South Korea Receives First Nvidia GPU Batch for National AI Infrastructure Initiative
South Korea has taken a significant leap forward in its artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions, officially receiving the first tranche of advanced Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) from Nvidia. This initial delivery marks a pivotal moment in the nation's ambitious plan to establish a large-scale, sovereign AI infrastructure, positioning the country at the forefront of global technological innovation.
Initial Shipment and Strategic Investment
The Ministry of Science and ICT, alongside other government sources, confirmed the arrival of approximately 13,000 Nvidia GPUs. This substantial shipment was acquired through a dedicated government budget of 1.4 trillion won (approximately $952.7 million USD). The batch notably includes cutting-edge models such as Nvidia's latest B200 GPU, recognized for its exceptional performance in AI computations. GPUs are fundamental to the development and operation of artificial intelligence, acting as the powerful computational engines required to train and run complex AI models efficiently.
Broad Allocation for National Advancement
These powerful semiconductors are earmarked for strategic distribution across the country to maximize their impact. Universities, leading research institutions, innovative startups, and various public-sector organizations will benefit from this allocation. Gaining access to such robust computing power is essential for pioneering AI research, fostering technological breakthroughs, and developing practical AI applications that can drive economic growth and societal improvement.
The Grand Vision: 260,000 GPUs for AI Factories
This project stems from a major announcement made by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in late October, where he outlined the company's commitment to deploy a staggering 260,000 GPUs to South Korea. This massive undertaking is a collaborative effort involving the Korean government and key domestic industrial giants. Major partners include Samsung Electronics, SK Group, and Hyundai Motor Group, with the ultimate goal of building advanced AI "factories" within the nation.
Strategic Distribution Among Key Players
Under this comprehensive national AI strategy, a significant portion — 50,000 GPUs — is designated to bolster a national sovereign AI platform. Concurrently, Samsung Electronics, SK Group, and Hyundai Motor Group are each slated to receive 50,000 units, significantly enhancing their respective AI capabilities and enabling them to accelerate their AI-driven initiatives. Domestic tech powerhouse Naver is set to receive an even larger share, with 60,000 GPUs allocated to its operations. This multi-faceted approach underscores South Korea's determination to cement its position as a global leader in artificial intelligence and foster a robust, AI-driven economy.