SK Telecom Aims to Establish South Korea as AI Data Center Hub

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across various sectors, reshaping how businesses operate and how individuals interact with technology. South Korea, known for its advanced technology landscape, is now setting its sights on becoming a central hub for AI data centers in the Asia-Pacific region. This ambitious goal was articulated by Ryu Young-sang, the CEO of SK Telecom, during a conference held in Seoul.

Ryu introduced a visionary plan referred to as the "AI infrastructure superhighway." This initiative aims to create a robust AI ecosystem that integrates AI data centers, graphic processing units as a service (GPUaaS), and edge AI technologies. The CEO emphasized that SK Telecom is committed to building this infrastructure to propel South Korea into the ranks of the top three global leaders in AI.

As part of this initiative, SK Telecom plans to construct a hyperscale AI data center with an impressive electricity capacity exceeding 100 megawatts. This facility will eventually expand to a gigawatt level, showcasing the company's commitment to scaling its AI capabilities. The first testbed for this data center is set to open next month in Pangyo, a tech hub located just south of Seoul. This facility will be equipped with the latest chips from Nvidia Corp., along with cutting-edge technologies related to AI chips and data centers.

Moreover, SK Telecom is not stopping there. The company intends to transform its existing data center in western Seoul into a dedicated AI data center. Starting in December, it will also offer GPUaaS in collaboration with the global cloud provider Lambda. This move is expected to enhance the accessibility of AI resources for businesses and developers alike.

In a further commitment to advancing AI technology, Ryu announced that SK Telecom will invest a substantial 100 billion won (approximately $72.9 million) to develop a sovereign AI tailored specifically to the needs of the Korean market, beginning next year. This investment underscores the company's dedication to fostering innovation that aligns with local requirements.

Additionally, SK Telecom is set to explore edge AI technology, which integrates telecommunications networks with AI computing. This development is particularly significant as it aligns with the rollout of the sixth-generation (6G) network, promising faster and more efficient AI applications.

SK Telecom's ambitious plans to establish South Korea as an AI data center hub in the Asia-Pacific region reflect a broader trend of technological advancement and innovation. As the world increasingly relies on AI, initiatives like the "AI infrastructure superhighway" not only position South Korea as a leader in this field but also pave the way for enhanced technological capabilities that can benefit various sectors. The future of AI in South Korea looks promising, and it will be exciting to see how these developments unfold in the coming years.