The South Korean government has approved the industrial complex plan for the Yongin Semiconductor National Industrial Complex, the world’s largest semiconductor industrial complex, three months ahead of the initial target. This approval marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to expedite the development of strategic industrial projects, reducing the time from candidate site selection to industrial complex designation from over four years to just one year and nine months.
The approval ceremony, held at Samsung Electronics’ Giheung Campus in Gyeonggi Province on Dec. 26, saw the participation of key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Gyeonggi Province, Yongin City, Korea Land and Housing Corp. (LH), and Samsung Electronics. During the event, a specialized development plan for the Yongin Semiconductor National Industrial Complex was announced, highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering the semiconductor industry.
The Yongin Semiconductor National Industrial Complex is a large-scale national strategic project that will span 7.28 million square meters. It is designed to accommodate six large semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs), three power plants, and over 60 material, parts, and equipment partner companies, primarily small and medium-sized enterprises. The project is expected to attract private investment of up to 300 trillion won by the time it is fully completed, creating 1.6 million jobs and generating additional value such as 700 trillion won in production inducement.
In a bid to further accelerate the project, the government has moved up the construction start date by three years and six months to December 2026. This advancement is made possible through swift compensation processes set to begin next year. Additionally, the government plans to expand key infrastructure, including roads, water, and power, to ensure that the first semiconductor production plant (fab) can commence operations by 2030.
The Yongin Semiconductor National Industrial Complex is not just an industrial endeavor but also aims to develop the surrounding residential areas in an integrated manner, creating an industrial-centered complex city. This approach aligns with broader regional development policies aimed at achieving balanced and sustainable urban growth, enhancing the quality of life for residents while supporting industrial activities.
Meanwhile, Kim Yong-kwan, president of Samsung Electronics DS Business Strategy, emphasized, in a speech during the ceremony, the critical importance of proceeding with the Yongin Semiconductor National Industrial Complex as planned to secure global competitiveness.
Kim pointed out that major economic powers such as the United States, China, Taiwan, Japan, and the European Union (EU), along with emerging countries like the Middle East and India, are heavily investing in their semiconductor industries and internalizing supply chains as key assets for national security.
Kim also underscored the need for infrastructure expansion support, particularly in terms of road development, to address anticipated traffic issues around the complex. “When the Yongin Semiconductor National Industrial Complex is completed, surrounding traffic is expected to become a major issue. In the case of the Pyeongtaek plant in Gyeonggi Province, even though a six-lane road was secured during the complex formation, many problems occurred during daily commuting,” he explained. “When the hinterland city moves in, severe traffic problems are likely to occur, so the expansion of local roads is essential.”
