With the future transportation paradigm shifting towards hyper-connectivity and ultra-speed, the demand for ultra-high-speed transportation ways that can ensure high time value, convenience, and punctuality has increased, thereby raising the significance of HyperTube. HyperTube (HTX: Hyper Tube eXpress) is the 5th generation of transportation that can travel inside a vacuum tube at a maximum speed of 1,200 km/h and is optimized for future transportation demand, such as the rise in mid- or long-distance travel.

The government conducted a civic competition to secure a HyperTube integrated testing center, targeting metropolitan local governments, in response to the necessity of developing new mid- or long-distance transportation means. Therefore, Jeollabuk-do Province and Jeonbuk Institute developed strategies, including logical and feasibility for securing the testing center. In August 2022, due to their omnidirectional response, they were designated to secure the HyperTube integrated testing center. The testing center will be constructed, and the development and demonstration of HyperTube technology will be conducted at the Agricultural and Life Science Site in Saemangeum, Jeollabuk-do Province.

Jeollabuk-do can secure a growth engine for local development and expand its role as a center for advanced transportation and research by connecting the HyperTube integrated testing center. Through the sharing and expansion of HyperTube's core technology and research achievements, large-scale technological and economic ripple effects are anticipated, as well as the promotion of local key industries and the growth of the industrial ecosystem.

For balanced local development, constructing a national ultra-high-speed network through HyperTube can attenuate regional crises such as overpopulation in metropolitan areas, regional discrimination, and population decline. It can also help achieve a balanced population and economic development by reducing travel time, leading to increased economic, social, and cultural benefits for local residents. Furthermore, increased regional, national, and global accessibility through HyperTube technology can expand human and material networks, create new opportunities as a global center, and serve as a new transportation hub targeting East Asia and the world.

To ensure the smooth development of HyperTube as a response to future transportation demand and balanced local growth, Jeollabuk-do needs to actively support a preliminary feasibility study, focusing on the logic and evidence supporting the claim that the HyperTube integrated test center can achieve optimal research outcomes in Saemangeum. Also, the local government should establish concrete strategies to prepare for the termination of the HyperTube integrated test center’s national project and expand its roles and functions as an innovative HyperTube growth hub with global competitiveness.