South Korea has announced an ambitious long-term strategy to invest more than 1 quadrillion won (approximately US$730 billion) in artificial intelligence infrastructure by 2035, underscoring its determination to become a global AI powerhouse.
The sweeping plan combines investments in AI data centres, advanced semiconductor manufacturing, energy infrastructure and next-generation computing technologies. Rather than treating AI as a standalone technology, the country is positioning it as critical national infrastructure that will drive future economic growth and technological competitiveness.
At the heart of the strategy is the development of large-scale AI data centre clusters beyond the Seoul metropolitan region. The move is expected to improve computing capacity, encourage regional economic development and support the growing demand for AI services across industries.
The initiative also reinforces South Korea’s leadership in semiconductor innovation. Industry giants such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are expected to play a pivotal role by expanding production of advanced AI chips, including high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a key component powering today’s generative AI models.
The announcement reflects an increasingly competitive global race to secure AI infrastructure. As countries invest heavily in compute capacity, chips and energy resources, governments are recognising that AI leadership depends not only on software innovation but also on the physical infrastructure that powers it.
For South Korea, the strategy is about more than building data centres. It is a national effort to strengthen technological sovereignty, attract long-term investment and secure a leading position in the rapidly evolving AI economy.
As AI adoption accelerates worldwide, South Korea’s trillion-won commitment signals a broader shift: nations are no longer competing solely on AI models but on the infrastructure required to build, train and deploy them at scale.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.