The 5+3 National Balanced Development Plan Accelerating the Cultivation of Semiconductor and AI Hubs

The Lee Jaemyung administration is accelerating its push for the national balanced regional development strategy known as the ‘5 major regions, 3 special zones’ by unveiling a largescale regional investment plan centered on semiconductors, artificial intelligence data centers, and Physical AI. On the 29th, the government held a public briefing at the Blue House State Reception Hall and announced plans to create advanced industry hubs by region, including Honam, Chungcheong, and Yeongnam. The vision is to foster a second semiconductor cluster in Honam, a backend processing hub centered on semiconductor packaging in Chungcheong, and a materials, parts, and equipment plus Physical AI innovation hub in Yeongnam. This plan also includes measures to support power supply, water supply, and site selection. The government plans to support the infrastructure needed to operate semiconductor plants and AI data centers, and to promote industryacademia cooperation linked with local universities as well as the development of advanced cities. The government sees this announcement as the starting point for expanding regional investment.