Expectations Rise in Gwangju After Samsung Chairman Lee Jae-yong Mentions Region for Semiconductor Plant

[Anchor]

Expectations are rising in the Gwangju region of South Jeolla Province, where a semiconductor plant is set to be built. In particular, the real estate market in Gwangju and surrounding areas, which Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong specifically mentioned, is already showing signs of vitality.

Reporter Choi Seung-hun visited the site.

[Reporter]

This is the Cheomdan District 3, which is being developed across Gwangju's Buk-gu and Gwangsan-gu districts and Jangseong-gun in South Jeolla Province.

Construction work is underway to prepare the site, including the maintenance of drainage facilities such as rainwater pipes.

Spanning 3.62 million square meters, Cheomdan District 3 boasts the advantage of being home to a cluster of 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 Solaseado in Haenam are also being mentioned as potential candidates.

Citizens are highly optimistic about the news that a large-scale semiconductor plant will be built.

This is because the establishment of a semiconductor complex could lead to a massive influx of partner companies specializing in materials, parts, and equipment, as well as their employees.

[Ko Jeong-a/Merchant in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju: It is such great news. It is good news, absolutely. Self-employed businesses are having a tough time, so if a large population moves in, 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 where the younger generation has been leaving.

[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 the negative premiums once seen on apartment pre-sale rights in the area have recently disappeared.

[Mo Il-gwon/Real Estate Agent in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju: There is a strong expectation that if a large conglomerate invests, it will become a catalyst for the local economy and the real estate market.]

As semiconductor plants require massive amounts of electricity and water, the concerns of residents regarding power transmission facilities and energy storage systems remain a task 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
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.