South Korea Launches Mega AI Projects to Become Global Leader in Three Years

South Korea has unveiled an ambitious plan to invest heavily in its artificial intelligence sector, aiming to become a global leader within three years. The government announced a large-scale investment initiative on June 29, 2026, focusing on three key areas: AI semiconductors, physical AI, and AI data centers.

This "Korea's Great Leap 3 Mega-Projects" initiative seeks to foster a robust AI industry ecosystem and secure global competitiveness. The country already holds a strong position in AI semiconductors, with companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix producing crucial components such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and DRAM. The government intends to further enhance this lead with increased investment.

The plan also prioritizes AI data centers, targeting the acquisition of 18.4 gigawatts (GW) of computing power with substantial financial backing. However, the government identifies physical AI as the next frontier, poised to bring transformative changes to industry and daily life. With the global landscape for physical AI still undefined, South Korea aims to seize this opportunity to emerge as a dominant force in AI robotics.