South Korea inspects semiconductor hub and AI shipbuilding investments

South Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan visited the Gwangju Air Base and Mokpo to inspect progress on the Southwest Semiconductor Mega Project and the AI transition in the shipbuilding industry.

The semiconductor project aims to establish a renewable energy-based hub for semiconductors and AI. Discussions with agencies including LH, KEPCO, and K-water focused on site preparation, power supply, and water resources. This follows a recent visit by SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, who expressed intent to build semiconductor plants in the region.

In the shipbuilding sector, HD Hyundai Samho and Dae-a Industry announced a combined 400 billion won investment to build AI-driven autonomous shipyards. The government plans to expand these AI manufacturing advancements from large shipyards to regional small and medium-sized enterprises.