Gwangju military airport site chosen for Honam semiconductor cluster

South Korea's government has selected the site of the Gwangju military airport as the location for a new semiconductor cluster, a decision that has been anticipated since early discussions of major national projects. The chosen location in Gwangju's Gwangsan District offers significant advantages for building a memory semiconductor fabrication plant, including a vast, flat area and excellent transportation networks.

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Samsung Electronics wanted the military airport site from the beginning.

The site, spanning approximately 8.26 million square meters, is currently used by the Air Force's 1st Fighter Wing and civilian airlines. Its large size can accommodate not only semiconductor fabs but also related materials, parts, and equipment suppliers, along with research facilities. A key advantage is the rapid availability of the large land parcel. Due to its nature as an airport, the land is already flattened, and most of it is state-owned, minimizing the complex and costly process of private land compensation. This contrasts with the Yongin semiconductor cluster, where SK Hynix faced a six-year delay before construction could begin after its announcement, and Samsung Electronics is still in the process of land acquisition.

Furthermore, the Gwangju site possesses essential infrastructure for semiconductor production. It can leverage existing power grids, and its proximity to the Hwangnyong and Yeongsan rivers ensures a stable water supply, crucial for manufacturing processes. "Samsung Electronics wanted the military airport site from the beginning," noted a local politician. An industry insider added, "Compared to other candidate sites like Gwangju's Advanced 3rd District, the military airport's location in the heart of Gwangju was internally preferred." This move allows for potential government benefits if a plant is built in the Honam region, creating a win-win situation given the necessity for semiconductor plant expansion.

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Compared to other candidate sites like Gwangju's Advanced 3rd District, the military airport's location in the heart of Gwangju was internally preferred.

Transportation and logistics are also strong points. The Gwangju military airport is close to Gwangju Songjeong Station, a KTX high-speed rail hub, the Honam Expressway, and the Second Ring Road, facilitating convenient logistics. Its proximity to downtown Gwangju also offers advantages in securing a workforce and providing a livable environment for employees. Kang Hoon-sik, a presidential secretary, stated at a press briefing that "companies indicated that the Gwangju military airport was the most suitable site among the Honam region candidates." He highlighted its accessibility to the city and KTX station for workforce and living conditions, as well as its excellent logistics connectivity with roads, airports, and ports.

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companies indicated that the Gwangju military airport was the most suitable site among the Honam region candidates.

The primary challenge lies in synchronizing the relocation of the military airport with the development of the industrial complex. A phased development approach appears inevitable. The runway and the 1.85 million pyeong currently used by the military cannot be utilized until the airport relocation is complete. Consequently, the 630,000 pyeong designated for the ammunition depot relocation and safety zones are likely to be prioritized for initial development. Given that a single semiconductor fab typically requires 220,000 to 450,000 pyeong, the plan likely involves constructing at least one or two fabs in this initial phase, with subsequent expansion as the military airport relocation progresses.

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Its accessibility to the city and KTX station for workforce and living conditions, as well as its excellent logistics connectivity with roads, airports, and ports.