[Specialized Complex] What Is the Selection Process for Advanced Strategic Industry-SoBuJang Specialized Complex?

Since February, a total of 3 phases completed
7 National Advanced Strategic Industry Specialized Complexes and 5 SoBuJang Specialized Complexes selected

A total of 12 regions were selected for the National Advanced Strategic Industry and SoBuJang (Materials, Parts, and Equipment) Specialized Complexes announced by the government on the 20th.

The selection of specialized complexes was carried out through three stages since February: ▲submission of designation applications and development plans ▲receipt and review ▲deliberation and decision. In the submission stage, basic goals, development directions, and support measures were established. During this process, 21 regions applied for the National Advanced Strategic Industry Specialized Complex, and 17 regions applied for the SoBuJang Specialized Complex. In the receipt and review stage, development plans were reviewed, regional presentations were held, supplementary materials were provided, and evaluations were conducted. The National Advanced Strategic Industry Specialized Complex underwent seven evaluation committee discussions, while the SoBuJang Specialized Complex had five discussions. In the deliberation and decision stage, suitability and expected effects were reviewed based on evaluation criteria.

National Advanced Strategic Industry and New SoBuJang Specialized Complex.
[Photo by Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy]

As a result, seven regions were selected for the National Advanced Strategic Industry Specialized Complex: ▲Gyeonggi Yongin·Pyeongtaek (largest semiconductor production hub) ▲Gyeongbuk Gumi (core semiconductor materials) ▲Chungnam Cheonan·Asan (next-generation display) ▲Jeonbuk Saemangeum (key minerals for secondary batteries) ▲Gyeongbuk Pohang (secondary battery materials) ▲Chungbuk Cheongju (cutting-edge secondary batteries) ▲Ulsan (future secondary battery demand response). For the SoBuJang Specialized Complex, five regions were selected: ▲Daegu (electric vehicle motors) ▲Gwangju (autonomous vehicle parts) ▲Chungbuk Osong (bio raw materials) ▲Busan (power semiconductors) ▲Gyeonggi Anseong (semiconductor equipment).

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy explained that the National Advanced Strategic Industry Specialized Complexes were selected with the main goal of securing a super-gap, evaluating factors such as the presence of leading companies, new investment plans, and the potential for industrial ecosystem development.

First, for semiconductors, the Yongin·Pyeongtaek area, where large-scale private investment is planned, was designated to foster the world's largest semiconductor cluster, linking with the currently operating Icheon·Hwaseong production complexes. Gumi plans to secure a stable semiconductor supply chain and economic security through large-scale expansion investments in production lines for core semiconductor materials such as wafers and substrates. Industrial Policy Director Joo Young-jun stated, "The expected investment amount in Gyeonggi Yongin and Pyeongtaek is 562 trillion won, and Gumi is 4.7 trillion won," adding, "We designated advanced industrial complexes to support investments well and to quickly handle various regulations and support."

For displays, large-scale production and research and development (R&D) investments will be made centered on Chungnam Cheonan and Asan to foster production and innovation hubs aimed at achieving a super-gap in next-generation displays.

For secondary batteries, the goal is to complete the domestic secondary battery value chain through mineral processing (Jeonbuk) - materials (Pohang) - cells (Chungbuk·Ulsan) - recycling (Jeonbuk), and to develop next-generation secondary batteries such as all-solid-state and lithium-sulfur batteries. Cheongju will concentrate innovation capabilities to lead next-generation secondary batteries based on the country's largest battery production scale. Pohang plans to become the largest domestic secondary battery cathode material production hub through large-scale investments in cathode materials, a core battery component. Saemangeum will newly establish an integrated complex for processing key battery minerals such as precursors (which account for 70% of cathode material costs) and recycling, strengthening the domestic supply chain. Ulsan will establish a production base for FP batteries and diversify its portfolio to respond to future battery demand, including the development of all-solid-state batteries.

The SoBuJang Specialized Complex focuses on technological independence and supply chain internalization, with an emphasis on evaluating plans to nurture and strengthen the SoBuJang corporate ecosystem.

Daegu plans to build a complete value chain from materials such as rare earth permanent magnets to parts, processing, and modules to establish a motor manufacturing ecosystem for mobility. Gwangju will focus on creating an autonomous vehicle parts ecosystem centered on perception sensors such as LiDAR, radar, and cameras, which are the "eyes" of autonomous driving, as well as communication and control. Osong will support the localization of raw materials for biopharmaceuticals and expedite approvals, focusing on items that experienced supply disruptions during the COVID-19 period, such as disposable bags, badges, and filters.

Busan plans to build a power semiconductor ecosystem covering materials, chip manufacturing, modules, and packaging to reduce dependence on overseas sources. Anseong will contribute to creating an equipment ecosystem supporting large-scale semiconductor investments by Samsung and SK, increasing the domestic production rate of semiconductor equipment.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy plans to form an "inter-ministerial support consultative body" composed of related ministries, local governments, and private experts to ensure the prompt establishment and efficient operation of the specialized complexes. Additionally, considering the scale of corporate investments, regional conditions, and corporate demands, related ministries, local governments, and companies will jointly prepare support measures for each specialized complex.