SK Telecom Targets 15GW AI Data Center Buildout to Anchor Asian Market

The initiative marks a strategic pivot for the company, which views these facilities as the third pillar of Korean infrastructure, following the Gyeongbu Expressway and the national high-speed internet rollout. Starting with the Ulsan facility currently under construction, the firm plans to roll out 5GW of capacity in stages beginning in 2029, with a long-term goal of reaching 15GW. This expansion will utilize a cluster-based approach, targeting the Gyeongsang and Jeolla regions to leverage existing power grids and industrial expertise.

Building at this scale requires significant capital, with costs for a 1GW-class facility estimated at roughly KRW 70 trillion. SK Telecom intends to balance these expenses through a mix of project financing, strategic partnerships, and long-term service contracts. By integrating the semiconductor and energy capabilities of the broader SK Group, the company hopes to secure a competitive edge in a market where global demand is projected to grow by up to 22% annually.

President and CEO Jung Jai-hun emphasized that the project is designed to meet the immediate needs of the global AI ecosystem. By aligning with the government's G3 strategy, the company is positioning itself as the primary architect for Korea's AI future, aiming to attract major international tech firms to utilize the country’s stable power supply and advanced hardware manufacturing capacity.