Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are reportedly exploring the establishment of semiconductor production facilities in the Honam region. This potential expansion could shift the domestic semiconductor investment landscape, which has been primarily concentrated in the Seoul and Chungcheong regions.
According to sources in the political and business sectors on June 9, the government plans to discuss investment strategies for major semiconductor companies outside the capital region by the end of this month. Samsung's proposed construction of an advanced semiconductor packaging plant in Gwangju and SK Hynix's investment plans for semiconductor facilities in Honam are expected to be key topics of discussion.
Samsung is prioritizing the construction of an advanced packaging plant in Gwangju. Advanced packaging technology, which integrates multiple semiconductor chips into a single package to enhance performance and energy efficiency, is becoming increasingly important in the competitive AI semiconductor market.
SK Hynix is also considering establishing new semiconductor facilities in the Honam area. However, both companies have stated that no specific investment amounts or locations have been finalized.
Industry experts believe that if investments in Honam materialize, factors such as securing power and water resources, workforce availability, and connectivity with the existing semiconductor ecosystem will be critical in determining the final site selection.
This discussion aligns with the Lee Jae-myung administration's focus on regional balanced development. The government is exploring ways to expand high-tech industry investments beyond the capital region, with potential discussions on tax incentives and infrastructure support.
However, there are concerns that the relationship with the existing Yongin semiconductor cluster should be considered separately. Industry insiders suggest that investments in Honam are likely to complement rather than replace the Yongin project, focusing on advanced packaging or backend processes and some production functions.
Meanwhile, both Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have stated that they have "no confirmed plans" regarding these developments.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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