South Korea is set to construct the world’s largest AI data center, marking a significant leap in the country’s ambition to lead in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
The $10 billion project, spearheaded by Fir Hills, a division of California-based Stock Farm Road, Inc. (SFR), will be located in the Jeollanam-do Province and is expected to generate an initial annual revenue of $3.5 billion. With a planned 3-gigawatt capacity, the facility will outsize any existing AI data center globally.
“This is more than just a technological milestone; it’s a strategic leap forward for Korea’s global technological leadership,” said Dr. Amin Badr-El-Din, co-founder of SFR.
With a planned completion date of 2028, the center will provide the advanced computational power needed to support the next wave of AI innovations, including large-scale language models, real-time data processing, and next-gen AI applications.
Strategic Vision: Powering AI Growth
The AI data center project is backed by a public-private partnership, with the Jeollanam-do government collaborating with SFR and other key stakeholders.
SFR was co-founded by LG heir Brian Koo and Dr. Amin Badr-El-Din, both of whom bring deep expertise in technology, energy infrastructure, and global enterprise partnerships.
According to Koo, the initiative is more than just an infrastructure expansion—it represents a digital industrial revolution.
“This data center is not merely an infrastructure project but the launchpad for a new digital industrial revolution,” he stated.
What Makes This AI Data Center Special?
Unlike traditional data centers, this 3-gigawatt facility is being designed to handle the complex and dynamic workloads of AI-driven computing.
Key Features:
- High-Capacity AI Processing: The largest single-site AI data facility worldwide, supporting hyperscale AI training and real-time inference models.
- Advanced Cooling & Power Systems: Incorporating cutting-edge energy storage solutions (ESS) and renewable energy integration to optimize efficiency.
- Global Fiber Connectivity: Designed with state-of-the-art fiber infrastructure to facilitate high-speed global data exchange.
- Scalability: The initial $10 billion investment could expand up to $35 billion, making it a cornerstone for future AI and cloud services.
Economic Impact: A Tech Boom for South Korea
Beyond technological advancement, the Jeollanam-do AI data center is expected to create over 10,000 jobs. The roles will span multiple sectors, including:
- Energy & Storage
- AI & Data Engineering
- Cloud Infrastructure Development
- Equipment Manufacturing
- R&D and AI Software Development
With the global AI market projected to reach $438.3 billion by 2030, South Korea’s investment in AI infrastructure is a strategic play to capture a significant share of the industry’s growth.
The facility’s massive computing capabilities will also make it a go-to hub for AI startups, research institutions, and tech giants requiring large-scale AI training power.
The Future: AI Infrastructure on a Global Scale
SFR has indicated that the Jeollanam-do AI data center is just the beginning. Over the next 18 months, the company plans to expand AI infrastructure partnerships across Asia, Europe, and the United States.
By leveraging its expertise in Energy-to-Intelligence (e2i²)—a system that transforms traditional energy infrastructure into AI-optimized platforms—SFR aims to shape the future of global AI innovation.
South Korea’s commitment to becoming an AI powerhouse mirrors the success of its major corporations like Samsung, LG, and Hyundai, which have already dominated global markets in consumer electronics, automotive, and semiconductors.
With the world’s largest AI data center, South Korea is now setting the stage to become a global leader in artificial intelligence and intelligent infrastructure.
Sources: https://www.artificialintelligence-news.com/news/south-korea-is-building-worlds-largest-ai-data-centre/, https://www.colliers.com/en-kr/research/2023-korean-data-center-market
