The government is accelerating the development of specialized semiconductor materials, components, and equipment in Jeonbuk, focusing on the Wanju Industrial Complex and revitalizing aging industrial sites. The plan aims to strengthen the semiconductor chemical materials supply chain while transforming the Wanju Industrial Complex into a core hub for K-robotics and advanced mobility.
On September 22, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held a meeting in Iksan and Wanju, led by Yang Gi-wook, head of the Resource Security Office, with representatives from materials, components, and equipment companies and young workers in industrial complexes. This visit follows the ministry's regional outreach initiative, which began in January in Jeonbuk and culminated in the announcement of regional growth strategies last month.
This visit is a follow-up to the recent designation of key industrial hubs, including the specialized semiconductor materials complex and the aging Wanju Industrial Complex.
During the meeting in Iksan, Yang met with local semiconductor chemical companies, including Dongwoo Fine-Chem, PKC, OCI, Hansol Chemical, and Lotte Energy Materials, to discuss on-site challenges and strategies for strengthening the industrial ecosystem. This was the first on-site visit since Jeonbuk was designated as a new specialized materials, components, and equipment complex on September 17.
Participants agreed that for the Jeonbuk specialized complex to function as a stable support hub for advanced semiconductor supply chains, active investment from companies and timely government support are essential. The ministry plans to develop tailored support measures for the Jeonbuk complex in collaboration with local governments based on the companies' needs.
Yang then met with young workers at the Wanju General Industrial Complex to discuss expanding youth-friendly infrastructure and support measures to enhance their AI capabilities. Jeonbuk Province aims to upgrade the Wanju Industrial Complex into a desirable workplace for young people while strengthening its competitiveness as a core hub for K-robotics and advanced mobility.
The Wanju General Industrial Complex was recently selected as a candidate site for the 2027 competitiveness enhancement project for aging industrial complexes. After further refinement of the project plan by relevant ministries, final confirmation and announcement are expected in the first quarter of next year. The competitiveness enhancement plan proposed by Jeonbuk includes 26 detailed projects, such as the establishment of an AI factory for autonomous mobility manufacturing and the construction of an AX demonstration industrial complex, with a total investment of 274.13 billion won.
The ministry plans to continue discussions with local industries and governments to establish regional growth strategies that reflect local characteristics and on-site demands by the end of the year.
Yang Gi-wook stated, "The newly designated specialized semiconductor complex in Gunsan and Iksan, along with the aging Wanju Industrial Complex, are key growth hubs for fostering Jeonbuk's three major growth engines. Based on the feedback from today's meeting, we will work with Jeonbuk Province to swiftly establish a growth engine development plan."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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