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South Korea to establish fund for semiconductor materials, parts and equipment, official says

By Thomson Reuters Aug 10, 2026 | 4:19 AM

SEOUL, Aug 10 (Reuters) – South Korea will launch a new 5 ​trillion won ($3.52 billion) semiconductor ‌fund focused on promising chip materials, components and fabless companies, Presidential Chief of ‌Staff ​Kang Hoon-sik ⁠said on Monday, ⁠as part of government plans to build chip clusters.

Kang said the government ​would also provide 5 trillion won in ⁠trade finance ⁠for export-oriented suppliers ​and seek passage of a ​Mega Special Zone Act ‌this year to accelerate permits, environmental reviews and infrastructure development.

The government ⁠will secure 650,000 tonnes of water supply by 2030 for ⁠semiconductor ‌projects in the ⁠Honam region, while the ​Yongin ‌semiconductor cluster will ​receive a ⁠planned 14.7 gigawatts of power by 2041, Kang said.

($1 = 1418.7 won)

(Reporting by Kyu-seok ShimEditing by Ed ​Davies)