Korea's semiconductor industry is receiving unprecedented investment. According to the K-Semiconductor strategy, KRW 340 trillion will be invested by 2031, and SK Hynix's 2026 facility investment alone amounts to $20.5 billion (17% increase from previous year). Korea's semiconductor equipment investment is projected to grow 27.2% to $29.66 billion in 2026.
The physical center of this investment is the 'K-Semiconductor Belt' connecting Pangyo-Giheung-Hwaseong-Pyeongtaek-Onyang-Icheon-Cheongju. However, the supply chain doesn't end there. Downstream industries like semiconductor packaging, materials, components, equipment, chemicals, and precision processing are needed nationwide.
Gyeongbuk's strengths in the semiconductor supply chain are threefold. First, POSCO's steel and specialty alloy technologies are applicable to semiconductor materials. Second, precision processing SMEs in Gyeongju and Pohang can transition to semiconductor equipment component supply. Third, the metropolitan semiconductor belt is accessible within 2 hours by KTX.
Cases of Gyeongbuk companies participating in semiconductor supply chains are actually increasing. Like the case where a KRW 12.5 billion automotive parts company attracted investment to Myeonggye 3 Industrial Complex, semiconductor-related investment attraction is also expected.
Our suggested strategy for Gyeongbuk manufacturers aiming to enter semiconductor supply chains is as follows. First, upgrade existing manufacturing capabilities to semiconductor standards (clean room environment, precision). Second, link with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' smart factory support projects to enhance quality management systems. Third, when moving into industrial complexes, registering as semiconductor-related businesses provides additional tax benefits.
The semiconductor KRW 340 trillion investment is a once-in-a-decade opportunity for Gyeongbuk manufacturing. If you prepare the facility investments and permits needed for supply chain entry now, you can share in the growing market pie.
Expert Review
This article was reviewed by Sangyun Lee, Chairman of Yeongnam Startup Consulting.
Every real estate insight published on this site is reviewed before publication by Sangyun Lee, who has worked in real estate permitting in Gyeongju and Gyeongsangbuk-do for more than 20 years. Last reviewed on April 20, 2026.
Education
- Seoul National University Advanced Industrial Strategy Program (45th)
- Uiduk University Ph.D. in Business Administration
- Dongguk University M.A. in Public Administration (Local Autonomy)
- Konkuk University Graduate School of Real Estate
Public Appointments
- Advisory Member, National Unification Advisory Council · Office of the President, Republic of Korea
- Member, Gyeongsangbuk-do Regulatory Reform Council · Gyeongsangbuk-do Province
- Investment Attraction Advisor · Gyeongsangbuk-do Province
- Steering Committee Member, Gyeongbuk Policy Research Institute · Gyeongsangbuk-do Province
- Member, Ministry of Justice Beopsarang Committee · Ministry of Justice
- Member, Crime Prevention Committee · Ministry of Justice
- Member, Gyeongju Election Commission · Gyeongju City
Industry & Academic Roles
- Chairman, Gyeongju Gangdong Industrial Complex · Gyeongju City
- Chairman, Gyeongju Regional Development Council · Gyeongju City
- Adjunct Professor · Dongguk University
- President, SNU AIP 45th Alumni Association · Seoul National University
- President, Korea University Sports Federation · National
- President, Gyeongju Middle & High School Alumni Association · Gyeongju City
https://isanggroup.com/en/chairman
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