Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hun-sik announced on the 6th that South Korea has selected Gwangju military airport as the site for the Honam region semiconductor cluster, with plans to accommodate both Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. The government will pursue simultaneous development of the Honam cluster and the Yongin semiconductor cluster rather than sequential construction, Kang stated at a briefing following a public-private joint inspection meeting on megaprojects held at the Chunchugwan press center. The decision to prioritize site confirmation was driven by reports of real estate market volatility in the Gwangju area, Kang explained, adding that finalizing the location would enable concrete planning for power supply, water infrastructure, and other essential facilities.
Government Selects Gwangju Military Airport for 2.5 Million Pyeong Cluster
The government finalized Gwangju military airport as the location for the Honam semiconductor cluster at the meeting held on the 6th. "The biggest decision made today was to proceed with Gwangju military airport," Kang stated. He explained that ministers had brought general proposals regarding power, water, infrastructure, and education systems, but now that the site is determined, the government can assess how much the timeline can be shortened and confirmed that land leveling work will not be necessary.
Kang cited the urgency of preventing real estate speculation as a key factor in the site selection. "The reason it was urgent to select the Gwangju area first was because there were reports of various real estate markets stirring," he said, adding that quickly confirming the site was judged necessary to prevent unnecessary controversy and escalation. He noted that judgment criteria for power, water, and residential conditions vary completely depending on the site, and that confirming the site first allows subsequent infrastructure plans to become more concrete.
Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix Both Planned for Honam Site
Kang revealed plans for both Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to enter the Honam cluster. When asked whether both companies could fit within the 2.5 million pyeong Gwangju military airport site, Kang responded, "I understand the area that would allow both companies to enter is somewhat larger than that," while adding, "Of course, the discussion is proceeding on the premise that both will enter."
Yongin and Honam Clusters to Proceed Simultaneously
The government plans to develop the Yongin semiconductor cluster and Honam cluster simultaneously rather than sequentially. When asked whether the Honam project would proceed after the Yongin cluster is completed, Kang stated, "The overall plan needs to be adjusted somewhat," adding, "You can understand that we agreed to do our best to proceed quickly with both the Honam cluster and Yongin cluster."
Kang emphasized, "Regarding the Yongin cluster, we decided to accelerate the existing plans, so we will be monitoring those processes. You mentioned the idea that Honam would follow after Yongin is finished, but that may not necessarily be the case. The government's policy is to accelerate everything possible to the maximum extent." He added that power supply issues accompanying this approach will also be addressed together. This indicates the government will expand core infrastructure including power and water while pursuing both the Yongin national industrial complex and the new Honam cluster in parallel.
Future Response Fund May Support Infrastructure Development
Kang indicated the possibility of using the Future Response Fund for cluster infrastructure construction. When asked whether the Future Response Fund, to be established with additional tax revenue from the semiconductor boom, could be used for cluster infrastructure development, Kang stated, "The question of whether the Future Response Fund will be used for additional costs in creating the Honam or other regional semiconductor industrial complexes is predicted to be reviewed positively."
Detailed infrastructure plans for power and water will be developed through monthly presidential inspection meetings going forward. Kang explained, "Today was a meeting where ministers first exchanged views on what needs to be accelerated and expedited in terms of the overall schedule and landscape," adding, "Since the President will directly inspect progress monthly going forward, more specific details on power and water will emerge."
FAQ
What site did South Korea select for the Honam semiconductor cluster?
South Korea selected Gwangju military airport as the site for the Honam region semiconductor cluster, as announced by Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hun-sik on the 6th at a briefing following a public-private joint inspection meeting.
Which companies are planned to enter the Honam semiconductor cluster?
Both Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are planned to enter the Honam cluster. Kang Hun-sik stated that the 2.5 million pyeong site at Gwangju military airport can accommodate both companies, and discussions are proceeding on the premise that both will enter.
Will the Yongin and Honam semiconductor clusters be developed sequentially?
No, the government plans to develop the Yongin and Honam clusters simultaneously rather than sequentially. Kang Hun-sik emphasized that the government's policy is to accelerate everything possible to the maximum extent, and power supply issues will be addressed together during parallel development.
