Samsung Electronics is changing the planned use of its NRD-K 2 production line at the Giheung campus, converting it from an R&D facility into a wafer foundry line, according to South Korean outlet ZDNet Korea. The line will chiefly target 2nm base chips needed for Nvidia's HBM products, and is expected to come online in the second half of 2028 under a 「Send-Fab」 model, receiving wafers from other mass-production lines and handling specific processes. NRD-K is Samsung's most advanced compound R&D campus, built to secure future semiconductor technology, with total investment of roughly 20 trillion Korean won and three planned lines; the first was completed at the end of 2024. The adjustment is meant to get ahead of HBM demand growth driven by AI infrastructure spending, and Samsung plans to apply 2nm technology first to custom HBM and HBM5 to hold its performance edge. Industry insiders say the NRD-K 2 line is relatively small, well suited to Send-Fab operations, but with about two years until launch its final use could still change with market conditions. Samsung had previously weighed DRAM production for the line; after those plans were revised this month, DRAM output will be concentrated more at the Pyeongtaek campus. Equipment purchase orders have not yet been formally issued.
Samsung Converts Giheung NRD-K Line 2 to Foundry Use
Samsung Electronics is changing the original purpose of its NRD-K 2 production line at the Giheung campus, turning it from an R&D facility into a wafer foundry line, according to South Korean media outlet ZDNet Korea. The primary target is the 2nm base chip required for Nvidia's HBM products.
The line is expected to begin operations in the second half of 2028. It will adopt a 「Send-Fab」 model, in which the line receives wafers from other mass-production lines and handles specific foundry processes.
NRD-K: A 20 Trillion Won R&D Complex
NRD-K is the most advanced compound R&D campus Samsung has built to secure future semiconductor technology. Total investment comes to around 20 trillion Korean won, and three production lines are planned. The first line was completed at the end of 2024.
The change is designed to respond in advance to expanding HBM demand driven by AI infrastructure investment. Samsung plans to apply its 2nm process first to custom HBM and HBM5, keeping its performance advantage intact.
Small Line, Flexible Plans
Industry insiders note that the NRD-K 2 line is relatively small, which makes it suitable for operating in Send-Fab form. Still, with about two years left before the line goes live, its final use could be revised again depending on market conditions.
Samsung had previously considered using the line for DRAM production. After those plans were modified this month, DRAM capacity will be concentrated more heavily at the Pyeongtaek campus. Equipment purchase orders have not yet been formally issued.
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