Table of Contents
- A New Growth Driver Leading the Future of Ulsan: Hydrogen Convergence Valley
- Ulsan Hydrogen Convergence Valley: What are the specific creation plans?
- How was the Development Restriction Area Released?
- How are Zones 1 and 2 Structured? (Land Use Plan)
- The Future and Expected Effects of Ulsan Hydrogen Convergence Valley
- Decision (Modification) of the Urban Management Plan for the Ulsan Hydrogen Convergence Valley Project (Release of GB) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A New Growth Driver Leading the Future of Ulsan: Hydrogen Convergence Valley
Ulsan Metropolitan City is taking the vital first step to grow as a center for future new industries. The project to create the 'Ulsan Hydrogen Convergence Valley' is set to be actively pursued in the areas of Okdong and Duwang-dong in Nam-gu, Ulsan, and Munjuk-ri in Cheongnyang-eup, Ulju-gun.
This project aims to go beyond simply developing an industrial complex, focusing on the concentration of hydrogen-related companies and research facilities. Furthermore, it emphasizes the creation of a mixed industrial complex where residential, commercial, and public functions harmoniously coexist.
With the release of the development restriction area (GB), which has been constrained for a long time, large-scale projects are being promoted. As a result, there is great anticipation within the local community.
Now we will delve into the specific creation plans and significance of the hydrogen convergence valley, which is gaining attention as a new growth driver in Ulsan.
Ulsan Hydrogen Convergence Valley: What are the specific creation plans?
Project Overview and Scale
The Ulsan Hydrogen Convergence Valley project will take place on an expansive site of approximately 2,175,440㎡, covering parts of Nam-gu, Ulsan, and Ulju-gun. The area to be released from the development restriction zone totals 2,164,135㎡, which is substantial in size.
The total project cost is expected to be around 970.9 billion won, with the project period set from 2024 to 2032. Ulsan Urban Corporation will be responsible for executing this project.
Core Objective: The Integration of Industrial and Urban Functions
The primary goal of this project is to significantly increase the number of hydrogen-related companies and research facilities, positioning Ulsan as a hub for future new industries.
Additionally, it focuses on solving parking issues around Munsu Sports Park and establishing a complex space for youth, thereby constructing a self-sufficient economic base connected to the urban area.
This plan is a comprehensive urban development strategy that not only nurtures industry but also considers improving the living environment and enhancing the quality of life for citizens.
How was the Development Restriction Area Released?
Government Regulatory Innovation and Opportunities
A key feature of this project is the large-scale release of development restriction areas. This has been made possible thanks to bold regulatory innovations from the government.
According to the 'Development Restriction Zone Regulatory Innovation Plan' announced in February 2024, the release of areas classified as environmental evaluation grades 1 and 2 has now become feasible. However, it is conditioned upon the designation of alternative sites, allowing for development to proceed.
This change is expected to have a significant impact on future development plans.
Significance of Selecting Regional Strategic Projects
The Ulsan Hydrogen Convergence Valley creation project has significantly contributed to regional economic development and specialized industry growth due to recent policy changes. This project has been established as an important regional strategic project outside the metropolitan area.
In February 2025, it was reviewed at the State Council and ultimately selected as one of 15 national and regional strategic projects outside the metropolitan area. This indicates that Ulsan's commitment and potential to foster a hydrogen industry have been nationally acknowledged. Such selection will provide strong momentum for the project’s progress.
How are Zones 1 and 2 Structured? (Land Use Plan)
The Ulsan Hydrogen Convergence Valley will be developed in two main zones.
According to the land use plan, the first zone is designated as the 'Public Facility Zone', while the second zone is classified as the 'Industrial Complex Zone'.
These divisions are expected to facilitate more systematic space planning.
Zone 1 (Public Facility Zone): Space for Research and Citizen Convenience
Zone 1 will consist of various facilities for citizen convenience. In addition to industrial sites like research complexes, essential infrastructures such as a meeting plaza, parks, water retention areas, and roads are planned to be established. Notably, a meeting plaza covering an area of 154,279㎡ is expected to significantly resolve parking issues for visitors to Munsu Sports Park.
Zone 2 (Industrial Complex Zone): A Mixed Space Where Work and Life Coexist
Zone 2 will be a central space with a blend of various functions, where industry, residential, and commercial aspects harmonize. The industrial facility area in this region will occupy approximately 28.3% of the total area, accommodating hydrogen-related companies.
Residential facilities will also be an important element, contributing about 9.1% of the area, with single and multi-family homes planned to accommodate about 8,111 residents.
Furthermore, support facilities, commercial spaces, schools, parks, and green spaces will be evenly distributed to create a complex that balances work and life.
The Future and Expected Effects of Ulsan Hydrogen Convergence Valley
The development project of Ulsan Hydrogen Convergence Valley is an important initiative that will innovate the industrial structure of the region and enhance future competitiveness.
This project aims to establish a hub for the hydrogen industry, attract related companies, and create new jobs.
Ultimately, this will provide fresh vitality to the local economy.
By systematically utilizing the development restriction area, it is expected to strengthen the previously lacking urban infrastructure and provide citizens with a more pleasant residential environment and leisure spaces.
Through the successful execution of such projects, it is hoped that Ulsan will establish itself as a center city for the hydrogen industry, surpassing South Korea to gain recognition worldwide.
Decision (Modification) of the Urban Management Plan for the Ulsan Hydrogen Convergence Valley Project (Release of GB) Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment
1. Overview of the Plan
1.1 Background and Purpose of the Plan
○ According to the 'Regulatory Innovation Plan for Development Restriction Areas' (February 2024), the previously impossible release of environmental evaluation grades 1 and 2 has become feasible under the condition of designating alternative sites, leading to the revision of the 'Guidelines for Establishing Metropolitan Urban Plans' and the 'Guidelines for Establishing Changes to Urban Management Plans to Adjust Development Restriction Areas'. Consequently, regional strategic projects were selected that significantly contribute to regional balanced development such as regional economic revitalization and the fostering of specialized projects.
○ Subsequently, through the review of the State Council (February 25, 2025), 15 districts of national and regional strategic projects outside the metropolitan area were selected, with the subject area included as a regional strategic project aiming to cultivate future new industries (hydrogen industry, etc.), improving residential conditions and linking urban industrial functions to create a mixed industrial complex.
○ This planned area aims to establish the foundation for Ulsan's future new industries through the expansion of hydrogen industry-related companies and research facilities, and to construct a self-sufficient economic base connected to the urban area by resolving parking issues at Munsu Sports Park and establishing a youth complex space, thereby promoting the release of the current development restriction area.
1.2 Plan Details
가. Project Name: Ulsan Hydrogen Convergence Valley Urban Management Plan (Release of GB) Decision (Modification)
나. Location: Okdong and Duwang-dong in Nam-gu, Ulsan, and Munjuk-ri in Cheongnyang-eup, Ulju-gun
다. Planned Scale: 2,175,440㎡ (Area released from development restriction zone: 2,164,135㎡)
라. Project Executor: Ulsan Urban Corporation
마. Planning Agency: Ulsan Metropolitan City
바. Approval Agency: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
사. Consulting Agency: Ministry of Environment
아. Planning Period: 2024 ~ 2032
자. Project Cost: Approximately 970.9 billion won
차. Project Contents
Urban Management Plan (Decision for Development Restriction Zone)
○ This planned area is selected as a national and regional strategic project following the regulatory innovation plan for development restriction zones.
○ In addition, through the expansion of hydrogen industry-related companies and research facilities, it aims to establish it as a core hub for the hydrogen industry and plans to partially release development restrictions to enhance residential conditions through the resolution of parking issues at Munsu Sports Park and the establishment of youth complex spaces.
