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Seoul, South Korea – In a strategic move to bolster its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, South Korea announced plans to secure 10,000 high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs) within 2025. The initiative aims to enhance the country’s AI infrastructure and maintain competitiveness in the global AI race.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok revealed the government’s ambitious plan on Monday, emphasizing the intensifying rivalry in the AI sector. “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,” Choi said in an official statement.

The South Korean government is partnering with private enterprises to facilitate the procurement of GPUs, which are essential for AI model training and large-scale computations. These efforts align with the nation’s goal of launching services at its national AI computing center ahead of schedule.

Reducing Dependence on Nvidia

The country’s initiative comes amid global concerns over reliance on U.S.-based chipmaker Nvidia, which currently dominates the AI GPU market. While Nvidia remains a key player, South Korea aims to diversify its suppliers and invest in homegrown alternatives. This strategy reflects broader trends seen in countries like China and the European Union, which are seeking technological self-sufficiency in semiconductor manufacturing.

In recent years, South Korea has ramped up efforts to support its domestic AI and semiconductor industries. Major companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have been actively developing advanced AI chips to compete in the global market.

AI Competition Intensifies

South Korea’s move comes at a time when nations worldwide are making aggressive investments in AI technology. The United States and China have significantly increased funding for AI research and infrastructure, recognizing its potential to drive economic and technological advancements.

Industry analysts suggest that securing high-performance GPUs is crucial for South Korea to keep pace with AI developments in machine learning, natural language processing, and generative AI models. The national AI computing center is expected to provide computing resources to startups, research institutions, and government agencies, accelerating AI innovation across various sectors.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While South Korea’s plan is a significant step forward, challenges remain in securing a stable supply of GPUs amid a global semiconductor shortage. Additionally, establishing a sustainable AI infrastructure will require continued investments in research, talent development, and cloud-based AI platforms.

Despite these challenges, the government’s proactive approach signals its commitment to strengthening South Korea’s position as a leader in AI technology. With strategic investments and public-private collaboration, the country aims to build a robust AI ecosystem that can drive economic growth and technological advancements in the years ahead.