South Jeolla Province has submitted its application for designation as a National High-Tech Strategic Industry Secondary Battery Specialized Cluster centered on the Gwangyang Bay area, officially entering the competition for the designation.
The bid comes as global battery industry competition intensifies, with the province positioning itself as essential to building a domestic supply chain spanning critical mineral procurement, materials production, and recycling.
According to South Jeolla Province on the 4th, the proposed specialized cluster would link seven industrial complexes in the Gwangyang Bay area, including the Future Advanced Materials National Industrial Complex, Yulchon 1st Industrial Complex, Haeryong Industrial Complex, Sepung Industrial Complex, and Donghoan.
The total project cost amounts to 2.8452 trillion won, with combined investment reaching 10 trillion won including existing investments.
The Gwangyang Bay area is already recognized as the nation's only region with a complete secondary battery lifecycle supply chain. Built on Korea's largest industrial belt integrating port, steel, petrochemical, and materials industries, it covers lithium and nickel refining, cathode material production, and spent battery recycling.
The area's potential for expansion through linkage with the Future Advanced Materials National Industrial Complex is particularly notable. Cluster designation is expected to attract large-scale private investment and concentrate global battery companies, playing a decisive role in strengthening Korea's battery industry competitiveness.
If designated as a specialized cluster, the area would benefit from preliminary feasibility study exemptions, government funding for workforce development, R&D, and infrastructure construction, eligibility for national industrial complex designation, and expedited permit approvals.
"The Gwangyang Bay area is the only complete location in Korea's secondary battery supply chain, covering everything from raw material procurement to materials production and recycling," said Kim Ki-hong, Director of Strategic Industries at South Jeolla Province. "This specialized cluster designation is not just a task for South Jeolla but a strategic choice for national industrial security and future growth engines. We will concentrate all our capabilities on securing this designation to achieve the leap forward for the 4-million Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City."