The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has announced plans to expedite the establishment of a semiconductor industrial complex in the Honam region.
Minister Kim Yun-deok stated during a national fiscal strategy meeting chaired by President Lee Jae-myung at the Blue House on July 13 that the complex, to be built on the site of the Gwangju military airport in Jeonnam, will have its timeline significantly shortened from the usual 10 years to align with corporate schedules.
Kim noted that once companies and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy submit site plans to the Ministry of Land, the site will be designated within a month. The government will also seek to exempt preliminary feasibility studies for public institutions from Cabinet review and will fast-track the permitting process in collaboration with relevant agencies.
The Ministry plans to commence site development immediately upon receiving the land from the Ministry of National Defense.
The Honam semiconductor national industrial complex is envisioned as a 'corporate-type advanced city' that integrates industry, innovation, and residential functions with transportation infrastructure. The Ministry aims to create a mixed-use industrial city that not only provides the necessary production base for corporate activities but also includes housing and living infrastructure for workers.
Kim emphasized, "We will create a residential complex town that rivals the metropolitan area, supplying specialized rental housing as proposed by companies and supporting housing stability through special provisions for workers if necessary."
He also outlined plans to enhance transportation and logistics infrastructure, aiming for a 30-minute commuting zone and a one-hour import-export logistics zone through a high-speed transportation and logistics system. The government will expand infrastructure support, including access roads to the industrial complex, and strengthen the national transportation network, including roads and railways.
Kim added, "Since nearly 100% of semiconductor exports are transported by air, we will enhance the infrastructure and functionality of Muan International Airport, the gateway airport for the Honam region."
The Honam semiconductor complex is expected to secure a competitive edge distinct from the metropolitan semiconductor cluster by attracting corporate investments while simultaneously enhancing residential, transportation, and airport infrastructure.
The government is also accelerating the establishment of the Yongin semiconductor national industrial complex in the metropolitan area. Kim stated that efforts will be made to advance the overall schedule from 2047 to as early as 2040, potentially shortening it by up to seven years.
Additionally, discussions are underway to expedite the operational timeline for the first fabrication plant in line with corporate investment plans, and the government aims to complete land compensation by the end of the year while concurrently addressing compensation and expropriation procedures.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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