Although a semiconductor investment worth KRW 800 trillion has been finalised in Gwangju, the local welcome has been muted, with little effort to express gratitude to corporate leaders.
Samsung Electronics and SK hynix plan to invest a total of KRW 800 trillion in a megaproject to build 4 semiconductor plants on approximately 2.5 million pyeong at the former Gwangju military airport site, with the investment expected to have a significant economic impact on the region.
However, there has been little sign of a strong welcome for the investment in Gwangju. Banners expressing gratitude to President Lee Jae-myung can be seen on the streets, but there are few expressing appreciation for corporate leaders.
Local business and civic organisations have also shown little inclination to put their appreciation for the companies front and centre, prompting criticism that the response has been underwhelming.
Proposals are now being considered to give roads honorary names such as “Samsung Semiconductor Boulevard” and to add company names alongside major transport hubs. These initiatives have been put forward as a way of demonstrating the region's welcome.