Controversy is growing over Jeonbuk's exclusion from the government's three major mega-projects. The government has cited renewable energy, ample land, and water supply conditions as reasons for semiconductor investments in the Honam region, yet no confirmed investment amounts for semiconductor factories in Jeonbuk have been reported. Some in Jeonbuk's political and business circles are criticizing the government, questioning whether the investment map is actually centered on Gwangju and Jeonnam despite claims of nationwide distribution.
According to industry sources, the government recently announced plans to invest a total of 896 trillion won in the southwestern region through the three mega-projects aimed at a major leap for South Korea. A key component of this plan is the construction of four semiconductor fabs, involving major players like Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Amkor, with an estimated investment of 800 trillion won. However, the disclosed investment plans do not specify any direct allocations for semiconductor factories, physical AI, or new AI data centers in Jeonbuk.
Jeonbuk's objections stem from its favorable location conditions. Saemangeum is a region that combines large flatlands with a renewable energy base. Plans are underway to establish a 3GW renewable energy complex in Saemangeum, integrating solar, wind, and fuel cell power. Additionally, the area has access to Gunsan Airport and Gunsan Port, enhancing its logistics capabilities for air and maritime transport. It is also relatively closer to existing semiconductor hubs in the Seoul metropolitan and Chungcheong regions compared to Gwangju and Jeonnam.
Industry analysts suggest that the rationale for semiconductor investments in Honam does not clearly justify the exclusion of Jeonbuk. The location of semiconductor factories is determined by a comprehensive assessment of factors such as power supply, water availability, land, permits, logistics, and workforce. Saemangeum is seen as a competitive candidate in terms of land, renewable energy, and logistics.
Conversely, the government's plans appear to favor Gwangju and Jeonnam. Samsung Electronics has identified Gwangju as a potential site for semiconductor production, while areas like Haenam in Jeonnam are being highlighted as hubs for AI data centers linked to renewable energy. Despite the government's emphasis on the renewable energy potential of Honam, the prominent renewable energy site of Saemangeum has been omitted from the investment map.
Dissatisfaction is also emerging from Jeonbuk's political circles. Jeong Cheong-rae, former leader of the Democratic Party, stated that he would work to ensure that Jeonbuk does not feel neglected in the face of large-scale semiconductor investments. There is growing sentiment in the region that while the initiative is branded as Honam, the actual benefits are concentrated in Gwangju and Jeonnam.
The issue lies in the government's lack of adequate explanation regarding the economic and locational evaluation criteria that prioritized Gwangju and Jeonnam. While Gwangju may have advantages in terms of existing industrial infrastructure and workforce, critics argue that there is insufficient justification for why Saemangeum, with its large flatlands, renewable energy resources, and accessibility to Gunsan Airport and Port, has been relegated to a lower priority.
From Jeonbuk's perspective, this decision is perceived as not just regional neglect but a potential exclusion from the future industrial landscape. Once established, semiconductor fabs attract accompanying investments in suppliers, workforce, universities, and research institutions. Missing out on this mega-project could exacerbate the industrial ecosystem gap in the region for decades to come.
An industry insider remarked, "If the government is using renewable energy and ample land as key justifications for semiconductor investments in Honam, it must explain why Saemangeum was excluded. If the investment is claimed to be distributed nationwide but ultimately concentrated in Gwangju and Jeonnam, it is only natural for Jeonbuk to express dissatisfaction over perceived favoritism toward those regions."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.