SK Hynix semiconductor wastewater dispute in South Korea

Agricultural cooperative leaders in Anseong have demanded the termination of a 2021 agreement that allows SK Hynix’s Yongin semiconductor cluster to discharge wastewater directly into the Gosam Reservoir. Representing approximately 30,000 members, the cooperatives expressed concerns that water quality degradation and high-temperature steam fog could damage crops across 3,000 hectares of farmland. They have requested a wastewater bypass route, similar to plans used by Samsung Electronics, and called for a re-examination of related power plant and transmission line projects.

Following these concerns, water quality testing in the Jukdangcheon stream—which is fed by SK Hynix discharge—revealed chloride and sulfate ion levels exceeding FAO irrigation guidelines. While standard indicators remained within safe limits, chloride levels averaged 731 mg/L and sulfate levels reached 1,056 mg/L. Gyeonggi Province has requested that the central government establish specific management standards for these ions to mitigate potential impacts on the Gosam Reservoir before discharge is scheduled to begin next February.