The government drives AI data centers strategy as President Lee Jae Myung met OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in Seoul. The talks focused on Korea’s ambition to become a leading AI hub in the Asia-Pacific region. Lee emphasized national security, technological sovereignty, and strategic AI leadership.
High-profile industry leaders joined the meeting, including Samsung Electronics Chair Lee Jae-yong and SK Group Chair Chey Tae-won. Their involvement highlighted government-industry collaboration as central to Korea’s AI policy. Altman praised the country’s proactive AI adoption and pledged to support the government’s strategic vision.
Under the new plan, AI data centers strategy will include two major facilities in regional locations. Samsung will lead a 20-megawatt data center in Pohang, while SK hynix will build another 20-megawatt center in South Jeolla Province. These sites reflect the administration’s aim to decentralize technology infrastructure beyond Seoul, reducing regional disparities.
The Science Ministry signed a nonbinding agreement with OpenAI to accelerate AI innovation and foster startups nationwide. Government officials stressed that AI adoption in public services will drive long-term economic growth and enhance Korea’s global competitiveness.
Furthermore, the administration unveiled an “AI expressway” initiative to link national AI infrastructure. Kim Yong-beom, policy director at the presidential office, explained that the network will strengthen research capabilities, increase data processing efficiency, and secure Korea’s technological independence. The plan also aims to mitigate risks of AI concentration in foreign-controlled centers.
International cooperation forms a key part of the government’s AI data centers strategy. Amazon Web Services partnered with SK to build another AI hub, and Google has begun preliminary discussions with Seoul. Officials see these partnerships as critical to ensuring Korea remains a central player in global AI governance.
President Lee stressed that Korea must target a top-three global AI position. The government also considers revising regulations on industrial and financial capital separation to encourage strategic investment in technology projects. This move could increase corporate participation in national AI initiatives and strengthen policy alignment.
In conclusion, Altman expressed strong support for the government’s approach, noting that Korea offers a favorable policy environment and a skilled workforce. With AI tools like ChatGPT experiencing rapid adoption, the data centers will reinforce Korea’s capacity to shape global AI development.
