- OpenAI partners Samsung SDS and SK Telecom to build Korean data centres.
- Construction expected to begin in March, according to science minister statement.
- Project aims to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure and high-performance computing capacity.
According to South Korea's Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon, OpenAI plans to start building its first large-scale data centers in South Korea during March 2026 while working with top Korean technology companies.
The U.S. artificial intelligence developer has established stronger connections with major Korean companies. At the same time, Seoul wants to become a key player in global AI infrastructure development.
OpenAI plans to establish joint ventures with Samsung SDS and SK Telecom to build two new data centres which will start with an initial capacity of approximately 20 megawatts under their October 2025 announcement.
The facilities will improve Korea's ability to handle AI workloads while simultaneously providing essential high-performance computing power needed for advanced machine learning models which are experiencing rapid demand growth.
Minister Bae confirmed during the hearing that they are preparing for next month's ground-breaking, but the construction schedule and site details remain under development.
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SK Telecom informed Reuters that their discussions with OpenAI continue about selecting the location for at least one data centre which will operate in southwestern South Korea, but they have not determined the exact building start date.
Samsung SDS, one of the partners named in the venture, declined to comment on the development when approached.
The planned data centres form part of a broader collaboration between OpenAI and Korean industry that has included agreements on AI hardware, software and chip supplies.
OpenAI's Stargate initiative which aims to develop global AI infrastructure and memory chip production capabilities for next-generation AI systems has received participation from Korean companies including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
The partnership demonstrates South Korea's increasing importance in the global AI ecosystem which operates as a crucial element of its high-performance computing supply chain.