South Korea’s plan to establish a major semiconductor production base in the southwest is taking shape, but officials and industry experts say its success will depend on timely access to power, water, permits, talent and supplier networks. The issues were discussed at the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special Metropolitan City Semiconductor and AI Transformation Global Forum at the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce. Dennis Bloch, counselor for economic affairs at the German Embassy in Seoul, said the region should build research, supplier and workforce networks alongside new fabs to remain competitive over the long term, drawing on his experience of Silicon Saxony.