20 Trillion Investment... What Is Samsung's Next-Generation Semiconductor R&D Complex?

State-of-the-Art Integrated R&D Facility to Pioneer Future Semiconductor Technologies

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Sun-mi] Samsung Electronics plans to build a new semiconductor research and development (R&D) complex in Giheung as a cutting-edge integrated R&D facility aimed at securing future semiconductor technologies.

On the 19th, Samsung Electronics announced that the Giheung semiconductor R&D complex will be constructed on approximately 109,000㎡ (about 33,000 pyeong) and that it plans to invest about 20 trillion KRW in developing the research complex by 2028, including a semiconductor R&D dedicated line scheduled to start operation by mid-2025.

The R&D complex will serve as a core research base for semiconductor R&D fields such as ▲memory ▲fabless system semiconductors ▲foundry (semiconductor contract manufacturing). Once the dedicated R&D line equipped with state-of-the-art facilities is completed, various tests can be conducted more freely and actively, which is expected to shorten the development period of next-generation new products and improve semiconductor quality.

Within the semiconductor industry, Samsung Electronics’ construction of the Giheung R&D complex is seen as an opportunity for the domestic semiconductor industry ecosystem to grow to the next level. Since semiconductors require organic cooperation and development across all elements including design, materials, equipment, components, processes, and inspection, no part can be neglected.

Samsung Electronics also stated that through the construction of the Giheung R&D complex, it plans to further strengthen R&D cooperation with domestic and international partner companies in the fields of materials, equipment, and components. R&D collaboration with partner companies can also lead to the expansion of quality jobs and the nurturing of excellent semiconductor R&D talent.

Some equipment and materials partner companies sent video messages celebrating the groundbreaking ceremony and expressing their commitment to continue future semiconductor technology cooperation. Kyung Kye-hyun, head of Samsung Electronics’ DS Division, reported on the strategy to secure semiconductor technology competitiveness, stating, "We plan to create a virtuous cycle structure that leads to organizational growth through various educational opportunities where excellent R&D personnel can gather and grow independently."