Dongbok Dam expansion to support Honam semiconductor cluster

South Korean authorities have decided to change the expansion method for Dongbok Dam, a critical water source for the Honam semiconductor cluster. Instead of raising the height of the existing structure, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment will construct a new dam approximately 200 meters downstream.

This decision follows technical assessments indicating that the existing structure could not withstand the increased water pressure required to raise the dam's height from 44 meters to 59 meters. The new dam is expected to more than double the current reservoir capacity, increasing it from 99.5 million tons to over 200 million tons.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of next year, with a target completion date by 2030 to coincide with the establishment of the semiconductor cluster. To ensure a continuous water supply during construction, temporary storage facilities will be built upstream, and materials from the decommissioned original dam will be recycled for the new build.

The project faces potential social challenges, as the 15-meter rise in water levels is estimated to submerge 8 to 10 villages and approximately 266 households in the Hwasun and Damyang areas. Local authorities are currently conducting studies to develop relocation and compensation measures for affected residents.