Source: 카자흐스탄과 손잡아야 하는 이유 [기고]

Kazakhstan is advancing a large‑scale national smart city project aimed at transforming Alatau City into a high‑tech urban hub in Central Asia. Located north of Almaty, the 880‑square‑kilometer development is designed to serve as a center for industry, finance, tourism, and education, with total first‑phase investment estimated at ₩25 trillion.

The Alatau City project has moved into an active implementation phase, including plans to introduce Central Asia’s first air taxi system. In December, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development signed a memorandum with U.S.-based Joby Aviation to support advanced urban mobility solutions centered in Alatau.

Cooperation with South Korea has become a key pillar of the project. Kazakhstan has granted Alatau special economic zone status and is expanding partnerships with Korean institutions and companies in areas such as urban air mobility, transport infrastructure, renewable energy, and smart city technologies. Korean firms are also expected to play a major role in the development of K‑Park, a cultural and business complex scheduled for completion in 2027.

With strong economic growth, abundant natural resources, and a young, tech‑savvy population, Kazakhstan is positioning Alatau City as a gateway for regional cooperation and innovation, while offering new opportunities for Korean businesses to expand into Central Asia and beyond.