Korea expands $1 trillion chip hub as US threatens tariffs
The 3 trillion won packaging expansion in Gwangju anchors Seoul's domestic manufacturing strategy, even as Washington demands Korean chipmakers shift advanced fabrication to the United States.
Amkor Technology broke ground on a 3 trillion won ($2.2 billion) packaging plant expansion in Gwangju on Oct. 19, 2026, accelerating South Korea's semiconductor buildout as Washington escalated tariff threats against foreign fabs.
The 3 trillion won project represents the largest single direct investment by a foreign-invested company in South Korea. It forms the opening manufacturing base of Seoul's 1,350 trillion won ($1 trillion) national artificial intelligence and semiconductor infrastructure program.
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