Haenam, often referred to as “the Land’s End Village” by South Koreans, is located at the southernmost tip of the country. It is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, numerous tourist attractions, and a rich variety of local cuisine and recreational activities. The photo captures a private garden in Haenam. (Yonhap)
MUAN, Oct. 22 (Korea Bizwire) — In a country racing to secure its place in the global artificial intelligence arms race, South Jeolla Province has quietly become a surprising frontrunner.
Backed by abundant renewable energy and vast land resources, the region is drawing some of the world’s biggest technology investments—including the government’s next national AI computing center and major data infrastructure from global players like OpenAI and SK.
According to provincial officials on Tuesday, a consortium led by Samsung SDS was the sole bidder for the Ministry of Science and ICT’s “National AI Computing Center” project, a 2.5 trillion won ($1.8 billion) public-private initiative aimed at building one of Asia’s largest AI infrastructure complexes by 2030.
While the ministry has not confirmed a location, the site is widely believed to be Haenam’s Solaseado energy city, where OpenAI and SK are already constructing a dedicated data center.
A view of Haenam Enterprise City in South Jeolla Province, which appears to have been selected as the prospective site for Samsung SDS’s National AI Computing Center project (photo courtesy of Haenam County).
The plan envisions 15,000 high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs) by 2028 and 50,000 by 2030—hardware essential for AI training and model deployment. The government is offering tax incentives of up to 25 percent and fast-tracked power grid approvals to attract private partners.
Haenam’s selection is not accidental. The region already hosts 98 megawatts of solar capacity and abundant cooling water, crucial for energy-intensive data centers. Its low land costs and stable renewable output make it one of the few places in the country capable of hosting next-generation AI infrastructure without compromising grid reliability.
The project is part of Jeonnam’s broader vision to transform itself into an “energy innovation belt,” combining large-scale clean energy generation with high-tech industries. By 2030, the province plans to add 23 gigawatts of new renewable capacity and develop a smart energy city for 500,000 residents.
“Samsung SDS’s selection appears to have been based purely on site conditions and energy availability,” a provincial official said. “We’ll provide full administrative support so South Korea can become an AI powerhouse built on sustainable energy.”
South Jeolla’s transformation into an AI-energy nexus underscores a new chapter in South Korea’s digital strategy—where renewable power and artificial intelligence are no longer separate policy fronts, but intertwined foundations of national competitiveness.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
