Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are reportedly exploring plans to establish large-scale semiconductor clusters primarily in the Honam and Chungcheong regions. Industry estimates suggest that the investment could reach hundreds of trillions of won.
According to Yonhap News and industry sources on June 23, the two companies are discussing the possibility of unveiling their regional investment plans at a public-private joint meeting on "National Spatial Transformation (Balanced National Development)" hosted by President Lee Jae-myung at the end of this month.
The proposal reportedly includes the construction of semiconductor production and packaging facilities in the Honam region, including Gwangju and Jeonnam, as well as in Chungcheong. Initially, investments were expected to focus on post-processing, such as packaging, but discussions have expanded to include core production processes, such as wafer manufacturing, which could significantly increase the investment scale.
Given that the cost of establishing a single advanced semiconductor production line can reach tens of trillions of won, industry analysts predict that the investments from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix could grow to between 300 trillion and 400 trillion won.
This investment discussion aligns with the government's balanced national development policy. The government is currently promoting a "5-polar 3-special" national balanced development strategy and the establishment of a southern semiconductor belt. The upcoming semiconductor special law, set to take effect in August, will also include provisions for supporting regional clusters and special permits.
President Lee Jae-myung recently announced at a press conference marking his first anniversary in office that he aims to transform the nation into a super-gap industrial powerhouse where all citizens and regions can equally benefit from growth opportunities. As a result, the regional semiconductor cluster development plan is expected to be a key agenda item at the upcoming public-private meeting.
In connection with this, President Lee is scheduled to meet with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong on June 25. He reportedly met with SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won on June 19.
Additionally, industry insiders speculate that both chairmen may announce investment plans for semiconductor factories and AI data centers during visits to Asan, Chungnam (on July 2), and Gwangju (on June 30), respectively.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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