Korea Makes Historic AI Deal With Nvidia
South Korea has purchased 260,000 Nvidia Blackwell processors, marking one of the largest GPU transactions ever completed by a single nation. The move underscores Korea’s ambition to become a global leader in high-performance computing and artificial intelligence.
The deal was announced as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visited Gyeongju for the APEC CEO Summit. The GPUs will strengthen Korea’s AI infrastructure across multiple sectors, including semiconductors, robotics, and autonomous vehicles.
Major Korean Companies Get the Same Amount of GPUs
Nvidia confirmed that Samsung Electronics, SK Group, and Hyundai Motor will each receive 50,000 GPUs, while Naver Cloud will get 60,000 units. The remaining 50,000 processors will support government-led AI projects.
While Nvidia did not disclose the total investment, analysts estimate the agreement could be worth several billion dollars based on current GPU prices. The deployment will dramatically expand Korea’s computing power and competitiveness in global digital innovation.
Blackwell Processors Will Improve AI Infrastructure
Nvidia’s Blackwell GPUs represent its most advanced architecture yet, capable of handling demanding workloads such as generative AI, autonomous systems, and large language model training.
Raymond Teh, Nvidia’s senior vice president for the Asia-Pacific region, stated that the project will boost Korea’s total GPU capacity from 65,000 to more than 300,000 units, accelerating the nation’s transition into an AI-driven economy.
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Partnership Boosts Korea’s Goals for Sovereign AI
Beyond hardware delivery, Nvidia will collaborate with the Korean government and major AI research institutions to build sovereign AI foundation models. Partners include LG AI Research, Naver Cloud, SK Telecom, NC AI, and Upstage.
The goal is to reinforce Korea’s digital sovereignty by keeping strategic AI capabilities, innovation, and infrastructure under national control.
Expanding Collaboration Across 6G and Supercomputing
The cooperation extends beyond AI into telecommunications and research. Nvidia will partner with Samsung, SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+ to enhance 6G network performance through AI-optimized connectivity.
Additionally, Nvidia will support the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) in developing the Hangang supercomputer, envisioned as a central hub for advanced research and innovation.
Nvidia’s Global AI Expansion Strategy
The 260,000-GPU purchase from Korea surpasses Nvidia’s previous major orders, including 120,000 units for the UK and 100,000 for Germany. This positions South Korea as one of the key AI hubs in the Asia-Pacific region.
Jensen Huang described the partnership as a “delightful collaboration” that highlights Korea’s dedication to advancing next-generation computing and digital transformation.
Korea Positions Itself as Asia’s AI Powerhouse
The historic GPU acquisition aligns with South Korea’s strategy to integrate AI into all sectors of society, from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and education. By expanding access to advanced computing, the nation strengthens its technological independence.
With the deployment of Nvidia’s Blackwell processors, South Korea’s AI processing capacity now rivals that of the world’s most advanced digital economies, cementing its role as a future leader in global technology innovation.
