ASML Opens New Semiconductor HQ in Gyeonggi to Boost Korean Collaboration

Leading Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML has completed construction of its new semiconductor campus, named the New Campus, located in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. This 16,000-square-meter facility is designed to strengthen cooperation between ASML and Korean semiconductor giants such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, reinforcing South Korea's position as a global semiconductor hub.

Strategic Location and Investment

The Hwaseong Campus represents a significant investment of approximately 240 billion won and sits within Dongtan 2 urban support facilities. It includes parts reuse and repair facilities, advanced education centers, and office buildings. The site is part of Gyeonggi Province's broader goal to establish a world-class semiconductor cluster, enhancing supply chain stability and talent development in the region.

Gyeonggi Province officials emphasized that the campus completion marks a milestone for the region's semiconductor industry, aligning with its ambitious investment attraction targets. The facility is expected to serve as a manufacturing and repair hub for ASML’s critical lithography systems, including extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and deep ultraviolet (DUV) machines essential in the chip fabrication process.

Enhancing Korean Semiconductor Industry Capabilities

ASML’s Hwaseong Campus will house a repair center dedicated to remanufacturing key semiconductor equipment and a training center to transfer advanced technologies to Korean engineers and technicians. This initiative aims to deepen technological exchanges and foster innovation collaboration, which is vital for maintaining leadership in semiconductor manufacturing.

Kang Gam-chan, Deputy Minister for Trade and Investment, highlighted the importance of international cooperation between governments and industry leaders such as ASML to advance South Korea’s semiconductor capabilities. He expressed optimism that the new facility would catalyze stronger technological partnerships and attract further foreign investment.

Global Significance of ASML

Founded in 1984 and currently headquartered in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, ASML is the world’s largest supplier of semiconductor lithography equipment. Its EUV lithography systems enable the printing of extremely fine circuit patterns on silicon wafers, a critical step for manufacturing cutting-edge microchips used in everything from smartphones to high-performance computing.

With approximately 44,000 employees worldwide and annual sales nearing 43 trillion won as of 2024, ASML plays a pivotal role in the global semiconductor supply chain. The Hwaseong Campus is part of its strategic expansion in Asia, complementing existing operations in South Korea, including locations in Icheon and Pyeongtaek.

Industry and Government Support

The completion ceremony was attended by key figures including ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet, ASML Korea CEO Choi Han-jong, and representatives from Gyeonggi Province and Hwaseong City. The event underscored the collaborative effort between the South Korean government, local authorities, and international industry leaders to fortify the semiconductor ecosystem.

ASML CEO Fouquet expressed gratitude for the support from Korean authorities and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to contributing to the growth of Korea’s semiconductor industry through this new facility.

As semiconductor demand continues to rise globally, this new ASML campus in Gyeonggi is poised to be a critical asset, supporting innovation, supply chain resilience, and workforce development in South Korea’s semiconductor sector.

Written by Deepak Periyasamy.

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