○ Secondary batteries are devices that can be repeatedly used via charging and discharging, converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Their use has been increasing due to the expansion of their applications, such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems, and the transition of worldwide policies toward carbon neutrality and the digital economy. In particular, the global secondary battery market is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 11%, reaching $136.3 billion by 2024, due to stricter regulations aimed at carbon neutrality and shifting consumer and investor preferences.

​○ ​Against this backdrop, Jeollabuk-do has emerged as a central hub for the secondary battery industry. With companies specializing in elecfoil, electrolytes, supercapacitors, and recycling, the province has the world's highest secondary battery standards. Jeollabuk-do has made significant investments in secondary battery companies over the past three years, and firms specializing in secondary battery materials are becoming more concentrated in the region. For instance, the number of secondary battery companies and investments in the province have increased by around 5.6 and 52 times, from 7 and 137 billion won in 2019 to 39 and 7 trillion won in 2023, respectively.

​○ ​Along with the increasing importance of the secondary battery industry and its rapid market growth, the government has designated secondary batteries as an advanced strategic technology in the First Basic Plan for the ‘Promotion of the National Advanced Strategic Industry (2023-2027)’ and designated key hubs as “Specialized Complex” to provide concentrated support for advanced industries. Saemangeum in Jeollabuk-dofor synthesizing battery precursor materials and strengthening the domestic supply chain, Pohang in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Cheongju in Chungcheongbuk-do, and Ulsan have been designated as specialized complex for secondary batteries to complete the whole value chain and meet future needs. The Saemangeum Secondary Battery Specialized Complex plans to establish a domestic supply chain in the Saemangeum National Industrial Complex (Zones 1, 2, 5, and 6) through the production of battery precursor materials (enough for 8 million electric vehicles annually), centered around three leading companies chosen throngh patent analysis in the three major advanced strategic technology fields: LG Chem, SK Innovation, and Seongil Hi-tech Inc.

​○ ​The designation of Saemangeum as a Secondary Battery Specialized Complex not only secures a new growth driver to guarantee leadership in the global secondary battery market and expands its role as a hub for the future secondary battery industry. It also generates regional growth momentum for balanced regional development and creates a stable supply chain of battery materials through a circular economy of four main secondary battery materials and waste batteries. In particular, a production value of 65.2 trillion and 315.2 billion won and a value-added worth of 19.7 trillion and 942 billion won are expected solely in the Jeollabuk-do region through comprehensive government benefit support, attracting companies and investment, and the acceleration of innovative corporate growth in the specialized zone.

​○ ​To develop its role and function as a global hub for the secondary battery industry, Jeollabuk-do should prepare the groundwork for fostering new industries through specific strategies for expanding the secondary battery industry ecosystem and securing super-gap technology and explore various linked businesses. Additionally, it must strive to establish support networks to ensure the competitiveness of the secondary battery industry in Jeollabuk-do, such as financial investment support, location acquisition, tax deductions, and business commercialization support. Moreover, it should increase infrastructure to grow the Secondary Battery Specialized Complex, such as the integration of renewable energy generation complexes with green hydrogen production clusters, wastewater treatment facilities, and power supply networks. A seamless progression of SOC businesses like Saemangeum Tri-port (airport, seaport, and railway) is required to create a global supply base for secondary battery materials and to complete the domestic value chain of secondary batteries.