South Korea is making a bold move to cement its position as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) by announcing plans to establish a national AI computing centre by 2027. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of science and ICT, aims to substantially enhance the country’s competitiveness in the fast-evolving AI sector.
The center will boast a computing capacity of 1 exaflops,achieved through a joint investment of 2.5 trillion won ($1.7 billion) from both the public and private sectors. This aspiring project underscores South Korea’s commitment to building robust AI infrastructure and positioning itself as one of the top three global powers in the field.
to ensure timely support for local companies and researchers, the government plans to secure advanced graphic processing units (GPUs)—critical components for AI growth—and launch services before the end of this year.This preemptive step highlights the urgency of addressing the growing demand for AI resources.
However, South Korea faces stiff competition.As of late 2023,the country had approximately 2,000 H100 GPUs,developed by Nvidia,a leading AI chip manufacturer. In contrast, global tech giants like Meta Platforms and Microsoft each possess around 150,000 units. This disparity underscores the need for accelerated investment in AI hardware.
According to the Institute of Data & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation,South Korea’s AI technology level dipped slightly to 88.9 points in 2022,down from 89.1 points the previous year. The United States, serving as the benchmark, remains at 100 points. This data highlights the challenges South Korea must overcome to close the gap with global leaders.
The establishment of the national AI computing center is a strategic step toward addressing these challenges.By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, South Korea aims to create a thriving ecosystem for AI innovation.
Key Highlights of South Korea’s National AI Computing Center
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Launch Date | By 2027 |
| Computing Capacity | 1 exaflops |
| Investment | 2.5 trillion won ($1.7 billion) |
| key Focus | Securing advanced GPUs, supporting local companies and researchers |
| Global Comparison | South Korea: 2,000 H100 GPUs; Meta/Microsoft: 150,000 units each |
This initiative is not just about infrastructure—it’s about positioning South Korea as a hub for AI innovation. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering collaboration, the country is poised to make notable strides in the global AI landscape.
For more insights into South Korea’s AI ambitions, explore the latest updates from the Ministry of Science and ICT here.
headline: “Poised for dawn of AI Era: Inside South Korea’s Race to Establish a National AI Computing Center”
Introduction:
The global landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, and South Korea is gearing up to establish itself as a major player. In an interview wiht world-today-news.com‘s Senior Editor, Dr. Hannah Kim, a leading AI expert and professor at Seoul National University, shares her insights into the contry’s ambitious plans to build a national AI computing centre, set to transform the tech landscape by 2027.
South Korea’s AI Ambitions: Filling the gap
What makes South Korea’s push into artificial intelligence significant right now, Dr. Kim?
Dr. Hannah Kim: “South Korea has always been a tech powerhouse, but this concerted effort to develop a national AI computing centre is crucial for us to fill the widening gap with global leaders. With plans to collaborate extensively with both local and international tech giants,we aim to create an AI ecosystem that’s second to none.”
The Centre: A Sparkplug for Advancements
Tell us about this upcoming center and its potential impact on South Korea’s tech industry.
Dr. Kim: “the national AI computing centre, scheduled for completion by 2027, is more than just a facility. It’s a sparkplug for progress. With a computing capacity of 1 exaflops and a joint investment of 2.5 trillion won, it will empower our local companies and researchers to compete on a global scale. This investment underscores our commitment to AI growth.”
Upping the Ante: Strategies to Leapfrog Competition
Given the stiff competition from tech giants like Meta and Microsoft, how does South Korea hope to catch up?
Dr. Kim: “Although the current GPU disparity is notable,with South Korea possessing around 2,000 H100 GPUs compared to the 150,000 units each of Meta and Microsoft,our strategy isn’t merely about quantity.We’re focusing on nurturing a dynamic AI ecosystem that attracts talent, fosters innovation, and leverages cutting-edge technology.
“Securing advanced GPUs and launching supportive services by the end of this year are preemptive steps to address the growing demand for AI resources. Additionally, we’re eager to forge international collaborations. this isn’t just a race; it’s an possibility to build a thriving, global AI community.”
AI: A Boon for South Korea’s Economy
How does this pivot towards AI benefit South Korea economically?
Dr. Kim: “AI isn’t just about technological prowess; it’s about economic growth. From healthcare to manufacturing, smart city infrastructure, and more, AI integration can drive efficiencies and create new job markets. By positioning ourselves as a global AI hub, we nurture a enduring, innovation-led economy.The future of AI is here, and South korea is ready to embrace it.”
