(C) 6223 Future Forum

The '6223 Future Forum,' a key organization proposing future policies for Ulsan, successfully held its second seminar of 2026 under the theme "Listening to the Future from King Sejong" at the Ulsan Museum auditorium at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 27. The 6223 Future Forum is an organization formed by experts from various fields to inherit the historical significance of the Ulsan Industrial Center groundbreaking ceremony on February 3, 1962, and to lead the world's future for the next 60 years.

Until now, the forum has focused discussions mainly on cutting-edge technologies and industries, such as aerospace, data centers, artificial intelligence (AI), small modular reactors (SMR), urban air mobility (UAM), Arctic shipping routes, and responses to the climate crisis. However, this second seminar holds special significance as it focuses on Ulsan's "cultural soil and spiritual assets," which have received relatively little attention during the growth process centered on heavy chemical industries. The forum prepared an opportunity to re-examine the benevolence of King Sejong and the value of Hangeul as a first step toward looking into the inner lives of citizens that had been forgotten in the massive flow of industrial advancement and sublimating our unique traditions into future values.

The highlight of the event was a special lecture by novelist Kim Jin-myung, who is creating a great stir among readers with his recent novel, "The Country of Hangeul." During his lecture, Kim analyzed in depth the essential spirit of benevolence that King Sejong possessed when creating Hangeul, and presented a blueprint to restore the brand value of Ulsan's "Hangeul City," which has become nominal.

(C) 6223 Future Forum

Kim emphasized, "Hangeul goes beyond an language system; it is the most scientific and humanistic script that embodies the spirit and philosophy of a people." He further shared a vision that if Ulsan combines its industrial potential with the creative and inclusive culture of Hangeul, it can emerge as a world-class model city where technology and humanities coexist. Through Kim's insightful analysis, attendees reaffirmed that Hangeul can be a highly competitive "tool for thought" even in the digital environment of the future society.

In the subsequent citizen discussion, heated debates took place regarding the establishment of Ulsan's cultural identity and the direction of urban development mediated by Hangeul. Experts and citizens deeply agreed that Ulsan must break away from the image of a massive factory zone and transform into a future-oriented city where deep culture and tradition breathe.

Citizens who participated in the discussion suggested various ideas such as art festivals utilizing Hangeul, the development of educational programs, and imbuing urban spaces with cultural color. In particular, the prevailing opinion was that Ulsan should project its identity onto the spirit of Hangeul to leap into a global cultural hub that communicates with the world.

An official from the 6223 Future Forum said, "This seminar will serve as an opportunity for Ulsan to leap into a future-oriented cultural city where culture and tradition breathe, not just an industrial city," and added, "The citizens who graced us with their presence are the true facilitators of Ulsan's future cultural development."

The move by the 6223 Future Forum shows that Ulsan is advancing toward a bona fide future city equipped with spiritual values and cultural dignity, as well as economic prosperity. Attention is focused on what kind of future cultural map Ulsan will draw with Hangeul as its powerful soft power and how it will unfold in the world. Ulsan has now taken a powerful step toward becoming a creative base for new future culture where humanistic spirit and technology are fused, moving beyond the mecca of industry.

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