[Anchor]
Expectations are rising in the Gwangju and South Jeolla Province region, where a semiconductor plant is set to be built. In particular, areas surrounding potential sites, including Gwangju, which Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong specifically mentioned, are already buzzing with excitement.
Reporter Choi Seung-hun visited the scene.
[Reporter]
This is the Cheomdan District 3, which is being developed across Buk-gu and Gwangsan-gu in Gwangju, and Jangseong-gun in South Jeolla Province.
Construction work to prepare the site, including the installation of drainage facilities such as storm sewers, is currently underway.
The 3.62 million-square-meter Cheomdan District 3 has the advantage of being close to research infrastructure, such as the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, and having good accessibility with large-scale apartment complexes being built nearby.
In addition to Cheomdan District 3, the site of the Gwangju Military Airport and the Solaseado development in Haenam are also being mentioned as potential candidates.
Citizens are highly optimistic about the news that a large-scale semiconductor plant could be established.
This is because the arrival of a semiconductor complex could lead to a massive influx of suppliers and workers in the materials, parts, and equipment sectors.
[Ko Jeong-ah/Merchant in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju: It is such great news. It is absolutely good news. Small businesses are struggling a bit right now, so if the population increases, it will be a win-win for everyone.]
Many citizens are also pinning their hopes on the project, reflecting on the reality of the region losing its younger population.
[Lee Gwang-sik/Resident of Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju: I see hope. If the plant is built, I think our children and grandchildren will be able to settle down here instead of moving to other regions.]
The local real estate market has already begun to reflect these expectations.
There are reports that apartment presale rights in the area, which once had negative premiums, have recently seen those premiums disappear.
[Mo Il-kwon/Real Estate Agent in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju: There is a strong expectation that if a major conglomerate invests here, it will serve as a catalyst for the local economy and the real estate market.]
Since semiconductor plants require massive amounts of electricity and water, the concerns of local residents regarding power transmission facilities and energy storage systems remain a task that needs to be addressed.
The Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Korea Enterprises Federation welcomed the news, stating that it would be a turning point for young people to plan their futures in the region and for diversifying the nation's growth engines.
(Reported by Choi Seung-hun | Video by Kang Dong-chul | Video Editing by Choi Hye-ran | Graphics by Jang Seong-beom)
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