Archive · 10 Aug 2026
South Korea's Lee urges Gwangju airbase relocation for chip cluster
The president of South Korea wants to move an airbase where military planes are kept.
He wants this done by the middle of 2028.
Why?
Because he wants to speed up the building of a big area where computer chips are made.
Computer chips are tiny parts that make phones, computers, and other gadgets work.
Two big companies, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, plan to build new chip factories in the southwest part of South Korea.
This big project is worth more than $576 billion.
The airbase is currently located in the city of Gwangju.
If the airbase is moved, there will be more room for the new factories.
That way, the chip-making hub can be built faster.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged the Defence Ministry to relocate a military airbase in Gwangju city.
The airbase relocation is targeted for completion by mid-2028.
The move is intended to accelerate construction of a semiconductor manufacturing hub in the area.
His administration unveiled plans in June worth more than $576 billion.
Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix will expand operations to build new chip fabrication facilities in the country's southwest region.
- Who
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, addressing the Defence Ministry, with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix involved in the expansion plans.
- What
- President Lee urged the relocation of a military airbase in Gwangju by mid-2028 to speed up construction of a semiconductor manufacturing hub.
- When
- Monday, according to a report dated Aug 10.
- Where
- Gwangju city, in South Korea's southwest region.
- Why
- To accelerate the construction of a semiconductor manufacturing hub tied to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix expansion plans.
- President
- Lee Jae Myung
- Airbase location
- Gwangju city
- Relocation deadline
- Mid-2028
- Planned investment
- More than $576 billion
- Companies involved
- Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix
- Project type
- Semiconductor manufacturing hub
- Region
- Southwest South Korea
- Plan announced
- June, by the administration