[Anchor]

Expectations are growing 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.

Site preparation work, including the maintenance of drainage facilities such as rainwater pipes, is currently underway.

The 3.62 million-square-meter Cheomdan District 3 has the advantage of being home to a dense 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 expectant at the news that a large-scale semiconductor plant will be built.

This is because once a semiconductor complex is established, a large number of suppliers of materials, parts, and equipment, as well as their employees, are expected to move into the area.

[Ko Jeong-a/Merchant in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju: It is such great news. It is good news, absolutely. Small businesses are struggling a bit, but 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 young people have been leaving.

[Lee Gwang-sik/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 leaving for other regions in the future.]

The local real estate market has already begun to reflect these expectations.

There are reports that the "negative premium" on apartment presale rights in the surrounding area, which had existed for some time, has recently disappeared.

[Mo Il-gwon/Real Estate Agent in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju: There is a great sense of expectation that if a large conglomerate invests here, 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 residents' stance on power transmission facilities and energy storage systems remains 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 Kang Dong-cheol | Video by Choi Hye-ran | Graphics by Jang Seong-beom)