South Korea Targets 10,000 GPUs to Boost National AI Computing Power
South Korea has unveiled an ambitious plan to secure 10,000 high-performance GPUs by the end of 2025, strengthening its position in the global race for AI dominance. The announcement, made on Monday, underscores the nation’s commitment to enhancing its AI computing infrastructure amid rising international competition.
“As competition for dominance in the AI industry intensifies, the competitive landscape is shifting from battles between companies to a full-scale rivalry between national innovation ecosystems,” South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok stated.
What’s the Aim?
The initiative aims to supply the GPUs through public-private partnerships, enabling the country to launch services at its upcoming national AI computing center. The center is expected to serve as a cornerstone for AI model development and training, offering essential resources to technology companies and research institutions.
This move comes as the United States tightens export regulations on AI chips. In October, the U.S. government introduced new rules restricting the export of advanced GPUs, particularly to countries like China, Iran, and Russia. However, South Korea, along with 17 other allied nations, is largely exempt from these restrictions.
The Ministry of Science and ICT confirmed that details regarding the budget, GPU models, and participating private firms will be finalized by September. An official from the ministry told Reuters that no decision has been made yet on which GPU products will be purchased.
Demand and Development
The demand for GPUs has surged globally due to their critical role in developing sophisticated AI systems. Industry leader Nvidia currently controls approximately 80% of the global GPU market, driven by demand from companies specializing in generative AI and accelerated computing. Competitors such as Intel and AMD hold smaller market shares.
Meanwhile, major players like Microsoft-backed OpenAI are exploring ways to reduce reliance on Nvidia. OpenAI is reportedly finalizing the design of its first in-house AI chip, expected to be fabricated by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. The move reflects broader industry efforts to diversify chip supply chains and reduce dependency on a single manufacturer.
China is also advancing its AI capabilities through startups like DeepSeek, which focuses on optimizing computational efficiency rather than relying solely on processing power. This approach could partially close the performance gap between Chinese processors and their more powerful U.S. counterparts.
South Korea’s Plan
South Korea’s push to bolster its AI infrastructure highlights the growing importance of computing capacity in determining technological leadership. By securing a robust supply of GPUs, the nation aims to accelerate innovation and support its thriving AI ecosystem.
The national AI computing center is set to become a strategic asset in this effort, positioning South Korea as a key player in the global AI landscape.
