Ministry of Trade Industry and Resources

Merck, a global chemical company based in Germany, held an opening ceremony on October 29, 2026, for its Asia-Pacific Bioprocessing Production Center in the Dungok district of Daejeon’s International Science Business Belt.

The center represents Merck’s largest life science investment in the Asia-Pacific region. Merck plans to use the facility as a key hub to produce raw materials and supplies for biopharmaceutical manufacturing in Korea, including cell culture media and process liquids, for supply to Korean customers and export to the Asia-Pacific region. The center is also expected to contribute significantly to the local economy by employing approximately 300 people by 2028.

In May 2023, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR, Minister JK Kim) and Daejeon Metropolitan City signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding (MOU) on investment cooperation with Merck. They provided close support from the early stages of the investment, including identifying a site, securing permits and resolving business difficulties, making the project a successful example of attracting foreign investment. With this support, Merck recognized the growth potential of Korea’s bioindustry and decided to invest in the Asia-Pacific Bioprocessing Production Center to establish a supply chain hub for the region.

Founded in 1668, Merck is a leading company in life science, healthcare, and electronic materials. It entered Korea in 1989 and now employs more than 1,900 people in the country. In life science, Merck has supported process development, provided technical assistance, and produced raw materials and supplies on a small scale for Korean biotech companies through its M Lab Collaboration Center and Life Science Operations Headquarters, both in Songdo.

In his congratulatory remarks, Minister for Trade Park Jung-sung described the project as “a significant investment that further broadens economic cooperation between Korea and Germany.” He added, “The opening is particularly meaningful as it coincides with the German Chancellor’s visit to Korea and the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2026).” He also said, “I hope Merck will further develop its biotech business in Korea through the Bioprocessing Production Center and, as a foreign-invested company, continue to create new opportunities for growth together with Korea.”

Approximately 250 people attended the ceremony, including Minister Park, Heo Tae-jeong, Mayor of Daejeon Metropolitan City, National Assembly member Hwang Jung-a, and other government officials; Johannes Baillou, Chairman of the Executive Board of E. Merck KG, and Jean-Charles Wirth, CEO of Merck’s Life Science business; and representatives of relevant companies and institutions.