SK Telecom has unveiled plans to construct an AI data‑centre network totalling as much as 15GW, positioning the South Korean telecom and tech group to become a regional hub for high‑performance AI infrastructure.
Project scope and timeline
SKT said the initiative will scale up existing work at its Ulsan site and expand into multiple regions, with an initial 5GW of capacity brought online in stages from 2029 and further build‑outs to reach a 15GW target. The company described the plan as a strategic response to soaring demand for AI model training and inference, and to anticipated shortfalls in global data‑centre supply.
The rollout will begin by leveraging the AI data centre already under construction in Ulsan, creating a cluster of more than 2GW across the southeastern Gyeongsang region. An additional 1GW is planned for the southwestern Jeolla region, forming a domestic base expected to attract anchor tenants and international investment.
Financing and demand drivers
SKT estimates that constructing large‑scale, 1GW‑class AI facilities carries substantial capital requirements — industry estimates suggest a project cost up to approximately KRW 70 trillion for comparable build‑outs — and the company intends to combine internal funding with strategic partner investment, long‑term customer contracts and project financing.
The move follows market analysis forecasting robust data‑centre demand growth and a widening supply gap. SKT pointed to McKinsey forecasts that global demand could grow by 19–22% annually, with meaningful deficits emerging in major markets by 2030.
Group capabilities and role
SK Group plans to marshal its full‑stack capabilities across semiconductors, energy solutions and data‑centre construction and operations, with SKT acting as the lead “AI infrastructure architect.” The operator has already advanced cooperation with global cloud and AI firms and outlined an “AI Factory” concept — a next‑generation data‑centre model SKT intends to start operating in 2027 and scale thereafter.
National strategic implications
Company executives framed the development as more than a commercial play. SKT described the 15GW programme as Korea’s third major infrastructure revolution — following the Gyeongbu Expressway and nationwide high‑speed internet — with the potential to anchor nationwide AI competitiveness and support balanced regional growth by linking data‑centre projects to local industries.
“This AI data‑centre project is aimed at pre‑emptively preparing the computing infrastructure that the global AI ecosystem needs,” said Jung Jai‑hun, president and CEO of SK Telecom. “We will work closely with the government, industry and local communities to help Korea grow into Asia’s core AI infrastructure hub.”
