South Korea launches national AI computing center in Haenam

South Korea has officially broken ground on its National AI Computing Center in Haenam, South Jeolla Province, a significant step towards bolstering its artificial intelligence capabilities. The Ministry of Science and ICT announced the commencement of construction, aiming to establish a world-class facility that provides high-performance AI computing resources to domestic industries, academia, and research institutions at reasonable prices.

The ambitious project plans to deploy 15,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) by 2028. This substantial computing power is intended to fuel AI research and development across the nation. Simultaneously, the initiative will focus on promoting domestic AI semiconductor technologies, thereby nurturing the growth of South Korea's AI ecosystem. The center is envisioned as a key component of the nation's "AI superhighway."

The Korea AI Computing Center Inc. (KOACC), a special purpose company established in June, is spearheading the project. KOACC is a joint venture between the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Financial Services Commission's National Growth Fund, and the private sector consortium led by Samsung SDS. KOACC has already begun preparations for essential infrastructure, including securing power and water supply, and plans to offer partial AI computing resources through Samsung SDS data centers as early as 2027, even before the center's full completion.

"Through the National AI Computing Center, the government and private sector will work together to secure advanced GPUs and promote domestic AI semiconductors," stated Bae Kyong-hoon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT. "This will contribute to securing full-stack AI competitiveness and establish South Korea as an AI infrastructure hub in Asia."

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Through the National AI Computing Center, the government and private sector will work together to secure advanced GPUs and promote domestic AI semiconductors. This will contribute to securing full-stack AI competitiveness and establish South Korea as an AI infrastructure hub in Asia.