Table of Contents
- The first 8-inch SiC power semiconductor production base in Korea, born in Busan
- IQ Lab's production facility size and features
- Cultivating local talent and creating jobs
- Industrial significance and the strategy of Busan
- Conclusion – Busan as a hub city for next-generation power semiconductors
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The first 8-inch SiC power semiconductor production base in Korea, born in Busan
The headquarters and production facility of IQ Lab, located in the Southeastern Radiation Medical Science Industrial Complex in Jang'an-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, have been newly completed.
This facility is not only the first in the country but also Asia's first full-process production line for 8-inch SiC (silicon carbide) power semiconductors, marking a significant step for Busan to establish itself as a hub for next-generation power semiconductors.
Consequently, Busan's potential to grow as a hub in the power semiconductor industry has significantly increased.
On September 17, 2025, a ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of the facility, attended by various stakeholders, including Busan Mayor Park Hyung-joon, IQ Lab CEO Kim Kwon-je, Gijang County Mayor Jung Jong-bok, Industrial Bank's Senior Vice President Kim Bok-kyu, and Reno Industries' CEO Lee Chae-yoon, among over 300 attendees. They shared their expectations for the development of Busan's semiconductor industry during the celebratory event.
On the 16th, the construction of a power semiconductor factory by Natureflower Semiconductor (NFS) commenced near the same industrial complex. This development further establishes the Southeastern Radiation Medical Science Industrial Complex as a specialty area for power semiconductors.
IQ Lab's production facility size and features
IQ Lab signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Busan Metropolitan City in 2023, commencing construction in June 2024, and completed the headquarters and factory about a year later.
A total of ₩100 billion was invested in this project, covering a site area of 8,750㎡ (approximately 2,650 pyeong) and a total floor area of 7,322㎡ (approximately 2,220 pyeong) which includes clean rooms and office facilities.
The production capacity is expected to reach 30,000 wafers annually, with full-scale operations planned to begin in 2026.
IQ Lab is characterized not only by producing its own products but also by offering foundry (contract manufacturing) services.
This has secured a base for producing SiC power semiconductors with all processes localized for the first time in Korea, which is expected to contribute significantly to the independence of the domestic power semiconductor industry currently reliant on imports for over 90% of its needs.
Cultivating local talent and creating jobs
By relocating to Busan, IQ Lab is focusing on recruiting young local talent and expanding industry-academia cooperation.
In collaboration with high schools and universities in Busan and Gyeongnam, they aim to hire over 200 new employees from among graduates, thereby creating excellent job opportunities. Additionally, they are establishing a site campus for power semiconductor RISE on one floor of the office building to contribute to talent development, enhanced industry-academia collaboration, and the establishment of a local cluster model.
These activities are expected to go beyond corporate growth and lead to the development of local talent and the creation of youth jobs, becoming a model case of coexistence with the local community.
Industrial significance and the strategy of Busan
The global power semiconductor market is showing an annual growth of over 7% and is emerging as a key component for next-generation industries such as electric vehicles, energy storage devices, and smart grids. However, currently, American and European companies dominate this market, making it urgent for domestic companies to secure competitiveness.
The completion of IQ Lab is linked to Busan's ongoing power semiconductor commercialization project initiated in 2016, the designation of a special complex for semiconductor materials and parts in 2023, and the designation of a special opportunity development district in 2024. These movements have substantial significance as they lay an important foundation for Busan to grow into a global power semiconductor hub.
This development is expected to provide a new turning point for Korea's power semiconductor industry.
Conclusion – Busan as a hub city for next-generation power semiconductors
The headquarters and production facilities of IQ Lab have been newly completed. This is not just a relocation of a company, but an important opportunity for Busan to grow into a central city in the global power semiconductor industry.
With the completion of this facility, Busan is poised to solidify its position as a global semiconductor city where young talent and innovative technologies converge.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Where is IQ Lab's 8-inch SiC power semiconductor production facility located?
IQ Lab's production facility is located in the Southeastern Radiation Medical Science Industrial Complex in Jang'an-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan.
The headquarters and production facility of IQ Lab have been newly completed in the Southeastern Radiation Medical Science Industrial Complex in Jang'an-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan. This facility not only boasts the first 8-inch SiC (silicon carbide) full-process production line in Korea but also in all of Asia, and it will serve as a stepping stone for Busan to leap as a central hub for next-generation power semiconductors.
Q. What are the main size and features of the IQ Lab production facility?
A site area of 8,750㎡, a total floor area of 7,322㎡ including clean rooms and office facilities, with an annual production capacity of 30,000 wafers.
The IQ Lab production facility was created on a site area of 8,750㎡ (approximately 2,650 pyeong) with a total floor area of 7,322㎡ (approximately 2,220 pyeong) and consists of clean rooms and office buildings. A total of ₩100 billion has been invested, with plans to produce approximately 30,000 8-inch SiC power semiconductor wafers annually starting from 2026. In addition to producing its own products, the facility will also provide foundry (contract manufacturing) services.
Q. What impact does the establishment of IQ Lab have on the Busan region?
It will significantly contribute to talent development and job creation by hiring more than 200 local youth and expanding industry-academia cooperation.
IQ Lab has partnered with high schools and universities in Busan and Gyeongnam to hire over 200 new young talents, and has set up a power semiconductor RISE on-site campus within the office building to strengthen industry-academia cooperation and talent development. This is expected to create a local cluster model and lead to job creation for youth, establishing a model case for coexistence with the local community.
Q. What industrial significance does this IQ Lab facility completion hold for the city of Busan?
It serves as a catalyst for Busan to leap forward as a global power semiconductor hub in conjunction with the commercialization of power semiconductors and the designation of specialized complexes.
The completion of IQ Lab is closely connected to Busan city's efforts to promote the commercialization of power semiconductors since 2016 and to the designations of a special complex for semiconductor materials and parts in 2023, and a special opportunity development district in 2024. Through this, Busan has laid a crucial foundation for enhancing competitiveness in the global power semiconductor market and for growing into a vital city in the key components of next-generation industries.
Q. When is the IQ Lab production facility expected to fully operate?
Full-scale production of 8-inch SiC power semiconductors is planned to start in 2026.
The IQ Lab production facility, which began construction in June 2024, was completed in about a year, and full-scale operations are expected to begin in 2026. This facility is equipped to produce around 30,000 wafers annually and is expected to significantly contribute to the independence of the domestic power semiconductor industry by providing both self-produced products and foundry services.
