Construction is in full swing at the site of the SK AI Data Center in the Ulsan Mipo Industrial Complex, where dozens of workers and heavy machinery are actively working on the foundation. The project, a collaboration between SK Group and Amazon Web Services (AWS), is set to become South Korea’s largest AI-focused data centre once completed in 2027.
According to a report by a common source, the data centre site spans over 66,000 square metres (more than 20,000 pyeong) and will feature a five-storey building rising 47.7 metres above ground. When completed, the Ulsan facility will be capable of housing up to 60,000 graphics processing units (GPUs), which is over 60 times the capacity of SK Telecom’s existing Haein cluster, currently operating with around 1,000 GPUs.
A key highlight of the SK AI Data Center is its focus on cooling efficiency. Unlike traditional server facilities, this centre is designed to operate CPUs, GPUs, and MPUs simultaneously, requiring an entirely new power and cooling infrastructure. High-performance processors used in AI systems produce more than 10 times the heat and power consumption of conventional CPU-based setups, making advanced cooling systems essential.
To address this, SK has introduced a hybrid cooling solution combining air and liquid cooling technologies. The Ulsan data centre features direct liquid cooling (DLC), where a coolant circulates directly over the chips inside servers. This process ensures direct contact with heat-generating components such as GPUs and CPUs, maintaining precise temperature control and a stable environment for AI training operations.
“The DLC method precisely controls chip temperatures, ensuring a stable training environment,” said an on-site manager from SK ecoplant, who also noted that the company is leveraging synergies among its affiliates to build a stable and reliable power supply network.
AWS has also made a significant commitment to the project. The report noted that Matt Garman, the recently appointed CEO of the US-based cloud company, personally visited the Ulsan construction site to review the progress while attending the APEC CEO Summit.
Once completed, the SK AI Data Center Ulsan is expected to serve as a key driver for the country’s AI infrastructure and innovation ecosystem, setting a new standard for advanced data processing and sustainable energy efficiency.
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