A high-tech industrial hub combining radiation medical science and power semiconductors is taking shape in the southeastern region of Busan. The large-scale project, developed in phases over more than 15 years, is finally reaching completion, signaling a structural shift in Busan's industrial landscape. The Busan Metropolitan Government announced it will hold a completion ceremony for the "Southeast Region Radiation Medical-Science General Industrial Complex" in Jangan-eup, Gijang-gun on the 27th.
The industrial complex is a radiation research, medical, and industrial convergence cluster built on a 1.48 million square meter site spanning Jwadong, Imnang, and Banryong-ri in Jangan-eup, Gijang-gun. A total of 471.7 billion won was invested in the project, which began with basic and detailed design in 2010, followed by industrial complex plan approval in 2012 and construction commencement in 2014, progressively building its foundation. It effectively symbolizes Busan's future new growth industry strategy.
Within the complex, facilities including a new export-oriented research reactor, heavy ion therapy center, Southeast Regional Nuclear Medicine Center, radioisotope convergence research infrastructure, and power semiconductor commercialization center have been established or are under development. While integrating radiation technology with medical and research fields, the complex has expanded its industrial potential through linkages with the power semiconductor materials, parts, and equipment specialized complex (designated in 2023) and Busan's secondary Opportunity Development Special Zone (designated in 2024).
The strategy to develop a power semiconductor production hub aligned with the southern semiconductor innovation belt represents another key pillar of this complex. The plan is to build an integrated model combining radiation-based research infrastructure with the power semiconductor commercialization center, enabling research, demonstration, and commercialization in a single location. This signifies an intention to create a high-value-added ecosystem where technology, medicine, and manufacturing converge, going beyond a simple industrial complex.
The city plans to accelerate efforts to attract related companies and strengthen R&D capabilities following this completion. Once the industrial complex becomes fully operational, it is expected to expand demand for specialized talent in radiation medical science while generating ripple effects for regional manufacturing advancement centered on power semiconductors.
Mayor Park Hyung-jun, National Assembly member Jeong Dong-man, and Gijang County Governor Jeong Jong-bok will attend the completion ceremony. Mayor Park stated, "The Southeast Region Radiation Medical-Science General Industrial Complex will grow into a world-class radiation advanced industry cluster and a future industrial hub based on power semiconductors."