Eumseong Emerges as a Hub for "Penta Cluster," Boosting Local Real Estate Market

- Battery, Semiconductor, Bio, Hydrogen, Food... Supporting the Eumseong Economy
- Large-Scale New Move-Ins at Seongbon Industrial Complex, Influx of Residential Demand

Eumseong County in North Chungcheong Province is transforming into a forward base for advanced industries that will drive South Korea’s future economic growth. At the heart of this transformation are five key “Penta Clusters,” which are considered the core industries of Eumseong. As robust and well-established companies flock to Eumseong, the local economy is being revitalized, population inflow is increasing, and the real estate market is heating up.

◆ Five Growth Engines in Full Operation... Supporting the Eumseong Regional Economy

The “Penta Cluster” refers to five core growth engines that will shape Eumseong’s future: battery, semiconductor, bio, hydrogen, and food. The key is not just attracting companies, but also establishing an “industrial ecosystem” where these industries are organically interconnected. In particular, certain industries are establishing themselves as “anchor companies” that play a leading role in the region, thereby increasing Eumseong’s added value.

The most notable achievements are in the semiconductor sector. DB HiTek and Nepes, leaders in the system semiconductor back-end (packaging) sector, represent Eumseong’s industry. DB HiTek is a powerhouse in system semiconductor foundry, while Nepes possesses advanced back-end technologies such as semiconductor packaging, testing, and fan-out. Their presence has attracted further investment from companies like DS Techno, Mecaro, and Oras.

The battery sector is also gaining momentum. JR Energy Solution is expanding into the “battery foundry” business. Since its establishment in 2022, the company has attracted 60 billion won in investment by July last year and built its first plant in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, with a capacity of 500 MWh (on a 79,000-square-meter site). This year, the company plans to increase production capacity to 1.5 GWh and expand its facilities by 2027. Currently, it manufactures and supplies customized electrodes/cells, modules, and packs for clients in Eumseong. WCP, Daebo Magnetic, and Lexel are also supporting the semiconductor industry in Eumseong.

The bio industry is another key sector. Investment is actively underway in pharmaceutical manufacturing and biohealth. Yuhan Corporation signed a 60 billion won investment agreement in 2025 and agreed to build a pharmaceutical production plant in the Yongsan Industrial Complex. The area is expected to emerge as a hub for the development and production of finished pharmaceuticals and new anticancer drugs. Yeonseong Precision Chemical has announced a planned investment of 150 billion won, and LG Household & Health Care is also planning to establish a logistics hub center in Eumseong.

Eumseong is also leading in hydrogen energy safety and infrastructure. The Hydrogen Product Testing and Evaluation Center, established in the Seongbon Industrial Complex, tests high-pressure containers for hydrogen commercial vehicles and charging station components, and the hydrogen product testing and evaluation center opened in March last year. Notably, the nation’s only Liquid Hydrogen Inspection Support Center is also set to be established. This facility will be the country’s first comprehensive testing institution capable of conducting cryogenic performance evaluations and statutory inspections of liquid hydrogen equipment such as storage tanks, tank lorries, safety valves, emergency shut-off devices, and vaporizers.

The food industry is also a key player. Ourhome’s Eumseong plant is a major meat processing and kimchi production base, leading ESG management by recycling used cooking oil into eco-friendly fuel. Shinsegae Food has grown into a comprehensive food company, supplying HMR and food service products to the Seoul metropolitan area and Chungcheong region through its food processing center in the Wonnam Industrial Complex. Pulmuone uses Eumseong as a key production base for fresh foods, while the creation of an organic-specialized agro-industrial complex and the “sixth industrialization” initiative are increasing the added value of agricultural products. The county is also supporting local food SMEs in transitioning to smart factories, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of the traditional food industry.

◆ Jobs Attract People... Apartment Prices Rise, and the Dream of a Self-Sufficient City Becomes Reality

This large-scale corporate influx is creating high-quality jobs, and these jobs are drawing more people to the area. Eumseong’s population has recently begun to show a clear upward trend. As of June 30, 2025, the registered Korean population of Eumseong County reached 92,422, the highest since 2021. This is an increase of 1,186 people compared to the end of last year, making it the second-largest increase among all counties nationwide.

Expectations for population inflow are also heating up the local real estate market. In particular, the Seongbon Industrial Complex, considered a new residential hub, is emerging as the core residential town in Eumseong as large apartment complexes are successively being occupied. “Eumseong Prugio Markber” (644 units) began occupancy in the first half of the year, while “Eumseong Prugio Centerpeak” (875 units) and “Eumseong Umi Lin Full House” (1,019 units) will begin occupancy within the year.

A local real estate agent commented, “Seoul is about an hour away, Pyeongtaek Port is about 50 minutes, and Sejong and Daejeon are about an hour as well. The highest-end apartments in the Seongbon Industrial Complex, with an exclusive area of 84 square meters, are priced in the mid-100 million won range for jeonse (long-term lease). There is a steady stream of inquiries from both individuals and corporations interested in moving in.”

Investment value in Eumseong real estate is also drawing attention. This large-scale supply of new apartments is expected to stabilize prices in the short term, but in the long term, continued population inflow is expected to drive up housing prices. As a result, analysts say now is the best time to buy a home or invest. In fact, as of June this year, the population of Daeso-myeon, where the Seongbon Industrial Complex is located, reached 18,567, continuing a monthly increase and marking a 20.6% rise compared to the end of 2023.

A real estate agent in Eumseong-eup said, “With the news of large companies moving in, inquiries from investors outside the region, including the Seoul metropolitan area, have surged, and about half are from people who do not reside in Eumseong County. In particular, there is a shortage of new apartments and studio units suitable for young engineers and research personnel, as supply cannot keep up with demand. With so many move-ins happening at once, now is likely the best time to buy at a low price.”