The Semicon Korea 2026 venue showcased an expansion phase created by AI demand and expectations for recovery in the memory market. At the same time, the exhibition revealed a structural change that strongly reflected the characteristics of a job fair beyond just technology promotion.
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Mar 25, 2026 11:33 PM
Semicon Korea, held in February 2026, was bustling with a larger scale than in previous years, driven by the recovery atmosphere in the memory market fueled by AI demand. As expectations for a rebound in the DRAM and NAND cycles grew, not only did the investment sentiment centered around Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix strengthen, but stock prices also rose very rapidly. It's not just the top two companies that are thriving. The long-discussed trickle-down effect from large corporations is actually taking place. Various domestic materials and parts companies are also seeing profits, and there is a vibrancy throughout the semiconductor market. Thanks to this, Semicon Korea had more booths and more visitors participating. Our company also sets up a booth every year, but this year, due to the high number of participating companies, we couldn't secure a spot in the main hall, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a position even further away from the main hall.
This year, as part of international exchanges with semiconductor-related companies from the Netherlands, we conducted an Innovation Trip during Semicon, visiting Korea to engage with various materials and parts companies and academic organizations. A separate exchange space was also set up on the second floor of COEX, and the attempt to create practical connections beyond just exhibitions was impressive. (AXELERA AI, which was introduced last time, also visited.)
Personally, the booth that impressed me the most was Hanmi Semiconductor. As a significant player in the TC bonder market, their exhibition setup was quite different from the typical 'equipment company booth' format. It seemed more focused on showcasing the brand rather than a product-centered approach. Perhaps it reflects their confidence that they don't need to promote their own equipment or technology.
There were many booths, but what stood out this year was that Semicon Korea felt more like a job fair than just a venue for exchanges in the semiconductor industry or technology promotion. If you've been in this industry for a long time, you probably know your competitors, customers, and partners in your sector quite well. Previous exhibitions seemed to serve as an opportunity for companies that hadn't interacted before to at least greet each other. However, this year, there were so many university students that you could really feel the semiconductor cycle returning. Most major equipment companies were also providing job counseling or fair roles. TEL even built a wall of exhibition height on the second floor, and there were so many job seekers lined up that they could circle around the wall.
This year's Semicon Korea felt a growing sense of expectation, even though participants and visitors had different feelings and directions. How long will the returning semiconductor cycle last this time? Will this enthusiasm become even hotter next year? As always, a blazing flame is bound to fade, but unfortunately, other industries in South Korea are on a downward slope. This flame must become brighter than ever and be an unquenchable fire.
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