[이슈대담] 반도체 산단 조성 ‘속도전’…2030년 가능할까? / KBS 2026.07.08.

[Anchor] As you have seen, Jeonnam-Gwangju is putting all its efforts into a race against time to rapidly establish the semiconductor industrial complex. Talent development is also considered a key task. Now, let's talk in more detail with Professor Shin Hyun-jin of the Department of Semiconductor Engineering at GIST. Professor, welcome. [Answer] Hello. [Anchor] Yes, first, let's take a look at the Gwangju Military Airport site where the Jeonnam-Gwangju Semiconductor Industrial Complex is being pursued. Could you please evaluate it as a semiconductor industrial complex? [Answer] Yes, first of all, the Gwangju Military Airport site has the advantage of reducing the time required for site acquisition and administrative procedures because it is state-owned land. Furthermore, since it is a large site spanning approximately 2.5 million pyeong, I believe it is very advantageous not only for the initial establishment of fabs but also for long-term expansion and growth. In addition, it possesses the spatial conditions to create an industrial ecosystem where partner companies and related firms can move in together. In terms of logistics and transportation accessibility, the ability to integrate with existing urban infrastructure can be seen as an advantage. [Anchor] Yes, the goal is to achieve tangible results within three years by accelerating administrative procedures as much as possible. Regarding these tangible results, specifically how far this is achievable, and do you believe that mass semiconductor production by 2030 is feasible, as Mayor Min Hyung-bae mentioned? [Answer] Looking at previous cases, the construction of the fab itself is typically completed within about two to three years. However, it seems that the stages preceding that take significantly longer. As a specialized industrial facility, a semiconductor fab requires very high demand for electricity and water, and strict management of process wastewater and chemical substances is required. Therefore, if related permits and approvals are delayed, subsequent schedules for design, equipment ordering, and construction will inevitably be pushed back. Conversely, if these issues are resolved quickly, it appears that the project schedule can be significantly advanced. It seems the likelihood of success could increase depending on how we define this criterion of "tangible results." The goal is not simply to declare completion, but to make infrastructure permit schedules predictable so that companies can concretize their actual investment plans and make real investment decisions. To achieve this, establishing a "one-stop dedicated implementation system" involving the central government, local governments, KEPCO, Korea Water Resources Corporation, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and companies together is crucial. If these procedures are processed in parallel rather than in a staggered manner to eliminate administrative delays and reduce the timeline, it would likely be a key factor in accelerating the start of construction. [Anchor] Looking at overseas examples—such as those in Taiwan, the U.S., TSMC, and Samsung—there are instances where the government directly provided exceptional support for infrastructure and permits, thereby shortening the development period. Could this be applied to our Jeonnam Gwangju as well? [Answer] Taiwan's science park model is a prime example where the government established the industrial park, enabling companies to receive "one-stop administrative services" without having to deal with multiple ministries separately. In the case of the United States, they have introduced a 'Fast Track system' to clearly manage the licensing and approval schedules for large-scale infrastructure projects, in addition to providing massive subsidies. Therefore, if this were applied domestically, the key would likely be the 'Fast Track' system. This does not mean skipping environmental reviews or safety standards; rather, it means reviewing licenses from various ministries in parallel rather than processing them sequentially, so that they can be completed within an expected and predictable timeline. I believe this would allow companies to finalize their actual investment schedules and accelerate the start and completion dates of construction. [Anchor] However, regarding semiconductors, aren't 'electricity' and 'water' the key factors? It appears that how to supply electricity and water using the current infrastructure in the Jeonnam-Gwangju region, and how to link them with energy resources like nuclear power plants, will also be crucial issues. [Answer] Yes, it has already been reported that the electricity and industrial water required for the semiconductor industrial complex amount to approximately 6.3 GW and 650,000 tons per day, respectively. It appears that Gwangju's current power infrastructure alone is still insufficient to meet this demand, and the constructi...