The integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City is accelerating efforts to build a corporate support system through the enactment of various ordinances and organizational restructuring, in step with large-scale semiconductor investment. However, with the relocation of the Gwangju military airport—cited as a key site—remaining a variable, observers say a solution to resolve conflicts is needed.
According to Gwangju Special City on Friday, the city has launched efforts to build a "Jeonnam-Gwangju Semiconductor Triangle" and create a "semiconductor circular ecosystem" in response to plans by Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) and SK hynix (000660.KS) to develop a semiconductor cluster worth a total of 800 trillion won.
The city is establishing a comprehensive strategy that includes building production hubs centered on four mega fabs, cultivating talent in connection with universities and research institutions, and providing customized infrastructure support for companies. The plan aims to raise the overall competitiveness of the semiconductor industry through a structure linking production, research, and talent.
The institutional foundation is also being established quickly. The Gwangju Special City Council, which launched Monday, passed the "Global Semiconductor Strategic Investment Support Ordinance" as its first agenda item. Accordingly, dedicated response teams will be formed for each investing company, and a one-stop support system linking relevant departments will be fully activated.
Administrative response is also gaining speed. On its launch day, the city first established the legal basis for supporting investment in strategic industries such as semiconductors through the "First Ordinance at Midnight," followed by approving the formation of a Semiconductor Strategy Committee through its "First Approval," immediately activating its investment response system.
"We will mobilize all of the city administration's capabilities in customized support so that global companies can invest swiftly and boldly," Gwangju Special City Mayor Min Hyung-bae said.
Through this semiconductor cluster development, the city expects to generate 20,000 jobs annually, create 540 trillion won in added value, and produce a production inducement effect worth 1,680 trillion won.
However, the relocation of the Gwangju military airport, cited as a key variable in the project, remains a difficult challenge. As the site is mentioned as a candidate location for a semiconductor fab, whether the relocation proceeds is expected to be a watershed for the project.
Muan County, the candidate relocation site, has set preconditions including the prior relocation of Muan International Airport, 1 trillion won in support, and the provision of national-level incentives, and has also suggested the possibility of reviewing the process again if these are not met.
Some interpret that Muan County is pursuing a negotiation strategy linked to the military airport relocation issue by simultaneously demanding that the Namak government complex be designated as the main provincial office. Accordingly, if the conflict of interests between regions is not resolved, difficulties in advancing the project are expected to be inevitable.
