The Ministry of Science and ICT announced plans to expand the number of graphics processing units (GPUs) at the National AI Computing Center based on future AI demand. The equipment will not be limited to specific models but will incorporate the latest GPUs and AI semiconductors that reflect the technological level and market conditions at the time of construction.
During a Q&A session following the groundbreaking ceremony held on August 3 in Solarido, Haenam, Jeollanam-do, Kim Kwang-nyeon, head of the AI Computing Infrastructure Team at the Ministry, stated, "The currently proposed 15,000 GPUs are based on the initial project plan, and we do not rule out the possibility of further expansion as demand arises."
The National AI Computing Center will be established on a 48,000 square meter site in Solarido, Haenam, with a total project cost of approximately 2.5 trillion won. The center aims to be completed by the end of 2028, with plans to provide some AI computing resources starting in 2027 using the Samsung SDS data center.
However, the decision to expand the number of GPUs will be made through consultations among the Korea AI Computing Center (KORAC), the government, and participating shareholders. KORAC was established as a public-private partnership to respond flexibly to changes in AI computing demand.
The selection of equipment will not be limited to specific products but will be based on the technological level and market conditions at the time of construction. Kim added, "While the Samsung SDS consortium proposed a certain configuration of GPUs during the project proposal, we plan to introduce the optimal products reflecting the latest technological trends at the actual construction stage."
The use of domestic AI semiconductors is also being pursued, but the specific products and scale will be determined based on technological competitiveness, market conditions, and procurement circumstances at the time of construction.
The center has also secured the necessary power and water supply for its operations. Choi Hee-joo, head of the KORAC data center construction, explained, "We have confirmed a power supply of 40 megawatts (MW) through the reservation process with Korea Electric Power Corporation and have established a water supply base through consultations with local governments."
To enhance the stability of the center's initial operations, the government plans to link public sector AI computing demand and respond to the AI computing needs of industry, academia, and research.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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