- Announces “National AI Computing Center Implementation Plan” to build the “AI Highway”

- Will secure more than 15,000 GPUs by 2028; call for proposals from private sector now open

The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Minister Bae Kyunghoon) announced on September 8 that it unveiled the “National AI Computing Center Implementation Plan” at the inaugural meeting of the National AI Strategy Committee (2 p.m., Seoul Square, 17F). MSIT also launched the call for proposals to establish the National AI Computing Center.

AI computing infrastructure, which supports the development of AI models and the provision of AI services, is both the essential foundation for innovative growth of the AI ecosystem and a core element of national competitiveness. Major economies worldwide are responding with massive investments to expand AI computing infrastructure in order to secure global leadership in AI. Korea too will expand its AI computing base as a new form of national infrastructure—an “AI Highway”—to restructure its economy around AI and drive what the government calls “genuine growth.”

To build the AI Highway, the government plans to secure more than 50,000 GPUs through public–private collaboration. First, to address urgent demand from industry, academia, and research institutes, the government will secure 28,000 GPUs through procurement programs in 2025–2026 and an additional 9,000 GPUs by the first half of 2026 through the Supercomputer No. 6 construction project. Furthermore, a public–private joint venture, the National AI Computing Center, will add more than 15,000 GPUs by 2028, with continued expansion thereafter.

Earlier this year, MSIT conducted two rounds of calls for proposals for the Center (Jan. 23–May 30 and June 2–13), but no applicants were selected. Following consultations with the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Financial Services Commission, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, MSIT revised the requirements to address private-sector concerns over ▲equity structure (loss of autonomy under a 51% public shareholding), ▲put-option obligations (risk burden from guaranteed returns on public capital), and ▲mandatory adoption of domestic AI semiconductors (50% by 2030).

The Center will be built by establishing a Special Purpose Company (SPC) funded jointly by public and private investors. This model will stimulate private investment with pump-priming public investment and leverage private-sector expertise, ensuring stable GPU supply for domestic SMEs, startups, universities, and research institutes. It will also promote adoption of domestic AI semiconductors and collaboration with global leaders to advance Korea’s AI ecosystem.

Implementation Model  Establishment of a private-led SPC

※ (Equity structure) Adjusted from public 51% : private 49% to public <30% : private >70%

※ (Put option) Removed for public capital

Budget  Total investment of over KRW 2 trillion through public–private equity investment and policy-based loans

 Final contribution levels to be proposed by private participants considering the revised equity structure

※ Government to provide KRW 80 billion by 2030, with matching contributions from KDB and IBK (subject to fiscal conditions and potential use of a future Advanced Strategic Industry Fund)

Eligibility  A single company or consortium led by a firm with a minimum credit rating of A-

※ Must include a company experienced in building/operating data centers or AI computing services

※ Consortia including multiple cloud or telecom companies will receive preferential evaluation

Location and Scale  Location outside the Seoul Metropolitan Area to promote balanced regional development

※ Preferential treatment for sites using renewable or carbon-free energy

 Securing over 15,000 GPUs by 2028, with continued expansion through 2030

※ Early service launch before 2027 will be evaluated favorably

Services and Pricing  Service types (GPU resources, colocation, etc.) and fee structures will be determined by the private sector, with due consideration for both public interest and profitability.

 Proposals must include measures to support AI R&D and services by industry, academia and research institutes (e.g., discounted rates)

AI Ecosystem Support  Promote phased adoption and demonstration of domestic AI semiconductors

※ Replace mandatory 50% requirement with private-sector proposals for feasible adoption and implementation

※ Government to support performance upgrades and demand creation to foster the domestic AI semiconductor market

 Forge partnerships with global companies to secure overseas demand, promote technology cooperation and pilot demonstrations, and strengthen the competitiveness and internationalization of Korea’s AI computing ecosystem.

To ensure stable operations and policy effectiveness, the government will also provide policy support. Public projects requiring GPUs will be directed to prioritize the Center to secure initial demand. In addition, the integrated investment tax credits will be expanded up to 25%* and fast-track procedures for power system impact assessments will be applied.

*The integrated investment tax credit will be revised to include AI-service data centers as national strategic technology facilities, with an expanded rate of 15-25%, up from the previous 1-10%.

The call for proposals runs from September 8 to October 21. Submissions will be accepted on October 20–21 (online, by mail, or in person from 10:00 to 17:00; hard copies required even for online submissions). Applicants will undergo a two-stage review (technical/policy evaluation and financial screening). Selected participants will form the SPC in the first half of 2026 to build the Center.

The official announcement and detailed guidelines* will be posted on the MSIT and NIPA websites. An information session will also be held on September 11 (14:00–16:00, Tex+Fa Hall, 3F, Textile Center Annex, Samseong-dong, Seoul) to explain project direction and requirements.

*The detailed guidelines for the call will be uploaded by September 10

Minister Bae Kyunghoon stated,

“We will move swiftly to secure 50,000 GPUs and use them as a catalyst for Korea’s AI ecosystem. I expect the National AI Computing Center to become a core platform for AI models, services, and advanced semiconductors, and a key hub of the AI Highway, supporting Korea’s leap into the ranks of the world’s top three AI powers.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division (Phone: +82-44-202-4034, E-mail: msitmedia@korea.kr) of the Ministry of Science and ICT. 

Please refer to the attached PDF.