South Korea President Lee orders Gwangju Air base relocation by mid-2028 for chip hub
Seoul, August 10
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Monday ordered military operations to shift from Gwangju Air Base to other airfields by mid-2028 to accelerate the construction of a second semiconductor belt, according to a news report by Korea Herald.
The directive came during the second public-private review of three flagship megaprojects covering semiconductors, physical artificial intelligence, and AI data centers. The government aimed these megaprojects at driving investment across the country to reduce the concentration of growth in the Greater Seoul area.
"At this stage, securing the site and infrastructure matter above all else," the news report quoted Lee saying during the meeting at Cheong Wa Dae.
Lee called for the semiconductor cluster in the southwestern Honam region to develop at least as fast as TSMC's chip plant in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture, which completed construction in 22 months. He issued specific instructions to speed up moving military functions from Gwangju Air Base, which was selected as the site during the first review meeting on July 6.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Jin Yong-sung, and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Son Sug-rag attended the session.
"I would like the Defense Ministry to temporarily transfer Gwangju Air Base's functions to other military airfields by mid-2028 and take the necessary steps to ensure that the Gwangju military airport site can be used as a semiconductor industrial complex as soon as possible," Lee said.
"Even before the temporary transfer takes place, I ask that every effort be made to begin construction of the industrial complex on land near the military airfield at an early date," he added.
Gwangju Air Base served as one of five collocated operating bases where US Air Force units deploy during contingencies on the Korean Peninsula. It also shared its airfield with the civilian Gwangju Airport, adding operational complexity to the redevelopment plan.
Beyond the Honam chip belt, the initiative designated the central Chungcheong region as an advanced packaging hub and the southeastern Yeongnam region as a physical AI center, alongside regional AI data centers.
"This is no longer merely a race for speed; it requires a lightning campaign," Lee said.
Lee instructed ministries to pursue necessary procedures simultaneously and ease regulations. He asked Prime Minister Han Seong-sook to oversee a government-wide review to prevent ministerial silos, regulatory barriers, or infrastructure shortfalls from delaying corporate investments.
Samsung Electronics and SK hynix pledged major investments under the initiative, supported by government commitments for power, water, transport, and housing infrastructure. Samsung Electronics Executive Kim Yong-kwan and SK President Cheong Seung-il attended the meeting alongside key cabinet ministers who presented plans for regulatory reforms, site acquisition, and utilities.
"Plans to supply power and water must, of course, proceed without disruption," Lee said.
"We must also work closely with the National Assembly to expedite the enactment and revision of related laws," he added. "The first push of the pedal is always the hardest. Treat the year ahead as a critical window and make an all-out effort."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Korean infrastructure is truly world-class. Relocating an air base to build a chip hub by 2028 shows serious commitment. Wish our government would move this fast on the "Make in India" semiconductor projects. The red tape here is sometimes frustrating when you see how quick East Asia moves.
The "Honam chip belt" vs TSMC's Kumamoto plant in 22 months is a bold target. It's fascinating how presidents feel the need to personally oversee such projects, reminds me of how different our own administration operates. But I do hope they don't rush military preparedness for any economic project. National security should not be compromised.
They are building chip hubs to reduce concentration in Greater Seoul area. This is like India trying to decongest Mumbai or Delhi NCR. Smart strategy to spread growth across regions. Cheers to South Korean development! 🚀
South Korea is setting a lesson for every developing nation - the importance of quick planning and execution. "The first push of the pedal is always the hardest" and "Treat the year ahead as a critical window" - these are great policy mantras. Outsourcing military base for economic growth is a unique trade-off, though I wonder about the environmental cost of that.
This is huge for Gwangju! Industrial corridors and high-tech parks always bring enormous economic change. I hope our govt takes inspiration and creates similar models for producing semiconductors in India. We can't just depend on imported chips forever.
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