South Korea Unveils AI Data Center Strategy, Pledges 550 Trillion Won Support Today

According to the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT and Space Agency, announced today (July 16), the government will provide national strategic support for a massive 550 trillion won artificial intelligence data center construction project led by SK, GS, and Naver, with 5GW, 2.4GW, and 1GW capacity respectively. Operations are set to begin in phases from 2029.

The government will launch its "AI for All" free chatbot service in December and upgrade it to personalized AI agents for all citizens from 2027 onward. Additionally, it plans to secure a domestically-made 50-qubit quantum computer this year, develop quantum error correction systems by 2029, and establish a comprehensive AI semiconductor ecosystem spanning accelerators to software and services. The space agency also announced plans for the fifth Nuri rocket launch in H2 2026 with 15 microsatellites, aiming to increase aerospace companies to 1,200 by 2035.