Samsung is expanding its semiconductor manufacturing operations in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, with three fabrication plants already operating around the clock and a fourth set to come online.
Construction of a fifth was paused in 2024 due to reduced demand but resumed with the AI boom. The site, located in a farming city south of Seoul, spans an area about the size of New York City’s Central Park.
Workers, dressed in black with sky-blue vests, move through the campus, some riding scooters or motorcycles. They take lunch breaks at buffets and beef stew joints, with many inquiring about short-term studio apartment leases. The site also features real estate offices where Samsung engineers and workers alike can purchase homes.
Choi Hye-rin, a 35-year-old safety officer, oversees a crew building cable ducts. She reports that safety is a top priority, with banners and LED displays promoting caution and a sense of urgency. Samsung predicts continued growth in memory chip demand through 2028, aiming to reclaim its lead in the market.
"The rate here is higher than other construction sites, and the work is relatively easy," said Hye-rin. She earns 140,000 won ($97) per day and expects the boom to keep her busy for some time: "You just keep coming back."
The expansion comes as Samsung seeks to regain its position in the global memory chip market, where its rival SK Hynix has gained ground. Samsung did not specify its exact strategy for reclaiming its lead but emphasized the importance of the AI-driven demand.
Source: mittr
