Honam Semiconductor Industrial Complex development concerns

The development of the Honam Semiconductor National Industrial Complex, situated on the former Gwangju military airport site, has faced scrutiny regarding its economic and logistical implementation.

Initial concerns raised by Representative Kang Dae-sik focused on high project costs and potential favoritism. Data indicated a total project cost of approximately 9 trillion won, with production costs per pyeong significantly higher than other regional industrial lands. Critics suggested that if the government lowered sale prices to assist companies, the resulting deficit of between 1.8 trillion and 3.4 trillion won might be covered by taxes or local subsidies. The rapid pace of the project also drew comparisons to other complexes that faced long delays.

Subsequent criticism from National Assembly member Yoon Jae-ok addressed the government’s plan to accelerate power supply for the hub. Documents indicated a proposal to divert transformers intended for other regional substations, such as the Shin-Dalseong substation in Daegu, to the Honam region. Critics argued this prioritization could delay power infrastructure completion in other areas, potentially pushing certain substation completions from 2028 to 2030.