Analysis-Power, water needs test South Korea's push to build AI chip hub beyond Seoul

South Korea is planning a $540 billion semiconductor hub in its southwest region by 2030, but faces major infrastructure obstacles: the four planned chip fabs would require 70-80% of current regional electricity consumption, and the complex needs 650,000 metric tons of water daily. Local residents are opposing new power transmission lines, nuclear reactors, and dam raises, citing lack of consultation and past infrastructure failures.

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