President Lee Jae-myung directed on August 10 that the Gwangju military airport's functions be temporarily relocated to another military base by mid-2028, allowing the existing air force base to be utilized early for the Honam semiconductor cluster.
He emphasized the need for swift execution of the Honam semiconductor cluster's development, comparing its pace to that of Japan's Kumamoto semiconductor complex.
Before the military airport's functions are moved, construction of an industrial complex in the vicinity should commence to ensure that land issues do not delay semiconductor investments.
During the second joint review meeting on mega projects held at the Blue House, President Lee stated, "In the last meeting, we decided to designate the Gwangju air force base site for the semiconductor cluster."
He instructed the Ministry of National Defense to take measures to temporarily relocate the functions by mid-2028 so that the Gwangju air force base can be utilized early for the semiconductor industrial complex.
This plan aims to expedite the establishment of the semiconductor cluster without waiting for the permanent relocation of the military airport. However, President Lee did not specify which airport would receive the temporary functions or the details of the permanent relocation.
He also called for simultaneous efforts to prepare for the temporary relocation of the military airport and the construction of the industrial complex. President Lee urged, "Even before the temporary relocation, I hope that the industrial complex can begin construction as soon as possible on the land near the military airport."
This approach is interpreted as a strategy to advance the timeline for the semiconductor factory's construction by pursuing both the relocation of military functions and the establishment of the industrial complex concurrently.
President Lee also ordered that plans for power and water supply to the semiconductor cluster be prepared without delay.
He particularly noted, "At this stage, land and infrastructure are of utmost importance," and expressed a desire for the Honam semiconductor cluster to be executed as swiftly as Japan's Kumamoto.
He emphasized the need to simultaneously advance related procedures to significantly reduce the time required and to continuously improve regulations, stating, "We must go beyond speed and engage in an urgent battle."
President Lee also called for measures to prevent the investment outcomes of mega projects from concentrating on specific companies or regions, a phenomenon referred to as 'K-shaped growth.' He stated, "The ultimate goal of the mega project is to expand the axis of growth across the entire nation and to reshape the map of ultra-gap industries with a focus on local areas."
He urged Samsung and SK to actively engage in business activities that would allow investment outcomes to spread to partner companies and the local economy.
President Lee remarked, "Once investments are made and factories are built, it will already be too late," and stressed the need to consider ways to foster growth for all from the early stages of the project. He also requested that the next year be viewed as a golden time and urged for increased speed.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.