- Batteries, Semiconductors, Bio, Hydrogen, Food: The Pillars Supporting Eumseong’s Economy
- Large-Scale New Apartment Move-Ins at Seongbon Industrial Complex Drive Influx of Residential Demand
Eumseong County in North Chungcheong Province is transforming into a strategic base for advanced industries that will drive South Korea's future economy. At the heart of this transformation are the five 'Penta Clusters,' which are considered the county’s core industries. As robust and well-established companies flock to Eumseong, the local economy is being revitalized, population inflows are increasing, and even the real estate market is heating up.
◆ Five Growth Engines in Full Operation... Supporting the Eumseong Regional Economy
The 'Penta Cluster' refers to the five key growth engines set to shape Eumseong's future: batteries, semiconductors, bio, hydrogen, and food. The focus is not just on attracting companies, but on building an 'industrial ecosystem' where each sector is organically interconnected. In particular, certain industries are establishing themselves as 'anchor companies' that play a leading role in the region, thereby enhancing Eumseong’s added value.
The semiconductor sector stands out for its remarkable achievements. DB HiTek and Nepes, both leaders in the system semiconductor back-end process (packaging), represent Eumseong’s industrial landscape. DB HiTek is a powerhouse in system semiconductor foundry, while Nepes specializes in advanced back-end processes such as semiconductor packaging, testing, and fan-out technology. Their presence has also attracted investments 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, it secured 60 billion KRW in investments by July last year and built its first plant in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, with a capacity of 500 MWh (on a 79,000㎡ site). This year, the company plans to increase production capacity to 1.5 GWh and expand facilities further by 2027. Currently, the company manufactures and supplies customized electrodes, cells, modules, and packs for clients in Eumseong. Other companies such as WCP, Daebo Magnetic, and Rexcel are also supporting the semiconductor industry in Eumseong.
The bio industry is another key pillar. Investments are actively being made in pharmaceuticals manufacturing and biohealth. Yuhan Corporation signed a 60 billion KRW investment agreement for 2025 and agreed to build a new pharmaceutical production plant in the Yongsan Industrial Complex. The site is expected to become a hub for the development and production of finished pharmaceuticals and new anticancer drugs. Yeonsung Fine Chemicals has also announced a planned investment of 150 billion KRW, and LG Household & Health Care is set to establish a logistics hub center in Eumseong.
Eumseong is also leading in hydrogen energy safety and infrastructure development. The Hydrogen Product Testing and Evaluation Center, built in the Seongbon Industrial Complex, tests high-pressure containers for hydrogen commercial vehicles and components for charging stations. The center opened in March last year. Notably, Korea’s only liquefied hydrogen testing support center is also planned for the area. This facility will be the nation’s first comprehensive testing institute capable of conducting cryogenic performance evaluations and statutory inspections for liquefied hydrogen equipment, including storage tanks, tank lorries, safety valves, emergency shut-off devices, and vaporizers.
The food industry is not to be overlooked. Ourhome’s Eumseong plant serves as a major meat processing and kimchi production base, leading ESG management by recycling waste cooking oil into eco-friendly fuel. Shinsegae Food has grown into a comprehensive food company by supplying HMR and catering products to the Seoul metropolitan area and the 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 development of an organic agriculture-focused industrial complex and the promotion of 'sixth industrialization' are boosting the added value of agricultural products. The county is also supporting local food SMEs in transitioning to smart factories, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of traditional food industries.
◆ Jobs Attract People... Apartment Prices Rising, the Dream of a Self-Sufficient City Becomes Reality
Such large-scale corporate investments are creating quality jobs, which in turn are attracting more people to the area. The population of Eumseong County has recently shown a clear upward trend. As of June 30, 2025, the registered Korean population of Eumseong County stood at 92,422, marking the highest figure since 2021. This represents an increase of 1,186 people compared to the end of last year, the second-largest increase among counties nationwide.
Expectations of population inflow are also fueling the local real estate market. In particular, the Seongbon Industrial Complex, considered a new prime residential area, is emerging as Eumseong’s core residential town as large-scale apartment complexes are completed one after another. 'Eumseong Prugio Markber' (644 units) began occupancy in the first half of the year, while 'Eumseong Prugio Centerpeak' (875 units) and 'Eumseong Woomee Lin Full House' (1,019 units) are set to begin occupancy within the year.
A local real estate agent commented, "Seongbon Industrial Complex offers excellent accessibility, with Seoul just over an hour away, Pyeongtaek Port about 50 minutes, and Sejong and Daejeon within an hour. The highest-end apartment jeonse (long-term deposit lease) prices for 84㎡ units are in the mid-100 million KRW range. We are receiving steady inquiries from both individuals and corporations interested in moving in."
The investment value of Eumseong real estate is also drawing attention. While this large-scale supply of new apartments is expected to stabilize prices in the short term, analysts believe that steady population inflows will likely drive up housing prices in the long run, making now the optimal time for both home purchases and investments. In fact, the population of Daeso-myeon, where the Seongbon Industrial Complex is located, reached 18,567 as of June this year, continuing to increase every month and marking a 20.6% rise compared to the end of 2023.
A real estate agent in Eumseong-eup said, "With news of large companies moving in, inquiries from investors outside the county, including those from the Seoul metropolitan area, have surged, with about half coming from outside Eumseong. In particular, the supply of new apartments and studio units suitable for young engineers and research personnel cannot keep up with demand," adding, "With many new units becoming available at once, now is the best time to buy at a low price."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
