SK Group is set to build core infrastructure for the AI industry across South Korea, including the creation of a semiconductor production belt stretching from Yongin to Cheongju and the southwestern region, as well as the expansion of massive AI data centers.

The plan aims to enhance the competitiveness of the entire related value chain by spreading semiconductor production bases and AI data centers nationwide, ultimately propelling South Korea to become a global AI powerhouse.

SK announced these investment plans in a press release distributed following the "National Report on the 3 Major Mega-Projects for South Korea's Great Leap Forward," held at the Blue House today (June 29) and presided over by President Lee Jae-myung.

First, SK plans to establish a mid-to-long-term investment strategy totaling 1,100 trillion won through SK Hynix to build an AI memory production belt connecting Yongin, Cheongju, and the southwestern region.

The plan is to upgrade existing production hubs while securing next-generation production bases in phases to meet the surging global demand for AI memory and establish a stable supply chain.

The Yongin cluster, originally scheduled for completion in 2045, now aims to complete the construction of its fourth fab by 2033, moving the schedule up by 12 years.

SK is also preparing investments by selecting the southwestern region as a next-generation production hub.

SK explained that the southwestern region is expected to meet the necessary conditions, as it allows for the acquisition of large-scale land and the government and local municipalities are pushing for the construction of infrastructure such as power and water supply.

For AI data centers, which are core infrastructure for AI competitiveness, SK plans to invest approximately 1,000 trillion won, led by SK Telecom, to build a total capacity of 15GW (gigawatts) in phases.

In the first phase, the company will build 5GW-scale AI data centers in various regions equipped with power and land.

Considering AI demand and investment conditions, the company plans to sequentially expand with an additional 10GW of capacity by 2035.

SK Telecom is currently constructing an AI data center in Ulsan with Amazon Web Services (AWS), aiming for operation in the second half of next year, and recently announced plans to build a next-generation AI data center, the "AI Factory," in collaboration with NVIDIA.

Ultimately, SK Group's strategy is to accelerate "intelligent production," the foundation of future society, through the construction of AI data centers and semiconductor production bases.

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won stated at the national report meeting today, "We will build intelligent production facilities to drastically reduce high social costs and grow the national economy. Based on a bold vision and thorough preparation, we will lead the global AI ecosystem. The future of AI will be created in South Korea."

(Photo: Yonhap News)