Fashion Group Hyungji to build large R&D center in Gochang, North Jeolla

Fashion Group Hyungji announced Tuesday it will build an apparel-sewing robotics demonstration and R&D center in Gochang-gun, North Jeolla Province.

The move aligns with the physical AI and AI data center pillars of the government's "Three Mega-Projects for Korea's Great Leap Forward," unveiled Monday. The company plans to use its own 2,000-pyeong (about 6,600 square meters) site in Heungdeok-ri, Heungdeok-myeon, Gochang-gun to establish a robotics demonstration and R&D hub for apparel sewing.

The facility will serve as a physical AI demonstration center focused on sewing and cutting automation. It will be used to research robot handling of soft fabrics, vision recognition and automated cutting, with a pilot line for validation.

Fashion Group Hyungji also plans to use the R&D center to advance the operations of affiliates including Hyungji Elite and Hyungji Global. "This will lay a major foundation for the development of the textile industry in the Honam region," a company official said.