Samsung Electronics chief vows to turn Onyang campus into HBM hub

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong announced plans to convert the semiconductor operations in Onyang, South Chungcheong Province, into a major hub for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) production. The semiconductor giant made the pledge at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new facility, which is part of a government initiative to turn the central Chungcheong region into a global hub for AI-driven innovation.

Lee emphasized that while the site initially focused on conventional semiconductor assembly and testing, its purpose will now shift to producing advanced HBM, a crucial component of AI semiconductors. The company plans to invest a total of 46 trillion won ($34.5 billion) in the campus, including 6 trillion won for construction costs and 40 trillion won for advanced equipment, to be deployed in phases.

The new facility, the site's fifth production line, will feature a 31,000 square meter cleanroom dedicated to advanced HBM production. Planned for operation in June 2028, the facility will expand the campus's total floor space from 270,000 to 420,000 square meters. Once completed, the campus is expected to generate approximately 700 direct jobs.