Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Groundbreaking Ceremony for Amkor Korea’s New Test Facility in Incheon

Kang Gam-chan, Director General for Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Amkor Korea’s new test facility at the company’s Songdo site in Incheon on Wednesday, November 19.   He joined Kevin Engel, COO of Amkor Technology; Yun Won-sok, Commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority; and representatives from partner companies including Samsung Electronics for the groundbreaking performance, and then toured the facility.   In his congratulatory remarks, Director General Kang expressed gratitude for Amkor’s decision to invest in Korea despite intensifying global competition in the semiconductor sector. He added that the Korean government will work to ensure that investment commitments made during APEC proceed without delay by expanding cash-grant support, strengthening location and tax incentives, and improving regulatory frameworks. date2025-11-21

Amkor Korea Launches Investment in High-Tech Semiconductor Packaging and Testing

Kang Gam-chan, Director General for Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Amkor Technology Korea’s new semiconductor test facility in Songdo, Incheon, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.  Amkor Technology traces its origins to Anam Industrial, Korea’s first company to enter the semiconductor industry in 1968. After overcoming the 1997 Asian financial crisis through investment from the U.S., the company has grown into a leading global specialist in semiconductor packaging and testing technologies. Amkor Korea plans to build three production lines and install new equipment to secure mass-production packaging capabilities and testing technologies for AI semiconductors. The company also aims to expand cooperation with domestic semiconductor materials, parts, and equipment suppliers to strengthen Korea’s AI semiconductor ecosystem. This groundbreaking is particularly meaningful as it represents a tangible outcome less than one month after global companies announced investment plans at the “Global Investor Partnership” event during APEC 2025 on October 29. Following the Songdo facility expansion, Amkor Technology plans to pursue additional investment in its packaging plant in Gwangju, contributing to balanced regional development. In his congratulatory remarks, Director General Kang thanked Amkor for its bold decision to invest in Korea amid intensifying global competition for semiconductor leadership. He stated, “We hope Amkor Korea’s investment will signal further investment expansion by global companies in Korea.” He emphasized that “the Korean government will ensure that the investment commitments made by global companies during APEC are implemented smoothly by expanding cash-grant support, strengthening location and taxation incentives, and improving regulatory frameworks.” date2025-11-20

Graphene Square Opens Pohang Plant, Advancing Graphene Commercialization and Regional Growth

The opening ceremony for Graphene Square’s new Pohang plant—one of the region’s key relocated enterprises—was held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Graphene Square is the world’s first company to commercialize mass-synthesis technology for graphene and apply it to real-world products. Using its chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-based graphene synthesis technology, the company is a global leader in large-scale production and commercialization of high-quality graphene. The newly completed Pohang plant establishes the world’s first mass-production system for CVD graphene films, with an annual production capacity of 300,000 square meters. This marks a major starting point for full-scale graphene commercialization. It is also expected to serve as an important milestone in Korea’s balanced national development, positioning Pohang—designated in August 2025 as an Industrial Crisis Response Area—as a rising hub for the graphene industry alongside steel. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) has consistently supported the graphene industry by providing R&D assistance for graphene-related technologies and by designating Graphene Square’s technology as an “advanced technology” under the Act on Prevention of Divulgence and Protection of Industrial Technology in September 2025. MOTIR also supported the establishment of the Pohang plant by providing Local Investment Promotion Subsidies, aiding Pohang’s efforts to attract the facility. In his congratulatory remarks, Kim Seong-yeol, Director General for Industrial Infrastructure at MOTIR, stated, "Graphene is a core material that will determine competitiveness in high-tech industries. The government will continue to support the graphene industry through various measures such as identifying new applications and improving regulatory conditions.” He added, “Attracting the graphene plant to Pohang demonstrates that regions outside the Seoul metropolitan area can secure major high-tech industries, providing a successful model for balanced national development that goes beyond simple regional parity to enable genuine regional growth. Building on the ‘Five Mega-Regions and Three Special Self-Governing Provinces’ strategy, we will continue to create a favorable investment environment by improving infrastructure and living conditions, expanding local investment subsidies, and supporting regional efforts to attract innovative companies.” date2025-11-18

K-Mobility Drives the Future of Innovation

Korea’s Prime Minister Kim Min-seok visited Kia’s Hwaseong plant on November 14, 2025, to commemorate the new EVO Plant facilities and chair the first Future Mobility Industry Strategy Dialogue. Although the Korea–U.S. tariff agreement lowered auto and parts tariffs to 15 percent and eased market uncertainty, the automotive industry continues to face major challenges, including intensifying global competition in AI-based autonomous driving, maintaining domestic manufacturing capabilities, achieving carbon neutrality, transforming the parts ecosystem, and diversifying export markets. To advance Korea’s automotive sector, the government unveiled the K-Mobility Global Leadership Strategy with the following key elements: 1.    Overcoming U.S. Tariff Challenges – To ease the remaining burden on exporters despite the tariff reduction, the government will expand policy finance to over KRW 15 trillion in 2026 and apply tariff quotas to raw materials used for vehicle and parts production. Korea will also boost EV subsidies to KRW 936 billion in 2026 (up from KRW 715 billion in 2025) and launch a new financing program for transport operators adopting electric and hydrogen buses.  2.    Establishing the K-Mobility Mother Factory – In response to global protectionism and Korean companies’ overseas market expansion, the government will strengthen policy support to maintain domestic production at over 4 million vehicles and enhance manufacturing quality. It will also restructure the incentive framework for production, investment, and R&D in eco-friendly and advanced automotive components, provide up to KRW 1 million in additional EV transition incentives, and promote auto and parts workplace innovation through the HTC-Bootcamp. The government also aims to transition 70 percent of internal combustion engine (ICE) parts companies into future mobility suppliers, designate 200 specialized parts companies by 2030, advance Industrial GX R&D, and foster 70,000 future mobility specialists by 2033. 3.    Preparing for the AI Autonomous Era – Korea will scale up autonomous vehicle R&D to narrow the technology gap with the U.S. and China by 2030, develop an E2E-AI autonomous driving model by 2027, and establish standard platforms for Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) and AI-Defined Vehicles (AIDVs). The government aims to mass-produce autonomous vehicles by 2028 and will finalize all related legal and institutional improvements by 2026. Korea will also establish a comprehensive AI mobility testing complex to support real-world autonomous driving demonstrations in urban environments, develop guidelines for autonomous-driving data sharing, and prioritize regulatory improvements, such as permitting the use of original video data, easing temporary operation-zone restrictions, and expanding pilot zones. 4.    Expanding K-Future Mobility Globally – To accelerate global expansion, the government will strengthen market development across seven high-potential countries. Domestically, it will establish a KRW 50 billion Future Mobility Industrial Technology Innovation Fund and leverage the National Growth Fund. Korea will further enhance regional competitiveness through industry–academia–research clusters, supporting the global growth of its future mobility industry. date2025-11-14

ASML Hwaseong Campus Opening Ceremony

Kang Gam-chan, Director General for Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, attended the “ASML Hwaseong Campus Opening Ceremony” on Wednesday, November 12, at the ASML Hwaseong Campus in Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do.  The event was joined by ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet , Dutch Ambassador to Korea Peter van der Vliet, as well as representatives from local governments, related institutions, and companies. After delivering opening remarks, Director General Kang participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the campus.   Director General Kang emphasized the importance of foreign investment to Korea’s economic innovation and growth, noting that the government will continue to improve the investment environment through expanded cash grants, enhanced location and tax incentives, and regulatory improvements. He added that close coordination among local and central governments and partner countries is essential for advancing Korea’s semiconductor industry, expressing hope that Korea–Netherlands cooperation and investment will continue to deepen. date2025-11-14

Korea’s Bioindustry Sees Growth in 2024: Production Up 9.8%, Exports Up 17.1%, Investment Up 46.1%

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) and the Korea Biotechnology Industry Organization (KoreaBIO, President Ko Hansung) announced the results of the 2025 Bioindustry Survey (Based on 2024 Data), which covers the status of production, trade, employment, and investment in Korea’s bioindustry. Conducted in accordance with Article 3 of the Statistics Act, the survey is a national statistical report released annually by MOTIR through KoreaBIO, based on the previous year’s bioindustry performance. As biotechnology expands beyond pharmaceuticals and food into broader industrial applications and daily life, ushering in the era of the bioeconomy, this survey provides valuable insight into the scale of Korea’s biotechnology-based economy. According to the findings, Korea’s bioindustry production reached KRW 22.9 trillion, marking a 9.8 percent increase from the previous year and signaling a recovery in growth. Bioindustry exports rose 17.1 percent year-on-year, driven by increased shipments of major products such as antibody drugs and biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing (CMO) services, boosting overall production. Total investment also surged 46.1 percent, with R&D spending up 3.2 percent and large-scale facility investment up 145.3 percent. Choi Woo-hyuk, Director General for Advanced Industry Policy at MOTIR, stated, “Despite ongoing uncertainty in the global trade environment, Korea’s bioindustry is regaining momentum. We will continue to strengthen support for companies’ efforts in research and development, production, and export expansion so that the bioindustry can contribute more to the Korean economy and employment.” date2025-11-13

K-Fashion, Food, and Beauty Industries to Drive the Next Phase of K-Exports

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo visited MUSINSA Standard Seongsu, a leading K-fashion retailer, on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, to examine the current status of K-fashion exports. He also held a roundtable with representatives from major retail and distribution companies, including MUSINSA, Delivered Korea, Coupang, CJ Olive Young, and Kurly, to discuss industry challenges and strategies for expanding exports of K-consumer goods. The visit and discussions were organized to explore ways to expand consumer goods exports through established retail platforms amid the global rise of K-culture and growing demand for K-consumer products. MOTIR plans to strengthen support to foster K-consumer goods industries as new export growth engines. First, the ministry will promote premium branding of K-consumer goods by enhancing marketing efforts linked to the Korean Wave. It plans to expand promotional opportunities through major events such as K-pop concerts and the Korea Brand & Entertainment Expo (KBEE) while allowing trend-setting retail platforms to take the lead in planning and executing marketing initiatives. Second, MOTIR will address export challenges related to logistics, certification, and intellectual property rights. In cooperation with KOTRA’s overseas trade offices, the ministry will provide tailored logistics infrastructure for consumer goods and expand consulting and information services on foreign certifications, such as halal standards. Lastly, the ministry will support the expansion of cross-border direct-to-consumer (D2C) exports through online platforms. It aims to help Korean retailers grow into global platforms by supporting the establishment and promotion of global online malls, partnerships with local logistics providers, and customs clearance and certification procedures. Trade Minister Yeo stated, “Our retail platforms serve as a key bridge connecting K-consumer goods with overseas consumers. As capable Korean retailers expand globally, more products from Korean SMEs are reaching customers worldwide. To further establish K-exports as a new growth engine, MOTIR will incorporate today’s discussions into the upcoming ‘Plan to Expand Exports of K-Consumer Goods Linked to the Korean Wave,’ which will be announced by the end of the year. date2025-11-13

ASML Completes Hwaseong Campus, Strengthening Cooperation in Advanced Semiconductor Technology

Kang Gam-chan, Director General for Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim), attended ASML’s “Hwaseong Campus Opening Ceremony” held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, in Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do. ASML, a leading global semiconductor equipment company based in the Netherlands, exclusively manufactures extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment—which is essential for ultra-fine semiconductor processing—and supplies it to major companies worldwide, including Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and TSMC. The newly completed ASML Hwaseong Campus serves as the company’s key hub in Asia, integrating a remanufacturing center for advanced equipment components such as DUV and EUV lithography systems, along with a training center for advanced technology transfer. The campus is expected to enhance supply chain stability for Korea’s semiconductor industry and support technological localization. Furthermore, ASML plans to use the campus to strengthen technical cooperation and knowledge exchange with Korean semiconductor firms such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, while building an ecosystem linking Korea’s materials, parts, and equipment companies—thereby advancing a mutually beneficial cooperation model with Korea’s semiconductor industry. In his congratulatory remarks, Director General Kang emphasized that “foreign investment is a key driver of Korea’s economic innovation and growth.” He added, “The government will continue to foster a favorable investment environment for global companies by expanding cash grants, enhancing location-based and tax incentives, and improving regulations.” He further noted, “Close cooperation among local governments, the central government, and partner countries is crucial for advancing Korea’s semiconductor industry. Today’s opening ceremony is an excellent example of such collaboration.” He concluded, “I hope that cooperation and investment in the semiconductor industry between Korea and the Netherlands will continue to deepen going forward. date2025-11-13

Vice Minister Moon Attends Launch of K-Quantum Industry Alliance

Vice Minister Moon Shin-hak of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources attended the launch ceremony of the K-Quantum Industry Alliance held on Wednesday, November 5, at Lotte Hotel Seoul. The event was attended by Rep. Lee Eon-ju; Kang Kyung Sung, President of KOTRA; Chun Yoonjong, President of the Korea Planning & Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology; Min Byungjoo, President of the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology; and representatives from quantum technology suppliers and user companies, universities, research institutes, financial institutions, and support organizations. After delivering congratulatory remarks, Vice Minister Moon took part in an MOU signing ceremony to promote the industrialization of quantum technology. date2025-11-10

Korea and Australia Launch Joint Project to Strengthen Supply Chain Capabilities in Developing Countries

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) announced that it will jointly implement the IMPACT Project (Supply Chain Identification, Monitoring, Preparation and Action Capability Training Project) with the Australian government to enhance supply chain crisis response capabilities in developing countries across the Indo-Pacific region.   As the chair of the Crisis Response Network (CRN) under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), Korea successfully hosted a supply chain crisis response simulation exercise in Seoul in October 2025. Building on that achievement, MOTIR is expanding regional supply chain cooperation through the IMPACT Project, which has been co-developed with the Australian government since June 2024. Recognizing the need to strengthen developing countries’ supply chain capabilities during IPEF negotiations, Korea and Australia secured the necessary funding through close consultations and developed a training program to improve practical crisis response capacity across the region.   The IMPACT Project consists of three stages: (1) preliminary assessment of national supply chain capabilities, (2) local training, and (3) evaluation and follow-up measures. The local training sessions will offer practical education tailored to each country’s priorities, based on training materials jointly developed by Korea and Australia. Topics include identifying key supply chains, data-driven management, governance frameworks, and disruption response. Starting with Indonesia and Thailand, MOTIR plans to provide tailored local training programs to a total of seven IPEF member countries—including Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, and Fiji—by the end of 2026, helping to enhance their supply chain management and crisis response capabilities. Lee Jae-keun, Director General for New Trade Strategy and Policy at MOTIR, stated, “Following the recent crisis response simulation under the IPEF network, the IMPACT Project will serve as a practical follow-up initiative to strengthen developing countries’ operational capabilities and further stabilize regional supply chains. As supply chain resilience in critical minerals and high-tech industries has become a global priority, this project will reinforce Korea’s role as a key partner in regional cooperation.” date2025-11-10