Water, Nature, and Humankind

A New Dream for Daejeon : a Hub of the Water Industry

As the nation’s science capital, Daejeon has launched a new campaign under the slogan “a global hub of the water industry.” On December 23, 2024, K-water, Daejeon City, and Daedeok-gu signed the framework agreement on the establishment of “Daejeon Digital Water Industry Valley.” Under the agreement as a follow-up to “the MOU on Strategic Cooperation” signed by K-water and Daejeon in 2024, they will work together to develop Daejeon into a global water industry hub and a globally competitive city.
The Digital Water Industry Valley to be built on an area of approximately 315,000㎡ (95,000 pyong) in Shindae-dong, Daedeok-gu, Daejeon will serve as a key base for the innovative growth of the water industry. To this end, K-water has been conducting a feasibility study since 2022; it plans to expedite the administrative process including making a basic plan and conducting a feasibility study as required to apply for the 2025 preliminary feasibility study for public organizations in order to spur the Digital Water Industry Valley project. Daejeon and Daedeok-gu have designated the area as Daejeok Special R&D Zone, planning to foster it into a globally competitive water industry hub by providing administrative and financial support as necessary.

• Shindae-dong, Daedeok-gu, Daejeon Metropolitan City
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A Catalyst for Regional Development

With construction scheduled to begin in 2028, the Digital Water Industry Valley is expected to be a new future industrial ecosystem for the water sector by combining Daejeon’s extensive science and technology infrastructure and K-water’s experiences and technology. As a platform to help water companies start a new business, grow, develop technology, and market products, it will also trigger changes to Daejeon’s industrial structure, boost the local economy, and create jobs—all of which will eventually foster innovation as a prelude to the opening of a new era of balanced regional growth.
According to K-water president Yun Seog-dae, the agreement is a significant step for Daejeon to grow as a future hub of the global water industry and present an innovative model for balanced regional development. “K-water will work harder to run its businesses in a way that responds sensitively to the needs of the local community so that Daejeon will become a leading global center of water technology and a sustainable city that is great for doing business and developing human resources,” he added.