Gwangsan District of Jeonnam-Gwangju Discusses Company Transition and Talent Development for 'Semiconductor Cluster'

‘Practical Council Meeting for Building the Semiconductor Industry Ecosystem’ Held
Proposal for Monitoring System to Address Workforce Shortages Amid Transition from Traditional Manufacturing
Dedicated Team for Expedited Factory Permits and Enhanced Business Support System to Be Established

In preparation for the establishment of the Honam Semiconductor Cluster, Gwangsan District has begun developing plans to help local companies enter the semiconductor industry and to cultivate on-site talent. The district also discussed measures to address the potential exacerbation of manpower shortages in existing manufacturing industries as workers shift to the semiconductor sector.

On the 11th, the Gwangsan District Office of the Integrated Special City of Jeonnam-Gwangju held a ‘Practical Council Meeting for Building the Semiconductor Industry Ecosystem’. Attendees included Park Byungkyu, mayor of Gwangsan District; Kong Byungcheol, chairperson of the Gwangsan District Council; Park Kyunghwan, chairperson of the Economic Welfare Committee; representatives from the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju Technopark, Korea Photonics Technology Institute, and Korea Photonics Convergence Industry Association.

Park Byungkyu, mayor of Gwangsan District, is discussing response strategies and cooperation plans for establishing a semiconductor industry ecosystem with experts from related organizations at the 'Semiconductor Industry Ecosystem Construction Working-Level Council Meeting' held on the second floor situation room of the district office on the 11th. Provided by Gwangsan District

The participants discussed strategies for facilitating local companies’ entry into the semiconductor industry, workforce recruitment, and ways for existing manufacturing industries to grow alongside the new sector.

Shim Jaesam, head of the center at the Korea Photonics Technology Institute, suggested that the region should proactively train personnel needed for semiconductor equipment engineering, process operations, and facility and utility management. He also emphasized the importance of supporting technological advancement and enhancing competitiveness to enable local firms to become partners of Samsung Electronics and SK hynix.

The meeting also addressed the issue of a potential exodus of workers from existing manufacturing sectors due to the growth of the semiconductor industry. Oh Junho, lead researcher at the Gwangju Regional Human Resources Development Committee, noted, “As employees shift to the semiconductor industry, labor shortages at existing manufacturing companies could worsen.” He stressed the need for a system to continuously monitor workforce supply and outflows by sector in order to foster the semiconductor industry while maintaining the competitiveness of traditional manufacturers.

Some participants suggested that manufacturing firms at Pyeongdong and Hanam Industrial Complexes should be connected to the semiconductor-related industry. Ahn Sunyoung, head of planning at the Korea Photonics Convergence Industry Association, said, “Support measures should be established to enable existing companies to transition to related fields such as semiconductor equipment maintenance, cleaning, and utilities,” and also called for efforts to attract related companies to the region.

Kong Byungcheol, chairperson of the Gwangsan District Council, expressed that the council would cooperate in building the semiconductor industry ecosystem.

Gwangsan District plans to use the ideas discussed at the meeting to organize a dedicated team to expedite permits and approvals for factory construction and to set up a system for supporting companies. For issues requiring administrative or institutional support, the district will propose them to the Integrated Special City of Jeonnam-Gwangju.

Mayor Park Byungkyu stated, “We should use the semiconductor cluster as an opportunity not just to attract factories, but to develop into a ‘semiconductor industry city’ where local companies grow together, young people gain high-quality jobs, and research, development, and technology are continuously accumulated.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.