OpenAI is collaborating with Samsung SDS and SK Telecom to develop AI-focused data centers in South Korea, strengthening its infrastructure footprint in Asia.
AI infrastructure is becoming a geopolitical asset.
OpenAI is partnering with Samsung SDS and SK Telecom to build AI-oriented data centers in South Korea, according to Tech in Asia.
The collaboration reflects growing demand for regional compute capacity to support AI training and inference workloads.
Localizing compute capacity
As AI models grow larger, proximity to compute infrastructure becomes strategically important.
Regional data centers help reduce latency, comply with data sovereignty requirements, and strengthen relationships with enterprise customers.
For OpenAI, expanding in South Korea supports Asia-Pacific growth ambitions.
Strategic alignment
Samsung SDS provides IT services and cloud infrastructure capabilities, while SK Telecom brings telecommunications and network expertise.
The combination positions the partnership to serve enterprise AI adoption across industries.
Such alliances reflect how AI firms increasingly rely on established telecom and IT operators for scale.
South Korea’s AI ambitions
South Korea has prioritized AI development as part of its broader digital economy strategy.
Local data center expansion supports domestic innovation while reducing reliance on overseas infrastructure.
The partnership also strengthens Korea’s role in regional AI supply chains.
Infrastructure competition intensifies
Major AI companies are racing to secure data center capacity globally.
Compute scarcity and high capital costs have made partnerships essential.
By collaborating with Korean firms, OpenAI diversifies its infrastructure footprint beyond North America and Europe.
Long-term implications
AI deployment is no longer purely about model capability—it hinges on physical infrastructure.
As governments emphasize digital sovereignty, local partnerships become strategically significant.
For OpenAI and its partners, the data center buildout represents both commercial expansion and geopolitical positioning in Asia’s fast-evolving AI landscape.
