Why You Care
Ever wonder what powers the next wave of artificial intelligence? What if your next car could be smarter, or your mobile network faster, thanks to a massive influx of AI computing power? Nvidia is significantly expanding its AI footprint in South Korea, a move that could reshape industries from manufacturing to telecommunications.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s recent visit to South Korea marks a pivotal moment. He unveiled plans to deepen collaborations with major Korean tech companies, according to the announcement. This includes giants like Hyundai Motor, Samsung, SK, and Naver. This isn’t just about selling chips; it’s about building the future of AI infrastructure. Why should you care? Because these partnerships will directly impact the products and services you use every day.
What Actually Happened
Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, made his first visit to South Korea in fifteen years. His trip focused on solidifying new plans and strengthening existing collaborations with key players in the Korean tech landscape. This includes Hyundai Motor, Samsung, SK, and Naver, as mentioned in the release.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of new system deals. The U.S. recently signed agreements with Japan and South Korea, aiming to boost collaboration, the research shows. These deals cover emerging technologies such as AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotech, and 6G. South Korea is set to receive over 260,000 of Nvidia’s latest GPUs to meet its increasing AI demands, the South Korean government announced.
Around 50,000 of these GPUs will support public initiatives. This includes developing domestic AI foundation models and a national AI data center. The remaining over 200,000 GPUs will go to companies like Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor Group, and Naver. This will drive AI-based manufacturing creation and industry-specific AI model creation, according to the announcement.
Why This Matters to You
These expanded partnerships mean tangible benefits for you. Imagine your next smartphone, powered by Samsung, having even more AI capabilities. Or consider Hyundai vehicles with physical AI features. These collaborations are laying the groundwork for such innovations.
For example, Samsung and Nvidia are teaming up on HBM4. This is a memory designed to power future AI applications, the company reports. They are also working together on AI-RAN (Artificial Intelligence-Radio Access Network). AI-RAN combines mobile base stations with AI to boost performance and cut battery use. This means your mobile experience could become significantly faster and more efficient. What kind of smart features do you hope to see in your devices and vehicles in the next few years?
Here’s a snapshot of the key collaborations:
| Company/Institution | Primary Focus with Nvidia |
| Samsung | HBM4, AI-RAN, AI factory |
| Hyundai Motor Group | AI infrastructure, physical AI |
| SK Telecom, KT, LG Uplus | AI-RAN creation |
| Naver | Industry-specific AI models |
| ETRI | AI-RAN creation, global testbed |
Nvidia will work with Samsung, three Korean telecom operators (SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus), and ETRI. They will jointly develop AI-RAN and a global testbed, the Korean government stated. This deep collaboration extends beyond just hardware supply.
The Surprising Finding
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this expansion isn’t just the sheer number of GPUs. It’s the depth of integration into diverse sectors. Many might expect AI to primarily impact software or data centers. However, the focus on “physical AI” with Hyundai and “AI-RAN” for 6G telecom networks is particularly noteworthy.
As the company reports, “Nvidia will work with Samsung, three Korean telecom operators — SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus — and ETRI (Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute) to develop AI-RAN.” This goes beyond traditional AI applications. It integrates AI directly into the fundamental infrastructure of future communication. This challenges the assumption that AI’s primary role is limited to cloud-based processing. Instead, it highlights AI’s growing importance in physical and real-world systems.
What Happens Next
Over the next few years, we can expect to see the fruits of these collaborations. The deployment of over 260,000 GPUs will happen progressively, likely within the next 12 to 24 months. For instance, Hyundai’s work on physical AI could lead to more autonomous manufacturing processes. Imagine smart factories that can adapt and improve production lines in real-time. This could significantly enhance efficiency and output.
For you, this means a future with more intelligent devices and services. Your mobile network could become more reliable and faster, thanks to AI-RAN technologies. What’s more, expect to see advancements in areas like personalized healthcare and smart city solutions. These will be powered by the national AI data center and domestic AI foundation models. The industry implications are substantial, pushing South Korea to the forefront of global AI creation. Your daily life could become more connected and streamlined as these technologies mature.