Gyeongju E-mobility Research Complex + Gyeongbuk RE100 Industrial Park: New Variables in Factory Site Selection

Gyeongju's Transformation into Research Hub

Gyeongju City has positioned the e-mobility research complex as the core of its industrial sector while pursuing three major policies of 'tourism, industry, and city' in 2026. The plan is to create a structure where R&D and production occur in the same region, not just as a simple manufacturing base.

Currently operating three major research facilities are as follows:

For future vehicle parts companies, having these research facilities nearby means they don't need to travel to the capital region for prototyping or certification testing. Particularly, the advanced materials forming and processing center has expensive equipment that small companies can't afford individually, helping reduce initial investment burdens. However, specific usage conditions (costs, qualifications, etc.) should be confirmed directly with Gyeongju City.

RE100 Industrial Parks — Why They Matter for Factory Establishment

Gyeongsangbuk-do has included RE100 industrial park development in its 2026 economic policy goals. RE100 is a global campaign to source 100% of electricity consumption from renewable energy.

You might wonder what this has to do with small manufacturing companies, but realistically, the connection is deepening. Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, and SK Hynix have joined RE100, and these companies are beginning to require partner companies to use renewable energy as well.

By joining RE100 industrial parks, individual companies can access renewable energy at the park level without directly installing solar or wind facilities. While specific park locations or sales schedules haven't been announced, Gyeongbuk Province's policy direction is clearly headed this way.

Currently Available Gyeongbuk Industrial Park Land

Current Gyeongbuk Development Corporation land supply status for 2026:

Gyeongsan 1-1 is support facility land for installing worker welfare and commercial facilities within the industrial park. Gyeongbuk Provincial Government New City Phase 2 is industrial facility land re-supply of lots unsold in the initial offering.

Factory Site Selection Criteria Are Changing

In the past, land prices and transportation accessibility were key factors in site selection. Now two additional factors are being added.

One is research infrastructure. For advanced manufacturing like future vehicles, secondary batteries, and carbon materials, separating R&D from production creates major inefficiencies. Factories should be built near research facilities for quick prototype-to-mass production transitions, making Gyeongju's e-mobility research complex meaningful in this regard.

The other is renewable energy procurement. RE100 compliance is becoming virtually mandatory to enter major corporate supply chains. When RE100 industrial parks are established, small companies can obtain renewable energy usage certification without individual investment.

Gyeongju shares living areas with Ulsan (Hyundai Motor ecosystem) and Pohang (POSCO ecosystem) while building these two new site factors.

For Gyeongju-Gyeongbuk factory establishment site consultations, please contact Yeongnam Business Consulting (054-771-5000).