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Environmental groups demand review of Yongin semiconductor site before new southwestern complex

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Environmental and civic groups are demanding a review of the Yongin semiconductor complex before proceeding with a new complex in the southwestern region (Gwangju-Jeonnam).
  • Critics argue that the government's plan to simultaneously develop both sites is unrealistic, citing issues with power supply, water resources, and transmission lines.
  • They contend that the Yongin complex, rushed under the previous administration, requires thorough reassessment due to unresolved infrastructure and environmental concerns.

Environmental and civic organizations are urging the South Korean government to re-evaluate the semiconductor complex planned for Yongin before advancing with a simultaneous development of a new complex in the southwestern region, encompassing Gwangju and Jeonnam.

It is unclear how long it will take to complete the ultra-high voltage transmission lines, which are currently causing severe conflict, and we doubt it's possible to expedite the completion of the Yongin complex without agreement from residents in the transmission line's path.

— Bae Seul-giExecutive committee member of the National Action group, questioning the feasibility of simultaneous semiconductor complex development.

Groups like the 'National Action for Review of Yongin National Semiconductor Complex and Opposition to Ultra-High Voltage Transmission Line Construction' argue that the government's proposal to push forward with both projects concurrently is unrealistic. They point to significant challenges, including the lengthy process of securing approvals for ultra-high voltage transmission lines, which are already a source of intense local conflict and lack resident agreement.

It is questionable whether it is possible to secure all the necessary electricity and water if factories in Yongin and Gwangju-Jeonnam are built simultaneously, whether all seven ultra-high voltage transmission lines can be installed, and whether preliminary feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments can be properly conducted.

— Kim Hye-jeongHead of the Center for Sustainable Development Research, expressing doubts about the logistical feasibility of the semiconductor projects.

"It is unclear how long it will take to complete the ultra-high voltage transmission lines, which are currently causing severe conflict, and we doubt it's possible to expedite the completion of the Yongin complex without agreement from residents in the transmission line's path," stated Bae Seul-gi, executive committee member of the National Action group. The organizations are demanding public deliberation on the power grid policy for the Yongin complex, a plan for dispersing electricity demand currently concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area, and the placement of advanced industries based on renewable energy potential and power distribution principles.

The claim that semiconductor factories will be built simultaneously in Yongin and Gwangju-Jeonnam is completely unrealistic, as there are many issues to resolve even for the construction of the Yongin semiconductor factory.

— Ha Seung-sooHead of the Public Interest Law Center Nongbon, stating that the simultaneous development plan lacks realism.

Experts also question the feasibility of constructing multiple semiconductor plants simultaneously. Kim Hye-jeong, head of the Center for Sustainable Development Research, raised concerns about securing adequate electricity and water for ten factories in Yongin and four in Gwangju-Jeonnam. She also doubted the possibility of installing seven ultra-high voltage transmission lines and conducting proper preliminary feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments. The development of the Yongin complex itself, initiated abruptly by the previous administration in March 2023 without prior discussion and with a fast-tracked exemption from preliminary feasibility studies, is already facing criticism for its rushed implementation and unresolved infrastructure issues.

If the Lee Jae-myung government truly intends to build semiconductor factories in Gwangju-Jeonnam within its term, it must first cancel the semiconductor factory in Yongin.

— Ha Seung-sooSuggesting a prerequisite for the Gwangju-Jeonnam semiconductor project.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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