South Korea Plans $576 Billion Chip Hub on Former Airbase Site

The proposed 8.3 million-square-metre site was chosen for its existing transport infrastructure and pre-leveled terrain. By repurposing the military facility, the government intends to accelerate the construction of a hub valued at $576 billion. During a meeting with industry executives, Lee stressed that rapid execution remains critical to maintaining the project's momentum and ensuring the country's competitive edge in the global chip market.

This industrial shift signals a pivot for the region, moving away from traditional infrastructure toward a specialized technology zone. As Samsung and SK Hynix align their expansion strategies with this government vision, the relocation serves as the primary catalyst for transforming Gwangju into a central node for semiconductor production.