'Global Semiconductor Hub, Future of Yongin' Citizen Debate
"Efforts to Consider Citizens in Compensation and Relocation Process"
Lee Sang-il, Mayor of Yongin City, Gyeonggi Province, expressed expectations that the project could be advanced by about six months due to the exemption of the preliminary feasibility study for the Yongin I-dong and Namsa Advanced System Semiconductor National Industrial Complex.
Mayor Lee made these remarks during a discussion with citizens on the 19th under the theme "Global Semiconductor Hub, Future of Yongin." Attendees included resident representatives from the I-dong and Namsa Advanced System Semiconductor National Industrial Complex and Wonsam-myeon Yongin Semiconductor Cluster, as well as Park Jae-geun, co-chair of the 'Yongin Special City Semiconductor Industry Competitiveness Enhancement Committee' and professor of semiconductor engineering at Hanyang University, and Kim So-mi, a member of the Youth Policy Network.
Lee Sang-il, Mayor of Yongin (third from the left), is answering questions from panelists at the "Open Dialogue with Citizens" held at the Yongin Media Center on the theme "Global Semiconductor Hub, the Future of Yongin." [Photo by Yongin City]
Mayor Lee stated, "The government and industry analyze that Samsung Electronics' planned investment of 300 trillion won in the national industrial complex will generate a production inducement effect of 700 trillion won and create approximately 1.6 million jobs," adding, "With the push for exemption from the preliminary feasibility study for the national industrial complex site development project, the schedule is expected to be advanced by about six months from the original plan of late 2026, and the operation of the first fab could also be brought forward from 2030."
He emphasized, "The semiconductor industry is a crucial sector that can determine the future of the Republic of Korea," and expressed hope that "the active support from the Yoon Seok-yeol administration and Yongin City, combined with Samsung Electronics' strategic investment, will harmonize well to make this a successful project."
Mayor Lee also responded in detail to citizens' questions regarding Yongin City's 'L-shaped semiconductor belt' concept and road network expansion plans. The 'L-shaped semiconductor belt' is a plan to connect a 13.5 million square meter semiconductor ecosystem in an L shape, linking Yongin Platform City, the semiconductor materials, parts, and equipment complex, Samsung Electronics Giheung Campus, the I-dong and Namsa Advanced System Semiconductor National Industrial Complex, and the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster.
He explained, "To meet the expected increase in traffic demand due to large-scale development, we are promoting a semiconductor highway connecting Hwaseong, Yongin, and Anseong, and are also proceeding with the undergrounding of Local Road No. 23 to improve the traffic network of Platform City." Mayor Lee particularly noted, "The attraction of the I-dong and Namsa national industrial complex has further increased the possibility of establishing a new semiconductor highway," adding, "I received a positive response from Won Hee-ryong, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport."
Regarding the Wonsam-myeon Yongin Semiconductor Cluster, he said that its designation as a national advanced strategic industry specialized complex means "not only exemption from preliminary feasibility studies and expedited processing of permits but also expectations for large-scale national funding support and tax benefits for infrastructure such as roads, water supply, and electricity." He predicted, "Construction is progressing smoothly, so the first fab is expected to operate without delay in the first half of 2027."
On talent development and preventing semiconductor workforce outflow, Mayor Lee stated, "We plan to establish the only semiconductor meister high school in the metropolitan area to nurture talent who will lead the next-generation semiconductor industry," and added, "We will create a semiconductor ecosystem in Yongin that prevents workforce outflow and enables them to settle here."
Additionally, Mayor Lee introduced various railway network expansion plans, including the extension of the Gyeonggang Line connecting Samdong Station in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province to Namsa, the extension of Subway Line 3, and the establishment of a new route connecting Dongcheon on the Shinbundang Line through Jukjeon, Mabuk, and Dongbaek to Namsa.
In response to questions about relocation measures for companies and original residents due to land acquisition for the industrial complex, Mayor Lee emphasized, "Since the announcement of the national industrial complex, we have stressed the importance of relocation measures and compensation," and added, "As the government, Korea Land and Housing Corporation, and Yongin Special City have united their will for the success of the national industrial complex, we will strive to be considerate of citizens in compensation and relocation issues."
Mayor Lee said, "Many Yongin citizens have felt the changes and asked about the future appearance of the changing city," and added, "We arranged this opportunity to communicate with citizens to address their questions and explain the specific development direction of Yongin City."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
