‘Animation Hub’ Opens in Jeju for Partnership with China

“Northeast Asia, including China, is already growing as the world’s largest animation market,” said Kim Yong-soo, head of the ministry’s information communication policy office. “It’s important to open up the regional market for South Korea’s animation industry to make another leap.” (image: Wikipedia)

SEOUL, May 19 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korea launched an international computer animation center on its southern resort island Thursday as part of efforts to expand its cultural presence in China and other Asian markets. 

The Asia CGI Animation (ACA) Center, located on Seogwipo, Jeju Island, is expected to serve as a hub for cooperation with China in producing and distributing animations based on computer-generated imagery, according to the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning.

It has teamed up with the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province for the 10 billion-won (US$83 million) project. 

The 720-square-meter facilities will set the scene for business partnerships between South Korean and Chinese animation firms. 

“Jeju’s various experiences and know-how in exchange and cooperation among Northeast Asian nations will work as a driving force for the ACA Center to develop into a global studio,” Jeju Gov. Won Hee-ryong said in a speech at the opening ceremony. 

He voiced hope that the center will become a mecca for cooperation among creative regional firms to make world-class culture content. 

More than 150 South Korean and Chinese officials attended the event, according to the ministry. They include senior officials at Hunan TV’s cartoon channel and other major animation producers based in China. 

In a bid to tap deeper into the Chinese market, the two sides also launched a joint venture, called “Global Animation Partners,” involving eight South Korean and 19 Chinese animation firms.

Three South Korean animations — “Flying Superboard,” “Asianosaurus” and “Capsule Boy” — have been picked first for joint investment. 

“Northeast Asia, including China, is already growing as the world’s largest animation market,” said Kim Yong-soo, head of the ministry’s information communication policy office. “It’s important to open up the regional market for South Korea’s animation industry to make another leap.”

(Yonhap)