As a large semiconductor factory is set to be established in Honam, concerns are rising in the agricultural sector regarding water supply. With the ongoing drought, there are fears that the addition of a semiconductor plant will disrupt the supply of agricultural water.
According to relevant authorities on August 10, President Lee Jae-myung has directed that the functions of the Gwangju military airport be temporarily relocated to another military airport by mid-2028, allowing the existing Air Force base to be utilized early for the Honam semiconductor cluster. He also ordered that plans for power and water supply to the semiconductor cluster be prepared without delay.
The Honam semiconductor industrial complex requires 650,000 tons of water daily, totaling 36.5 million tons annually. The government plans to supply this water from various sources: 300,000 tons from Dongbok Dam, 150,000 tons from Juam Dam and Jangheung Dam, 100,000 tons from Boseonggang Dam, and 100,000 tons from Naju Dam.
The primary concern for the agricultural sector is the water supply from Naju Dam, which has historically provided water mainly for agricultural use, unlike Dongbok Dam and Jangheung Dam, which primarily supply domestic water. The government plans to supply 100,000 tons of water for semiconductor use from Naju Dam and the lower Yeongsan River. If this amount is supplied, a significant portion of agricultural water is expected to be diverted.
The challenge lies in predicting the actual impact of this diversion on agricultural practices. Water levels vary each year based on weather conditions, making it difficult to calculate available water reserves. Additionally, prolonged droughts, like the current situation, could jeopardize the stable supply of agricultural water. As of now, the water level in Naju Lake is at 51.4%, just above half capacity.
There are also concerns that the quality of agricultural water may decline. It is reported that first-class water will be used for ultra-pure semiconductor production, potentially sidelining agricultural water. While the water quality of the Yeongsan River varies by season and flow, it is generally rated at levels four to five. Given that the agricultural water supplied from Naju Lake is currently rated at level two, a decline in water quality seems inevitable.
Among eco-friendly farmers, there is significant concern about water pollution. In fact, nearly 1,200 hectares of rice are cultivated using eco-friendly methods near Naju City. A representative from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs stated, "To continue eco-friendly agriculture smoothly, the water source must be at least level four or higher," adding that measures will be taken to ensure the quality of agricultural water is managed effectively.
The agricultural sector argues that the national push for semiconductor industry development should not come at their expense. Choi Beom-jin, head of the Policy Coordination Office of the Korea Future Farmers Association, emphasized, "It should not be taken for granted that the agricultural sector must sacrifice for the advancement of high-tech industries. The supply of water is directly linked to the survival of farmers," urging that water supply decisions should be made after thorough consultations with the agricultural community.
According to relevant authorities on August 10, President Lee Jae-myung has directed that the functions of the Gwangju military airport be temporarily relocated to another military airport by mid-2028, allowing the existing Air Force base to be utilized early for the Honam semiconductor cluster. He also ordered that plans for power and water supply to the semiconductor cluster be prepared without delay.
The Honam semiconductor industrial complex requires 650,000 tons of water daily, totaling 36.5 million tons annually. The government plans to supply this water from various sources: 300,000 tons from Dongbok Dam, 150,000 tons from Juam Dam and Jangheung Dam, 100,000 tons from Boseonggang Dam, and 100,000 tons from Naju Dam.
The primary concern for the agricultural sector is the water supply from Naju Dam, which has historically provided water mainly for agricultural use, unlike Dongbok Dam and Jangheung Dam, which primarily supply domestic water. The government plans to supply 100,000 tons of water for semiconductor use from Naju Dam and the lower Yeongsan River. If this amount is supplied, a significant portion of agricultural water is expected to be diverted.
The challenge lies in predicting the actual impact of this diversion on agricultural practices. Water levels vary each year based on weather conditions, making it difficult to calculate available water reserves. Additionally, prolonged droughts, like the current situation, could jeopardize the stable supply of agricultural water. As of now, the water level in Naju Lake is at 51.4%, just above half capacity.
There are also concerns that the quality of agricultural water may decline. It is reported that first-class water will be used for ultra-pure semiconductor production, potentially sidelining agricultural water. While the water quality of the Yeongsan River varies by season and flow, it is generally rated at levels four to five. Given that the agricultural water supplied from Naju Lake is currently rated at level two, a decline in water quality seems inevitable.
Among eco-friendly farmers, there is significant concern about water pollution. In fact, nearly 1,200 hectares of rice are cultivated using eco-friendly methods near Naju City. A representative from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs stated, "To continue eco-friendly agriculture smoothly, the water source must be at least level four or higher," adding that measures will be taken to ensure the quality of agricultural water is managed effectively.
The agricultural sector argues that the national push for semiconductor industry development should not come at their expense. Choi Beom-jin, head of the Policy Coordination Office of the Korea Future Farmers Association, emphasized, "It should not be taken for granted that the agricultural sector must sacrifice for the advancement of high-tech industries. The supply of water is directly linked to the survival of farmers," urging that water supply decisions should be made after thorough consultations with the agricultural community.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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