In its quest to become an important player in the robotics field, South Korea is investing in a huge industrial park dedicated to robotics. Construction of the industrial city dubbed ‘Robot Land’ is slated to begin in 2009.

Robot Land will cost just over $500 million and will house research centers, manufacturing sites and exhibition spaces for robot competitions.

The city, to be developed as the mecca for the country’s robotics industry, will house manufacturers, parts suppliers, research centers, exhibition halls and a stadium where robots can compete in various events, the ministry said.

A special government committee will pick the site for “Robot Land,” which would be the first of its kind in the world.