The South Korean government has approved the development of the Yongin Semiconductor National Industrial Complex ahead of schedule, by three months, significantly shortening the preparation phase for the project, according to BusinessKorea. The complex is poised to become the largest semiconductor center globally, hosting numerous fabrication plants, power facilities, and suppliers.
Covering an area of 7.28 square kilometers—equivalent to 1,020 soccer fields, over three times the size of Monaco, or about half the size of Beverly Hills—the complex will house six major semiconductor fabrication plants, three power plants, and 60 small to medium enterprises dedicated to providing the necessary components, materials, and machinery for semiconductor production. The initial fab at the Yongin Semiconductor National Industrial Complex is slated to commence operations by 2030.
The strategic consolidation of leading microelectronics manufacturers, including giants like Samsung and SK hynix, along with their suppliers into the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster, represents a strategic move by the South Korean government. This co-location is expected to foster enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, potentially accelerating the development of new technologies and reducing the time needed to achieve profitable production levels.
The Yongin Cluster aims to draw private investments worth 300 trillion won ($203.75 billion), create approximately 1.6 million jobs, and contribute 700 trillion won ($475.41 billion) in production value upon completion, the report states.
Construction Timelines and Goals
Originally set to start in 2029, the construction of the Yongin Cluster will now begin in December 2026, advancing the schedule by three and a half years. This acceleration is due to the South Korean government’s swift handling of land compensation, scheduled to begin next year, and its plans to rapidly enhance essential infrastructure such as roads, water, and electricity. The complex will also feature residential zones, effectively transforming it into a small, mixed-use urban area.
The project’s kickoff was marked by a ceremony at Samsung Electronics’ Giheung Campus in Gyeonggi Province on December 26. This event saw the convergence of important stakeholders including executives from Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, Gyeonggi Province, Yongin City, and Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH). At this event, a comprehensive development plan for the Yongin Semiconductor National Industrial Complex was unveiled, underscoring the government’s commitment to bolstering the nation’s semiconductor industry.
