1 Trillion Won 'Synchrotron Radiation Accelerator' to Move to Cheongju, Chungbuk

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] Cheongju City in Chungcheongbuk-do has been finally selected as the site for the construction of a multipurpose synchrotron accelerator worth 1 trillion won. The synchrotron accelerator, known as the "microscope of dreams," uses light 100 times brighter than the sun to handle ultra-fine technology. Once the synchrotron accelerator begins operation in 2028, it is expected to significantly advance core technologies in cutting-edge fields such as semiconductors and biotechnology.

On the 8th, the Ministry of Science and ICT held a site selection evaluation committee and finalized Cheongju as the construction site for the synchrotron accelerator. Competing with Naju, Cheongju received high evaluations across all assessment criteria, including securing a minimum site area of 260,000㎡, accessibility, safety against natural disasters such as earthquakes, availability of linked research resources, and potential to secure specialized personnel.

Cheongju City promoted its accessibility from anywhere in the country and the concentration of research infrastructure nearby, such as Osong Life Science Industrial Complex and Daedeok Research Complex, enabling active linked research, as its attraction strategy. With the attraction of the synchrotron accelerator project, Cheongju is expected to gain employment effects of 137,000 jobs, production of 6.7 trillion won, and added value of 2.4 trillion won.

Following the selection of the multipurpose synchrotron accelerator site, the government will begin a preliminary feasibility study within this month. Construction is expected to start the year after next, with operation commencing in 2028.

Lee Myung-chul, chairman of the selection committee and director of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology, stated, "We strived to find the most suitable site to enhance our country's competitiveness from a scientific and objective perspective without any political considerations." Jeong Byeong-seon, 1st Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, said, "We plan to apply for the preliminary feasibility study in May," adding, "The establishment of the multipurpose synchrotron accelerator is a policy to enhance competitiveness in future advanced industries and will receive active support."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.