Samsung and SK Hynix to invest hundreds of billions in South Korea’s AI chip and data center buildout

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are reportedly planning large investments in South Korea focused on semiconductors, AI-related chips and supporting data center infrastructure. Multiple outlets describe a government-backed effort to mobilize major private-sector spending to meet rising demand from the AI era. One report says the combined spending would total about $880 billion over a long-term horizon, including investments from companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix into chips and data centers. Another source cites a different figure, stating Samsung and SK Hynix could invest $518 billion as part of a chip-hub buildout in South Korea. A separate report places the figure higher, estimating an overall plan of roughly $1.3 trillion over 10 years. The reports link the investments to South Korea’s broader strategy to strengthen its technology and maintain competitiveness amid pressure from rivals in the United States, China and Taiwan. While the exact totals vary by outlet, they broadly agree that Samsung and SK Hynix are central to a major expansion of digital infrastructure tied to AI and semiconductor production in South Korea.