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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are reportedly reviewing large-scale semiconductor investment plans in regional areas of South Korea, particularly in the Honam and Chungcheong regions.
According to political and industry sources on June 9, both companies are considering projects worth tens of trillions of won, with potential announcements expected as early as this month.
Advanced packaging facilities are viewed as the most likely investment focus. As a critical final stage in semiconductor manufacturing, packaging has become increasingly important in the era of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and AI-driven chip demand. Both companies currently supply HBM to major clients, including NVIDIA, but face ongoing supply constraints.
The Honam region is seen as a strong candidate due to its advantages in power supply. Unlike the 수도권 (capital region), which faces limitations in electricity and water resources, Honam offers greater flexibility through renewable energy sources such as solar and offshore wind.
Industry observers also point to structural constraints in securing new semiconductor sites in the capital region. Following ongoing investments in the Yongin semiconductor cluster, both companies are believed to be seeking additional long-term production bases to meet surging demand.
SK Hynix is currently constructing its Y1 fab in Yongin, targeting operations next year, with plans to build up to four fabs by 2050. However, the timeline is being accelerated due to rapid growth in AI-related demand.
Similarly, Samsung Electronics is developing a large-scale semiconductor cluster in Yongin, with plans for six advanced fabs, though supply constraints are prompting consideration of additional facilities.
Other major conglomerates are also expanding regional investments. SK Group is partnering with Amazon Web Services to build a large AI data center in Ulsan, while Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to develop Saemangeum as a hub for AI and robotics.
Both Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, however, stated that no final decisions have been made regarding the reported regional investment plans.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
