Seoul: South Korea will push for the investment of over a quadrillion won (US$650 billion) in the construction of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers by 2035, the science minister said Monday. Minister Bae Kyung-hoon unveiled the plan during a national investment briefing chaired by President Lee Jae Myung at Cheong Wa Dae, emphasizing that ample data is important for South Korea to secure a leading position in the global physical AI race.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Minister Bae stated that the investments will be used to gradually expand AI data center infrastructure to 8.4 gigawatts. The initiative aims to establish South Korea as a frontrunner in the field of physical AI, with the government designating it as a national strategic industry.

The new facilities will be strategically built in non-capital areas to promote balanced regional development, Bae added. The minister highlighted the significance of the next three years as a pivotal period to achieve dominance in the physical AI arena, underscoring the government's commitment to spearheading this technological advancement.