韩国芯片模式走到尽头，学者呼吁

Core Viewpoint - The success model of the South Korean semiconductor industry has reached its limit, primarily due to its long-standing focus on memory chips, which makes it vulnerable to crises like that of Samsung Electronics. A new ecosystem-centered strategy is needed, similar to Taiwan's semiconductor ecosystem led by TSMC [1][2]. Group 1: Structural Challenges - The South Korean semiconductor industry is facing a structural crisis, necessitating a shift from a memory-centric model to a more diversified ecosystem that includes IC design, wafer foundry, and packaging/testing [1]. - The lack of a leading wafer foundry has resulted in slow growth for IC design and backend industries in South Korea [1]. Group 2: Comparison with Taiwan - Taiwan's semiconductor ecosystem, centered around TSMC, includes a balanced investment in small and medium-sized IC design, packaging, materials, and equipment companies, making it a global semiconductor hub [1]. - The concentrated strategy that allowed South Korea to dominate the memory sector has now reached its limits, while Taiwan's balanced approach has proven more effective [1]. Group 3: Importance of Wafer Foundries - Strengthening the semiconductor ecosystem hinges on the development of wafer foundries. Supporting these foundries will enable IC design companies to find reliable mass production partners, which will subsequently foster growth in the backend ecosystem [2]. - South Korea must develop Samsung's wafer foundry business to compete with TSMC and also support smaller foundries like DB HiTek [2]. Group 4: Talent Development Issues - There is a significant issue with talent cultivation in the semiconductor field, as many students are drawn to medical and dental schools due to higher salary prospects, leading to a shortage of engineering talent [2]. - The salary gap is a primary reason for this trend, as U.S. engineers receive stock options that provide compensation comparable to that of doctors, while South Korean engineers lack similar incentives [2].