Industry ministry selects Jeonbuk sites as semiconductor and robotics hubs

The industry ministry on Wednesday designated two industrial complexes in North Jeolla Province as key sites for semiconductor materials and advanced mobility production.

Jeonbuk was selected Sept. 17 as a specialized complex for semiconductor materials, parts and equipment, joining similar designations in Gyeongnam, Daejeon and Chungnam. Five days later, the Wanju General Industrial Complex was named a site for revitalizing aging industrial clusters, alongside facilities in Jeju and Gangwon.

The designations mark the first field visits since the government announced its regional growth engine strategy in August, following months of consultations with local firms and workers starting in January. Yang Ki-wook, head of the ministry's Industry Resources Security Office, led a meeting with young workers and corporate representatives in Iksan and Wanju on Sept. 22 to discuss support measures, focusing on strengthening the semiconductor chemical materials ecosystem and expanding youth-friendly infrastructure.

"The newly selected specialized complexes in Gunsan and Iksan, along with the aging hub in Wanju, are core growth bases for cultivating Jeonbuk's three major growth engines," Yang said. He added that the ministry would work with the provincial government to swiftly establish a cultivation plan based on feedback from the field.

"We will actively support rapid investment execution by anchor companies such as Hyundai Motor, Dongwoo Fine-Chem and PKC to create changes and growth in the Jeonbuk region that young people and local residents can feel," Yang said.

Anchor companies including Hyundai Motor, Dongwoo Fine-Chem and PKC are central to the development. The provincial government pledged to upgrade the Wanju complex into a hub for K-robotics and advanced mobility that appeals to young workers.

Participants highlighted the need for greater support in utilizing artificial intelligence and improving local infrastructure. In response, the ministry plans to coordinate with the Land Ministry and other agencies to ensure the Wanju site evolves into a cutting-edge industrial park.

Customized support measures will be developed in partnership with local governments to stabilize supply chains and boost regional competitiveness. The ministry aims to finalize growth engine cultivation plans for each region by the end of the year.