Table of Contents
- New Vitality for Industrial Complexes, Designated as Competitiveness Enhancement Project Districts
- Background and Necessity of the Project - Issues of Aging and Government Response
- Details of Competitiveness Enhancement Projects by Candidate Locations
- Effects and Prospects of Designating Old Industrial Complex Competitiveness Enhancement Projects
- Upcoming Schedule and Conclusion
New Vitality for Industrial Complexes, Designated as Competitiveness Enhancement Project Districts
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy have selected the Asan Bugok National Industrial Complex, the Chungju No. 1 General Industrial Complex, and the Masan Free Trade Zone as 'Old Industrial Complex Competitiveness Enhancement Project Districts.'
The goal of this project is to enhance the competitiveness of the industrial complexes by 2026 and is part of efforts to ensure the sustainability of aging industrial complexes. It aims to promote digital transformation and decarbonization, improve working environments, and revitalize the local economy.
Background and Necessity of the Project - Issues of Aging and Government Response
Currently, there are about 1,331 industrial complexes in our country, providing approximately 1.28 million jobs with around 128,000 companies.
However, as these industrial complexes were established over 60 years ago, various issues have arisen. For example, outdated infrastructure, a trend in which young talents avoid these areas, and a lack of cultural and convenience facilities are reducing the competitiveness of industrial complexes.
To address this situation, the government has been promoting competitiveness enhancement projects targeting 26 aging industrial complexes since 2019 for the next six years. The main goals of this project are digital transformation, decarbonization, and improving working environments.
The selected Asan Bugok Industrial Complex, Chungju No. 1 General Industrial Complex, and Masan Free Trade Zone aim to achieve final designation by 2026 as part of these projects. It is expected that this will restore the competitiveness of the industrial complexes and contribute to sustainable development.
Details of Competitiveness Enhancement Projects by Candidate Locations
(1) Asan Bugok National Industrial Complex
Asan City in South Chungcheong Province specializes in steel, automotive parts, and machinery equipment industries. This region aims to transform from a traditional steel industrial complex into a future-oriented eco-friendly innovation growth hub.
The main projects include establishing green steel smart manufacturing infrastructure and creating a hydrogen industry cluster. There are also plans to develop a smart energy platform and establish a carbon-neutral hydrogen economy hub.
The expected effects of these projects are a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 10% increase in the value-added rate of manufacturing. Additionally, there is a goal to achieve a 70% completion rate for companies undergoing digital transformation (DX).
(2) Chungju No. 1 General Industrial Complex
This area, located in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, is developing around eco-friendly mobility parts and elevator industries.
It aims to establish an energy-based green industrial complex and a smart production base, aspiring toward a sustainable future.
Main projects include establishing a smart green industrial complex, developing eco-friendly mobility parts, creating a specialized area for thermal energy, and training high-level personnel in the smart manufacturing field.
The expected results of these projects include an annual production volume of 5.5 trillion won and the creation of 1,100 new jobs. Additionally, there is a significant expectation to reduce carbon emissions by 10,000 tons of CO2.
(3) Masan Free Trade Zone National Industrial Complex
The city of Changwon in Gyeongnam is developing around the automotive industry. The vision here is to innovate carbon-neutral processes and create a future advanced automobile ecosystem.
Main projects include improving autonomous manufacturing processes and innovating key component technologies for future vehicles. Additionally, there is a focus on promoting advanced manufacturing through digital transformation and establishing smart logistics platforms.
Moreover, creating infrastructure for eco-friendly industrial complexes is also one of the important goals. Due to these efforts, it is expected that production will increase by 10%, sales will rise by 15%, and the employment rate will improve by 10%. Lastly, there will also be efforts to nurture high-skilled talents in the smart manufacturing field.
Effects and Prospects of Designating Old Industrial Complex Competitiveness Enhancement Projects
By strengthening the competitiveness of aging industrial complexes, it is expected to revitalize the local economy and attract young talents.
The existing steel and automotive parts-centered industrial complexes can transition towards eco-friendly manufacturing and digital innovation for sustainable development.
In particular, the Asan Bugok Industrial Complex is establishing a fusion model of steel and hydrogen industries, while the Chungju No. 1 Industrial Complex is constructing a basis for green mobility, and the Masan Free Trade Zone is achieving advancement in the automotive industry. These cases are evaluated as innovative models tailored to the characteristics of each region.
Upcoming Schedule and Conclusion
In the second half of 2025, the business plans for each candidate location will be further specified, and consulting for this will be conducted.
By early 2026, the project districts will be finalized and officially announced.
Subsequently, from 2026 onwards, the projects will be implemented in stages, and their outcomes will be continuously monitored.
To secure sustainable development and future growth engines for aging industrial complexes, the Asan Bugok Industrial Complex, Chungju No. 1 Industrial Complex, and Masan Free Trade Zone have been selected as competitiveness enhancement project districts.
These industrial complexes aim to create a future-oriented industrial ecosystem through transformation to advanced industries and eco-friendly manufacturing.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy plan to complement the competitiveness enhancement plan centered on these candidate areas and finalize them in cooperation with relevant departments. This process is expected to enhance the sustainability of the local economy and promote the cultivation of advanced industries.
Specific plans regarding the future promotion of projects can be confirmed according to the government's announcement, leading to the anticipation of innovation and development in local industries.
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