Wonju City Signs 50.5 Billion Won Investment Agreement with Isol Co., Ltd.
EUV Synchrotron Accelerator Industry to Take Root
Korea’s Only and the World’s Fourth EUV Semiconductor Equipment Company
On October 1, Wonju City in Gangwon Province signed an investment attraction agreement (MOU) with Isol Co., Ltd. (CEO Kim Byounguk) at the investment consultation room on the 7th floor of City Hall. This agreement involves a total investment of 50.5 billion won and aims to establish a compact synchrotron accelerator and advanced EUV semiconductor inspection equipment research and production facilities in the Buron General Industrial Complex. EUV (Extreme Ultra-Violet) is an essential light source for ultra-fine semiconductor processes (7nm or less).
Won Kangsoo, mayor of Wonju, is signing an investment attraction agreement (MOU) with Kim Byounguk, CEO of Isol Corporation, at the investment consultation room on the 7th floor of the city hall on the 1st. Provided by Wonju City
Isol, a company specializing in EUV semiconductor equipment that has attracted attention both domestically and internationally, is recognized not only as a technology company, but also for its reliability, world-class technological capabilities, high growth potential, and its commitment to mutual growth with the local community.
Isol is the only company in Korea to have developed EUV semiconductor defect review equipment, and its technological prowess has been validated through numerous government research and development (R&D) projects. The company has achieved results through joint development with the global semiconductor industry and collaboration with major corporations, earning selection in the Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ “Materials, Parts, and Equipment Startup 100.” The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has even proposed Isol’s EUV technology as an international standard, demonstrating national-level trust in the company.
In addition to being the second company in the world to successfully commercialize EUV semiconductor defect review equipment, Isol has also developed the world’s first EUV pellicle transmittance measurement equipment, EUV mask phase measurement equipment, and EUV interference patterning equipment, maintaining a competitive edge globally. The company currently holds 45 domestic patents (24 registered, 21 pending) and 16 overseas patents (3 registered, 13 pending), and has been ranked 11th among Korea’s Power Innovation Companies in the semiconductor sector.
Isol is drawing attention as a core company in the convergence device industry, as its technology can be applied not only to semiconductors but also to medical, bio, and advanced materials industries. In particular, Isol has proven its growth potential by building a track record of supplying to global mask companies in the EUV equipment market, which is growing at an average annual rate of 22%. Once the Wonju plant is completed, it is expected to become an advanced hub integrating research, production, and services.
Wonju City has been steadily preparing its industrial base to attract investments from world-class technology companies like Isol. The city has accelerated the development of industrial complexes during the 8th popularly elected administration, striving to ensure that companies can invest immediately when needed. Five industrial complexes-Buron, Sinpyeong, Taebong, Mega Data, and Mujang Advanced Science Park-are being prepared, totaling 4.73 million square meters (1.43 million pyeong).
In addition, the city is establishing a semiconductor education center and a semiconductor testbed to create synergy with semiconductor companies that are relocating to or newly established in the area. With 111.3 billion won in national and provincial funding secured, the city is building a semiconductor consumables demonstration center, a future vehicle electronic components system semiconductor reliability verification center, and a future clean industry challenge center. Wonju is also establishing strategic foundations by building cooperative relationships with related organizations such as the Fabless Industry Association, thereby strategically expanding the semiconductor industry sector. Wonju, once a barren land for the semiconductor industry, is creating a miracle through four key strategies: workforce development, testbed establishment, (industrial complex) site development, and company attraction.
The project is expected to have a significant ripple effect on the local community. In addition to the direct investment of 50.5 billion won, approximately 25 billion won in indirect investment is anticipated, which will further advance the industrial ecosystem through the influx of partner companies, parts suppliers, and research institutions. Collaboration with local universities and research institutions will expand the R&D base, and the establishment of contract departments will foster a virtuous cycle of talent development, creating a model where industry, employment, and education grow together. Joint research with global networks is also expected to enable mutual growth.
Won Kangsoo, Mayor of Wonju City, and Kim Byungkuk, CEO of Isol Co., Ltd., are holding an investment attraction agreement (MOU) signing ceremony on the 1st at the investment consultation room on the 7th floor of the city hall. Provided by Wonju City
This agreement is also significant as it marks the first case of a special support investment subsidy approved by the Wonju City Council. Wonju City conducted three rounds of expert advisory meetings with university professors and specialists in various fields, focusing on strengthening regional industrial competitiveness and assessing the industrial ripple effect through in-depth verification. The special support fund will provide 5 billion won annually from 2027 to 2029, with subsidies disbursed in stages according to investment performance.
Kim Byounguk, CEO of Isol Co., Ltd., emphasized, "By commercializing the compact synchrotron accelerator, we will maximize synergy with EUV equipment and, based on this, establish technologies in Wonju that will drive innovation in nanomaterials and the bio industry, creating a global success model that grows together with the region."
Won Kangsoo, Mayor of Wonju City, stated, "Industrial complexes, companies, and talented individuals are coming together to shape the future development of Wonju, and the semiconductor industry, which began with the challenge and passion of our citizens, is steadily achieving results. Now, by attracting a cutting-edge company like Isol, we will accelerate industrial transformation in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The combination of Isol’s outstanding technology and Wonju’s proactive support will enable our city to emerge as the fastest-growing economic and industrial city in the country."
Wonju City is keeping pace with the rapidly changing industrial landscape by working in unison with the city council and the local community to discover and create new growth engines. The city plans to continue building an environment where young people can pursue their dreams and where high-quality jobs abound.
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