Assemblyman Jung Jinwook: "Gwangju Should Be Fostered as Korea's Silicon Valley"

Jinwook Jung, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, has asserted that Gwangju should be developed as a key hub for the semiconductor industry in the southern region. With the advent of the artificial intelligence (AI) era making semiconductor competitiveness a central pillar of national strength, he emphasized the need to establish an industrial base in the newly integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City that encompasses both production and research and development (R&D).

On April 15, Assemblyman Jung stated, "We must attract semiconductor manufacturing facilities to the Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City and foster it into Korea's 'Silicon Valley.' In a situation where the ability to secure semiconductors is directly linked to national competitiveness, it is essential to establish a strategic base in the southern region as well."

Jinwook Jung

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He mentioned the Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City, which is scheduled to be launched on July 1, and said, "We need to build a semiconductor cluster that integrates both production facilities and R&D functions to strengthen competitiveness."

He further emphasized, "To make Gwangju a cradle for advanced technology and venture startups centered around the semiconductor and energy industries, active support from the integrated city administration and the government is necessary."

Assemblyman Jung also revealed that discussions are ongoing in the National Assembly to establish the 'K-Semiconductor Triangle.'

He explained, "From the perspectives of balanced development, industrial security, and distributed deployment between the Yeongnam and Honam regions, we have continuously sought out semiconductor industry strategies." He added, "We are holding a series of related forums and maintaining contact with companies."

He also expressed confidence regarding the region's location conditions.

Assemblyman Jung said, "Gwangju, with its abundant water, electricity, and talent pool, is the optimal location for a semiconductor cluster. By utilizing large-scale industrial sites such as the planned relocation site for the military airport, we can simultaneously establish both production and R&D functions."

He also highlighted the significance of the Gwangju-Jeonnam integration from an industrial strategy perspective.

He stated, "This integration should serve as an opportunity to redraw the industrial map of Korea, going beyond a simple administrative merger. By attracting large-scale semiconductor plants, we can create high-quality jobs and transform Gwangju into a city where young people choose to stay."

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