Samsung to Launch First Yongin Chip Plant by 2029 as South Korea Speeds Up Semiconductor Hub

Samsung Electronics is set to begin operations at its first semiconductor fabrication plant in the Yongin chip cluster in 2029, marking a faster-than-expected rollout of one of South Korea’s most significant chip manufacturing projects, according to a Yonhap News report citing industry sources.

The revised timeline moves the project forward by one to two years from Samsung’s original plan, reflecting the South Korean government’s push to accelerate development of the Yongin National Industrial Complex. The project is considered a strategic national initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s semiconductor industry and reinforcing Samsung’s long-term leadership in advanced chip manufacturing.

The Yongin facility will be the first of six semiconductor fabrication plants planned for the industrial complex, located south of Seoul. Once completed, the cluster is expected to become Samsung’s next-generation semiconductor production hub, supporting the company’s expansion in memory chips, logic semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

The accelerated construction schedule comes as global demand for artificial intelligence chips, high-performance computing, and next-generation semiconductors continues to drive fierce competition among leading chipmakers. South Korea has also intensified efforts to secure its position in the global semiconductor supply chain through infrastructure investments and policy support.

Samsung recently unveiled an ambitious long-term investment strategy for its domestic semiconductor operations. The company said it plans to invest approximately 2,030 trillion won (about $1.35 trillion) across its Pyeongtaek and Yongin semiconductor clusters to expand production capacity and strengthen its manufacturing ecosystem.

In addition, Samsung announced plans to invest 400 trillion won in building two new semiconductor plants in Gwangju, around 270 kilometers south of Seoul, further expanding its nationwide chip production network.

The accelerated launch of the Yongin fab underscores Samsung’s commitment to scaling its semiconductor business while supporting South Korea’s goal of remaining a global leader in advanced chip manufacturing amid intensifying industry competition.