South Korea’s presidential National AI Strategy Committee officially launched on September 8th, initiating strategic discussions to elevate the nation into the global top three AI powerhouses. The ambitious plan unveiled includes securing 50,000 advanced GPUs and establishing public-private AI infrastructure to position Korea as a leading nation in the global AI competition.
Building World’s Largest AI Infrastructure
The committee’s core innovation centers on establishing a ‘National AI Computing Center.’ The plan to secure 15,000 advanced GPUs by 2028 and over 50,000 by 2030 represents a revolutionary expansion compared to Korea’s current GPU infrastructure. The adoption of a public-private Special Purpose Company (SPC) model is particularly noteworthy, designed to simultaneously achieve private sector efficiency and government policy consistency. This approach introduces investment tax credit expansions and expedited power grid impact assessments to create a stable operational foundation.
Maximizing Expertise Through 8-Division System
Thirty-four private committee members have been assigned to eight specialized divisions: Technology Innovation & Infrastructure, Industrial AX & Ecosystem, Public AX, Data, Society, Global Cooperation, Science & Talent, and Defense & Security. This represents a three-fold increase in specialization compared to existing AI policy governance structures, enabling deeper policy formulation and implementation in each sector. Inter-ministerial collaboration will be strengthened through the National AI Officer Council, comprising vice-ministerial level officials from relevant departments.
Comprehensive AI Transformation Initiative
The ‘Korea AI Action Plan’ encompasses 12 strategic areas under three policy pillars: AI innovation ecosystem creation, nationwide AI-based transformation, and global AI society contribution. The framework spans from R&D to societal application, emphasizing comprehensive AI transformation across industrial, public, and regional sectors, alongside strategic AI integration in culture and defense. Subsidiary regulations for the ‘AI Basic Act,’ effective January next year, will be established to balance regulation and support, reducing corporate uncertainty through clear minimum obligation standards.
Enhanced Global AI Competitiveness Expected
The government’s strategy targets entry into the global AI top three alongside the US and China. The public-private SPC model is expected to become a new paradigm for capital procurement in large-scale AI infrastructure investments. Institutional support through expanded integrated investment tax credits and expedited power grid impact assessments will stimulate private investment. This initiative promises to strengthen Korea’s competitiveness in the global AI market while fostering growth across related industrial ecosystems.
Expert Opinion
Standing Vice Chairman Lim Moon-young emphasized, “As the nation’s top AI strategic body, we will prioritize speed and results by combining public values with private efficiency.” He clearly expressed commitment to achieving field-oriented performance outcomes.
