AI 주권의 엔진을 달다: 2조 원 규모 ‘AI 고속도로’ 구축 프로젝트의 청사진 > K-wave Trends

The core of this project is undoubtedly the large-scale acquisition of cutting-edge Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), specifically the ‘Verarubin’ and ‘B300’ models. The government has selected Naver Cloud, Samsung SDS, and Elis Group as the final contractors, committing to installing a total of 9,704 high-performance GPUs into domestic infrastructure. Notably, this achievement secures approximately 30% higher computing performance than the initial target of 15,000 B200 units. This is the result of prioritizing technical efficiency despite the headwinds of soaring memory and storage prices. Verarubin is expected to significantly reduce data bottlenecks and drastically improve calculation speeds compared to existing models, serving as a powerful technical springboard for South Korea to emerge as one of the world’s top three AI powerhouses.

The three selected companies will maximize efficiency by dividing roles based on their respective expertise. Naver Cloud and Samsung SDS have been allocated massive quantities, including 1,008 Verarubin units each, while Elis Group will focus its infrastructure construction around the B300. These companies will not only operate the hardware but also serve as providers of computing resources for private and public sectors through cloud-based GPU services (GPUaaS). Considering potential operating costs, the government has allocated a portion of the capacity for the CSPs (Cloud Service Providers) to utilize for their own purposes. This is expected to create a virtuous cycle where companies can enhance the performance of their own AI models while accumulating experience in operating large-scale infrastructure.

This project also serves as a ‘public shield’ supporting government-led national AI initiatives. Of the secured GPU volume, all 2,016 Verarubin units and 4,360 B300 units will be utilized directly by the government to fully support the development of proprietary AI foundation models and research activities across industry, academia, and research institutes. This is a strategic move to increase the self-reliance of Korean AI technology by addressing large-scale training demands that are difficult for private companies to handle alone. Given that the selected companies were vetted for physical environments—including data center space, electrical facilities, and network security—the consensus is that this project will become the lifeblood of a stable AI ecosystem.

The timing of technology introduction and service launch has also been strategically designed. Starting with orders in June, the government plans to roll out B300 services within the year as each contractor completes their setup. Meanwhile, the Verarubin, which boasts even more powerful computational capabilities, will be introduced to the market in phases starting in the first half of next year. This phased approach reflects the government’s meticulous calculation to prevent confusion in infrastructure construction and to operate the latest technology as efficiently as possible. Consequently, domestic researchers and companies will be provided with world-class computing resources in a timely manner, allowing them to secure a technical edge that keeps pace with the global AI market.

This project should not be viewed merely as a 2 trillion won procurement deal. It is a strategic move for the nation to protect its own technological sovereignty (Sovereign AI) in the age of artificial intelligence, and an attempt to improve the overall constitution of the domestic cloud industry. The fact that five companies competed fiercely during the public bidding process from March to April demonstrates the immense thirst for AI infrastructure among domestic firms. The large-scale infrastructure operational capabilities demonstrated by the three selected companies will be essential foundation for South Korea to leap forward as a hub of the AI ecosystem. It remains to be seen what innovative value this ‘AI Highway,’ built through the cooperation of the government and the private sector, will create across our entire industry.