Chungnam Province, Blueprint for Next-Generation Display Hub

Chungcheongnam-do is laying the groundwork to lead next-generation display technology locally by establishing an inorganic light-emitting display hub in Asan.

According to Chungnam Province on the 2nd, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy recently selected the Tangjeong Techno General Industrial Complex in Asan as the preliminary feasibility study site for the “Inorganic Light-Emitting Display Smart Modular Center” (hereinafter referred to as the Display Modular Center) construction project.

The Ministry plans to invest 950 billion KRW from 2025 to 2032 to build the Display Modular Center, including 790.5 billion KRW for technology development and 159.5 billion KRW for infrastructure. Of the total project cost, 743.1 billion KRW (78.2%) will be covered by national government funds, with the remainder funded by 48.9 billion KRW from local government and 158 billion KRW from private investors.

Chungnam Province plans to collaborate with Asan City, the Korea Photonics Technology Institute, the Korea Electronics Technology Institute, Chungnam Technopark, and the Display Industry Association to establish the Display Modular Center on a 6,400㎡ (1,936 pyeong) site within the Asan Tangjeong Industrial Complex, equipped with a 3,000㎡ cleanroom and a 1,000㎡ technology support building.

To this end, Chungnam Province will pool its capabilities to pass the final feasibility study in the second half of next year after undergoing technical evaluation and main feasibility review. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy is currently in the process of applying for the feasibility study project with the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Overview of the Development of Asan Tangjeong Techno General Industrial Complex. Provided by Chungnam Province

Inorganic light-emitting displays are considered world-leading new technology that overcomes the weaknesses of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), which are vulnerable to oxygen and moisture. They are evaluated to surpass OLED limitations by providing high reliability, high brightness, and long lifespan even when exposed to sunlight.

The Display Modular Center will be built as a demonstration facility that supports the development of core inorganic light-emitting display technologies and enables companies to freely conduct testing throughout the entire manufacturing process.

By establishing more than 60 types of demonstration equipment, the center’s core operation will focus on conducting 77 research projects across three fields: ▲ pixel manufacturing technology (25 projects), ▲ panel manufacturing technology (27 projects), and ▲ module manufacturing technology development (25 projects).

In particular, Chungnam Province expects that once the Display Modular Center is established in the Asan Tangjeong Industrial Complex, it will secure core technologies and key products for inorganic light-emitting displays in connection with Samsung Display.

Ultimately, the plan is to build a self-reliant supply chain within the region and position Chungnam as a leader in next-generation display technology.

Chungnam Province aims to secure three major breakthrough technologies to dominate the new display market: ▲ ultra-small, high-efficiency pixel technology, ▲ high-speed panel formation technology, and ▲ ultra-large modular display manufacturing technology. Using these breakthrough technologies, the goal is to create over 70% of the premium market share in the display sector locally.

Additionally, the province plans to realize over 75% localization within the inorganic light-emitting display process, firmly establishing Chungnam as the world’s largest display industry hub.

Yu Jae-ryong, Director of the Industry and Economy Office of Chungnam Province, said, “Once the Display Modular Center is established in the Asan Tangjeong Industrial Complex, Chungnam will have a definite opportunity to become the center of the domestic display industry.” He added, “Chungnam Province will lead the convergence of new industries linked to urban air mobility (UAM), semiconductor packaging, and autonomous vehicles, driving regional economic revitalization.”