Honam semiconductor plant sparks varied reactions: Jangseong 'smiles,' Haenam 'tense,' Muan 'hopeful'
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Jangseong County is the most likely candidate for a new semiconductor back-end packaging plant, potentially located across the border with Gwangju.
- Local residents and real estate agents report increased interest and rising property values in Jangseong due to the potential factory.
- Haenam County hopes to attract a larger front-end fabrication facility, while Muan County expresses optimism about its logistical advantages.
News of a potential semiconductor plant in the Honam region has created mixed reactions among the candidate local governments. Jangseong County appears to be the most optimistic, as the 'Advanced 3 District,' a development area straddling Gwangju and Jangseong, is reportedly the leading candidate for a semiconductor back-end packaging plant.
There is a high possibility that Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix will come to Jangseong, which has good living conditions, and residents are all looking forward to it.
Kim Han-jong, the mayor-elect of Jangseong, expressed confidence that the plant, involving Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, would likely be built in Jangseong due to its favorable living conditions. He noted that 70% of the Advanced 3 District falls within Jangseong's jurisdiction. "We are operating a task force team and are preparing to provide active administrative support," Kim stated.
70% of the Advanced 3 District is Jangseong land, so if the factory is built, it will come to our Jangseong side.
The prospect of the plant has already impacted the local real estate market. In Jangseong, some apartments initially listed below their sale price are now recovering to or exceeding their original prices. Some sellers who had previously canceled contracts are reportedly reconsidering, waiting for the official announcement.
We are operating a task force team and are preparing to provide active administrative support.
Haenam County, somewhat disappointed by Jangseong's potential selection, is focusing its efforts on attracting a larger front-end fabrication facility. They believe Haenam-Yeongam's 'Solaris Do' area is the only suitable location for such a large-scale operation, citing its readiness in terms of power, water, and land. Meanwhile, Muan County, initially overlooked, is now hopeful, emphasizing its superior logistical infrastructure, including proximity to an airport, port, and KTX station.
Some sellers who had previously canceled contracts are also emerging, returning the deposit twice.
Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.