integration of AI into energy system management, advanced energy storage solutions, and enhanced energy efficiency. The facility functions as both a platform for conducting scientific experiments and an educational center designed to engage the general public. Its main goal is not only to develop technologies, but also to shape public consciousness towards sustainable energy consumption.

The visit to Jeju Island offered compelling evidence that South Korea is not merely espousing innovation, but actively translating it into tangible progress. The country is building an ecosystem in which AI, space and clean energy work for the benefit of people and the planet. This approach could become a model for other countries striving for a balance between technological development and environmental responsibility.