Key Summary
- Gyeongbuk industrial complex total expanded 20%, additional 6.46 million pyeong supply
- Gyeongju SMR National Industrial Complex completion 2030, KRW 400 billion investment
- Industrial complex acquisition tax 75% reduction, property tax 75% reduction for 5 years
- Gyeongbuk GRDP grew 1.9%, ranking 3rd nationally in economic growth rate
- Manufacturing boom centered on electric vehicle parts and IT new industries
## Gyeongbuk Industrial Sites: Era of Historic Expansion
Gyeongsangbuk-do's total industrial complex area that can be developed over 10 years from 2026 to 2035 is confirmed at 21.31 million ㎡ (6.46 million pyeong). This represents a 3.55 million ㎡ (1.08 million pyeong) increase from the existing 17.76 million ㎡ (5.38 million pyeong), an expansion of about 20%.
According to the 'Fifth Industrial Site Supply and Demand Plan (2026-2035)' confirmed and announced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Gyeongbuk's annual average industrial site demand area is 2.13 million ㎡, a 20% increase from before. This is preemptive supply expansion in preparation for the AI and green industry era, creating opportunities for all of Gyeongbuk including Gyeongju to emerge as new industrial hubs.
### Why Gyeongju Is Drawing Attention
Gyeongju City is one of the biggest beneficiaries of this industrial complex expansion policy. Particularly, the Gyeongju SMR (Small Modular Reactor) National Industrial Complex is scheduled for completion by 2030 with a KRW 396.6 billion investment across 1.5 million ㎡ in Munmu Daewang-myeon near Dong Gyeongju IC, positioning as a next-generation nuclear industry hub.
💡 Key Point Gyeongju has optimal location conditions for SMR industry ecosystem construction with abundant nuclear-related infrastructure and specialized personnel.
## New National Industrial Complex Development Status
📊 Gyeongbuk Major New National Industrial Complex Status Industrial Complex Name|Location|Area (10,000㎡)|Project Cost (billion KRW)|Completion Gyeongju SMR National Industrial Complex|Gyeongju Munmu Daewang-myeon|150|396.6|2030 Andong Bio-life National Industrial Complex|Andong Pungsan-myeon|132|357.9|2028 Uljin Nuclear Hydrogen National Industrial Complex|Uljin Jukbyeon-myeon|158|400|2030
These new national industrial complexes aim for concentrated development of future new industries, with Gyeongju particularly being developed as a core hub for securing global competitiveness in Small Modular Reactor (SMR) fields. SMRs are next-generation nuclear technology gaining worldwide attention for shorter construction periods and higher safety compared to existing large nuclear plants.
### Existing Industrial Complex Advancement Also Concurrent
Alongside new development, conversion of existing industrial complexes to culture-leading industrial complexes is also active. Seven aging industrial complexes over 20 years old in Gyeongju Oedong area were selected for 'Culture-infused Industrial Complex' pilot projects, scheduled to transform into innovative industrial spaces where industry and culture coexist.
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## Investment Attractiveness Through Tax Benefits
Companies entering Gyeongbuk industrial complexes can receive dramatic tax benefits. The new reduction system starting 2026 significantly strengthened non-capital region competitiveness through regional differentiation.
📊 Industrial Complex Tax Benefits Comparison (Gyeongbuk vs Capital Region) Tax Category|Gyeongbuk (Non-capital Region)|Capital Region|Reduction Period Acquisition tax|75% reduction|50% reduction|At acquisition Property tax|75% reduction|35% reduction|5 years Corporate tax reduction|Up to 5 years|Limited|By industry Investment tax credit|Significantly expanded|Standard application|By investment scale
### Tax Benefits Simulation
Example: For 10,000 pyeong (33,058㎡) site + building investment with land acquisition cost of KRW 3 million per pyeong × 10,000 pyeong = KRW 30 billion, construction cost of KRW 2 million per pyeong × 10,000 pyeong = KRW 20 billion, total investment of KRW 50 billion, Gyeongbuk industrial complex entry provides acquisition tax savings of approximately KRW 1.725 billion, property tax savings of approximately KRW 5.625 billion, for total tax savings of approximately KRW 7.35 billion (14.7% of investment cost).
This represents additional tax savings of approximately KRW 3 billion compared to capital region, meaning Gyeongbuk industrial complex investment attractiveness has significantly increased.
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## Gyeongbuk Economic Fundamentals Analysis
Gyeongbuk's economy shows solid growth momentum. Q2 2025 real Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) grew 1.9% year-over-year, recording the third-highest growth rate nationally.
📈 Gyeongbuk Major Economic Indicators Indicator:Value GRDP Growth Rate:1.9% Mining and Manufacturing Growth Rate:7.2% 2026 Growth Forecast:1.9% Gyeongbuk Provincial Budget:KRW 14.0363 trillion
Particularly, mining and manufacturing surged 7.2%, driving Gyeongbuk economic growth. The strength of electronic components and metalworking industries, plus growth in electric vehicle parts industries, are major drivers.
## Investment Priority Analysis by Location
📊 Investment Attractiveness Evaluation of Major Gyeongbuk Industrial Complexes Region|Accessibility|Infrastructure|Tax Benefits|Specialized Industry|Total Score Gyeongju|A|A|A+|SMR/Electric Vehicle|95 points Gumi|A+|A+|A|IT/Display|92 points Pohang|A|A+|A|Steel/Materials|88 points Andong|B+|B|A+|Bio|85 points Uljin|B|B+|A+|Nuclear/Hydrogen|82 points
Gyeongju achieved the highest score due to excellent transportation accessibility including Dong Gyeongju IC, potential for utilizing existing nuclear infrastructure, future value of SMR National Industrial Complex, and synergies with electric vehicle parts industries.
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## Optimal Factory Establishment Timing Strategy
Current Gyeongbuk, particularly Gyeongju factory establishment, is a golden time with multiple favorable factors converging. Industrial complex supply expansion, dramatic tax benefits, new national industrial complex development, and regional economic growth momentum are all working simultaneously.
💡 Key Point 2026-2028 is the optimal entry point for Gyeongju factory establishment. You can enjoy both preemption effects before full-scale SMR National Industrial Complex development and maximum tax benefits simultaneously.
### Phased Entry Strategy
Phase 1 (2026): Secure existing industrial complex sites + maximize tax benefits. Phase 2 (2027-2028): Participate in SMR National Industrial Complex priority sales + early entry into electric vehicle parts ecosystem. Phase 3 (2029-2030): Maximize network effects in completed industrial cluster.
Caution: Tax reduction benefits have a 3+ year direct use condition, so actual business operation plans must be established, not for short-term speculation purposes.
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## Successful Entry with Isang Group
Professional consulting is essential for complex permit procedures and optimal site selection for Gyeongju factory establishment. Isang Group provides zoning analysis, environmental impact assessment, one-stop permit services, and tax benefit optimization strategies.
Particularly, SMR National Industrial Complex related permits apply special nuclear-related regulations, making partnerships with experts having Gyeongju regional expertise crucial for success. Isang Group supports customers' rapid and safe factory establishment through close cooperation networks with Gyeongju City Hall and Gyeongbuk Provincial Government.
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