Samsung pledges 2.655 trillion‑won AI and semiconductor investment, picks Gwangju for new fab

Samsung announced a 2.655 trillion‑won (approximately 2.655 quadrillion won) long‑term plan focused on artificial‑intelligence and semiconductor production across South Korea. The company will allocate about 2.030 trillion won to expand its existing Pyeongtaek and Yongin clusters and invest 625 trillion won in the Honam, Chungcheong and Yeongnam regions, including 425 trillion won earmarked for a new semiconductor fab in Gwangju. The plan also covers AI data‑centres, battery, robot and hydrogen projects.

At the same time, the South Korean government unveiled an additional 800 trillion‑won semiconductor mega‑project, aiming to create a nationwide industrial belt, develop a second fab in the southwest, boost advanced packaging in the Chungcheong region and strengthen supply‑chain hubs in the southeast. President Lee Jae‑myung, Samsung chairman Lee Jae‑yong and SK Group head Chey Tae‑won presented the initiatives at the “Three Mega Projects” national briefing held at the Blue House on 29 June 2026.

Local business groups in Gwangju welcomed the investment, citing expected job creation and a shift toward balanced regional development.