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South Korean President Visits Shipbuilder in Ulsan, Pledges Industry Support
President Lee Jae Myung toured the headquarters of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, the world's largest shipbuilder, on May 13, 2026. He inspected liquefied natural gas carriers under construction for export and received a briefing on order intake and global market conditions. A spokesperson said the president pledged government support to maintain the industry's competitiveness.
May 13, 8:40 AM·1m read1 source
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, the world's largest shipbuilder, in Ulsan on Wednesday and pledged government support for the country's shipbuilding industry. The president toured a dock affiliated with the firm and inspected liquefied natural gas carriers under construction for export.
He also received a briefing on the firm's order intake and conditions in the global shipbuilding market, a vice presidential spokesperson said. The president praised the dedication and expertise of shipbuilding workers. He attributed to them "the world's highest-level competitiveness" of the country's shipbuilding industry.
He pledged active government support to help the industry maintain its global competitiveness in the market going forward, the spokesperson said.
Later in the day, Lee reiterated in a post on his X account that the government will go beyond laying a strong industrial foundation for the shipbuilding sector. The government will work to build an ecosystem in which industrial safety is ensured and the benefits are shared fairly.
South Korea's shipbuilding sector holds a leading position in the global market. The visit and statements signal continued official attention to sustaining that position amid international competition.
