South Korea is making significant strides in the global artificial intelligence race with its ambitious plan to establish a national AI computing center powered by 10,000 high-performance GPUs. This initiative, announced by the Ministry of Science and ICT in February 2025, underscores the nation's commitment to becoming a leading AI powerhouse, rivalling projects in the United States and France.

The move to secure 10,000 GPUs by the end of 2025 is part of a broader strategy to bolster South Korea's AI capabilities. Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it would enable the country to "become one of the world's top three AI powerhouses." This echoes South Korea's earlier success in establishing itself as a leader in the IT sector through strategic investments in broadband networks.

The National AI Computing Center, slated to partially open in November 2025 and fully operational by 2027, will serve as a vital resource for universities, research institutes, and startups. It will provide the necessary computing power to develop advanced AI models and services, fostering innovation across various sectors. The government plans to invest up to 2 trillion won ($1.4 billion) in the center through a public-private partnership, demonstrating its strong commitment to this project. A special-purpose company will manage the facility, with 51% public and 49% private ownership.

In addition to the 10,000 GPUs for the national AI center, the government plans to acquire an additional 8,000 GPUs by mid-2026 to establish its sixth supercomputer. This will further enhance South Korea's computing infrastructure and support the development of cutting-edge AI technologies. The government has also increased its annual AI technology budget by 25% year-on-year, allocating 1.8 trillion won for AI initiatives in 2025.

Recognizing the importance of talent development, Seoul city government aims to train 10,000 AI professionals each year. This includes 4,000 trainees through the Seoul Software Academy and 6,000 through university programs. Additionally, a new scholarship program worth 600 million won ($413,000) will support 60 students pursuing AI-related master's degrees. A key component of this strategy is the creation of Seoul AI Tech City within the Yangjae AI Innovation District, scheduled to begin construction in 2028. This high-tech hub will house graduate schools, research institutes, and cultural and residential spaces to foster AI innovation.

To fuel AI startups and research, the Seoul city government plans to establish a 500 billion won ($344 million) AI fund by 2026, attracting local and international investors. Furthermore, the government will offer tax incentives for AI and cloud investments to encourage private-sector participation in AI data centers. By 2027, a 3 trillion won AI startup fund will be established to promote AI startups and their partnerships with larger corporations.

South Korea is also focused on developing its own large language model (LLM) to compete with global AI leaders. The government plans to assemble an elite "national artificial intelligence team" and invest over 1 trillion won ($700 million) to develop core technologies for general-purpose artificial intelligence (AGI). This initiative, known as the "World's Best LLM" project, aims to create a homegrown version of ChatGPT by providing top AI teams with GPU resources and substantial research funding.

Acknowledging the ethical considerations surrounding AI, South Korea enacted the Basic Act on the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Creation of a Trust Base in January 2025. This legislation aims to balance AI advancement with the protection of individual rights and dignity, making South Korea one of the first countries to establish a comprehensive legal framework governing AI. The Act promotes AI technologies that enhance quality of life while ensuring safety, reliability, and transparency in decision-making. It also mandates the government to ensure AI safety, support innovation, and develop policies to help residents adapt to AI-driven societal changes.

Through strategic investments in computing infrastructure, talent development, and ethical frameworks, South Korea is positioning itself as a major player in the global AI landscape. The plan to secure 10,000 GPUs for the national AI center is a critical step towards achieving this goal, driving innovation and economic growth in the AI sector.