SK Telecom Unveils Ambitious 15GW AI Data Center Expansion to Strengthen Asia’s AI Infrastructure

SK Telecom 15GW AI data center expansion marks one of the most ambitious artificial intelligence infrastructure initiatives in Asia, with the company unveiling plans to develop up to 15 gigawatts of AI data center capacity in South Korea. The long-term project is designed to transform the country into a leading AI infrastructure hub while supporting the growing demand for AI model training, inference, and cloud computing services across the region.

The expansion will begin with the Ulsan AI Data Center, which serves as the foundation of SK Telecom's next-generation AI infrastructure strategy. The company plans to gradually increase domestic AI data center capacity to approximately 5GW starting in 2029 before expanding to a total of 15GW based on market demand and investment conditions. This phased approach allows SK Telecom to scale infrastructure alongside the rapid growth of enterprise AI adoption.

SK Telecom views AI data centers as critical national infrastructure capable of driving South Korea's digital economy. Company executives believe advanced computing infrastructure will become as transformative as previous landmark investments in expressways and high-speed internet, positioning AI as the country's next major technological revolution. The initiative also aligns closely with South Korea's vision of becoming one of the world's leading AI-powered economies.

A major component of the project involves establishing large-scale AI data center clusters across multiple regions. The first cluster will be built around Ulsan, where more than 2GW of computing capacity is expected to be developed. Additional facilities are planned for the southwestern region of the country, creating a geographically distributed AI infrastructure capable of supporting hyperscale computing workloads while promoting balanced regional development.

The initiative leverages SK Group's integrated technology ecosystem. Multiple affiliates will contribute expertise across semiconductors, energy solutions, construction, networking, and data center operations. This full-stack approach enables SK Telecom to manage every stage of AI infrastructure development, from chip technology and power management to facility construction and cloud operations. By combining these capabilities, the company aims to deliver highly efficient and scalable AI computing environments.

AI computing demand has increased dramatically as enterprises adopt generative AI, large language models, autonomous systems, and advanced analytics. These applications require enormous computing power supported by GPU-intensive infrastructure. SK Telecom's investment addresses this demand by creating large-scale facilities capable of supporting both AI model development and enterprise inference workloads while reducing reliance on overseas computing resources.

The company is also advancing its AI Factory concept, a next-generation data center architecture designed specifically for artificial intelligence workloads. Unlike conventional data centers, AI Factories integrate advanced GPU clusters, optimized networking, intelligent cooling systems, and energy-efficient operations to maximize AI performance. Commercial operations for the first AI Factory are expected to begin before the broader gigawatt-scale expansion accelerates later in the decade.

Power availability remains one of the biggest challenges for hyperscale AI infrastructure. To support its long-term expansion, SK Telecom is evaluating energy resources, transmission capacity, site selection, and sustainable operating models throughout the planning process. The company recognizes that reliable electricity supply will be essential to supporting continuous AI workloads while maintaining operational efficiency and long-term environmental sustainability.

Beyond infrastructure, the project is expected to strengthen South Korea's competitiveness in the global AI economy. Expanded domestic computing capacity will enable technology companies, research institutions, startups, and enterprises to access advanced AI resources more efficiently while encouraging further investment in artificial intelligence innovation. The initiative also supports national efforts to develop sovereign AI capabilities and attract international technology partnerships.

As AI adoption continues to reshape industries worldwide, large-scale computing infrastructure has become a strategic asset for economic growth. Through its 15GW AI data center roadmap, SK Telecom is positioning itself as a key player in the future of AI infrastructure across Asia. By combining advanced technology, scalable infrastructure, and long-term investment planning, the company aims to create one of the region's most powerful AI computing ecosystems capable of supporting the next generation of digital transformation.

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