South Korea has recently announced its bold vision to establish a cutting-edge semiconductor mega cluster in southern Seoul by 2047. With a total investment of 622 trillion won (US$472 billion), the government aims to collaborate with leading companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix to create a thriving hub for the semiconductor industry.
The planned semiconductor mega cluster will encompass various industrial zones across southern Gyeonggi Province, covering a vast area of 21 million square meters. The joint statement by the industry and science ministries revealed that the cluster aims to achieve a monthly production capacity of 7.7 million wafers by 2030.
The government’s strategy involves the creation of exclusive zones for the fabless industry in Pangyo, while Hwaseong, Yongin, Icheon, and Pyeongtaek will house foundry and memory chip production facilities. In addition, an industrial zone for material, part, and equipment businesses will be established in Anseong, with research and development facilities planned for Giheung and Suwon.
As part of the ambitious plan, Samsung Electronics intends to invest a staggering total of 500 trillion won, including 360 trillion won for six new fabs in Yongin. SK hynix, the country’s second-largest chipmaker, will allocate 122 trillion won to construct four new fabs in the same region.
By completing the construction of the semiconductor mega cluster ahead of schedule, South Korea aims to secure global competitive advantage in the chip sector and create high-quality job opportunities for younger generations, according to Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun.
Furthermore, the government plans for the complex to possess world-class production capacity, focusing on the development of cutting-edge products such as chips with a 2-nanometer process and high bandwidth memory. This ambitious project is expected to generate 3.46 million jobs in various sectors.
Additionally, South Korea aims to increase its share of the global market for non-memory chips to 10 percent by 2030, significantly surpassing the current estimate of 3 percent. The government also plans to support the ecosystem by fostering self-sufficiency in the supply chain of key materials, parts, and equipment, aiming for 50 percent self-sufficiency by 2030.
To further aid the growth and development of the semiconductor industry, a testbed for chip-related materials, parts, and equipment suppliers is set to be launched at the Yongin complex by 2027. This facility will provide a platform for companies to test and fine-tune their products.
South Korea’s ambitious plan for a semiconductor mega cluster signals its determination to establish itself as a global leader in the chip industry. With substantial investments and strategic partnerships with industry giants, the country aims to propel itself to the forefront of semiconductor technology and reap the fruitful rewards in terms of economic growth and job creation.
The source of the article is from the blog qhubo.com.ni