Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Manufacturers take steps to prevent damage from Typhoon Khanun
Samsung Electronics' semiconductor plant in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics
By Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
Samsung Electronics, SK hynix and other large manufacturers are taking comprehensive measures to prepare for the potential impact of Typhoon Khanun, which is forecast to affect the Korean Peninsula, Wednesday and Thursday, company officials said, Tuesday.
Samsung Electronics and SK hynix's typhoon preparation steps come as Taiwan's TSMC, the world's leading semiconductor foundry, recently activated emergency protocol measures to protect its facilities from typhoon damage. This has prompted calls for domestic semiconductor manufacturers to establish robust typhoon response strategies.
TSMC has maintained a 24-hour emergency response system across all semiconductor facilities in Taiwan, aiming to prevent typhoon-related disruptions.
Semiconductor fabs face significant challenges if production processes are disrupted, as issues can cascade through various stages, often resulting in the disposal of wafers in progress. Consequently, fabs require extensive safety measures, including maintaining optimal temperatures and implementing dust and wind protection from the design phase.
“We are keeping a close eye on the matter,” a Samsung Electronics official said.
Samsung Electronics has fortified its fabs against strong winds by planting windbreaks around the facilities, which also act as barriers against dust and wind infiltration.
The chipmaker also completed inspections of its Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), ensuring seamless fab operations during power outages or fires. UPS units store power and supply it steadily to ensure stable fab functioning.
SK hynix semiconductor plant in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of SK hynix
SK hynix is also operating an emergency response system for swift responses to potential threats.
In the face of natural disasters such as typhoons or accidents disrupting external power supply, customized power supply systems are activated to ensure consistent currents and power to the fabs, tailored to equipment specifications.
Sensitive equipment, like photolithography tools used for circuit creation on wafers or measurement instruments (MI) for semiconductor chips, is mounted on anti-vibration platforms to mitigate tremors caused by earthquakes and strong winds.
“SK hynix is diligently preparing for potential risks through rigorous monitoring using an emergency response system to ensure stable fab operations,” an SK hynix official said.
Hyundai Steel's Pohang Plant, along with other businesses within the Pohang Steel Industrial Complex, have established individual response systems, such as water pumps and sandbags.
"We are preparing for this typhoon by inspecting pre-existing facilities and establishing emergency communication networks. Meanwhile, at the Pohang plant, new barricades are being installed to ensure thorough prevention of typhoon damage,” a Hyundai Steel official said.
POSCO, whose Pohang plant suffered major damage from Typhoon Hinnamnor last September, is taking extra precautionary measures, according to the company, Tuesday.
POSCO says it is implementing comprehensive inspections of precautionary measures and setting up drainage channels, installing submersible pumps in locations at risk of flooding, and setting up sandbags, speed bumps, and water-blocking hoses.