South Korea is set to build the world's largest AI data center by capacity, reinforcing its position as a global technology leader.
The ambitious project, spearheaded by Fir Hills, a subsidiary of California-based Stock Farm Road, Inc. (SFR), is scheduled to begin construction in winter, 2025. Once operational, the facility is projected to generate an initial annual revenue of USD 3.5 billion.
Situated in the Jeollanam-do Province, the initiative is bringing together experienced industry pioneers. SFR was co-founded by LG heir, Brian Koo, and Dr. Amin Badr-El-Din, Founder and CEO, BADR Investments.
“This isn’t just a technological achievement; it’s a strategic leap in positioning Korea at the forefront of global innovation,” said Dr. Badr-El-Din. “We’re proud to collaborate with Stock Farm Road and the Jeollanam-do government on this critical infrastructure, which will lay the groundwork for next-generation AI (artificial intelligence),” he added.
Through an initial investment exceeding USD 10 billion (holding the potential to expand to USD 35 billion), the facility is expected to be completed by 2028. It will boast a 3-gigawatt (GW) capacity, making it the most powerful AI data center globally.
Engineered to support the evolving demands of AI, the center will feature state-of-the-art cooling technology, high-speed fiber connectivity for regional and global integration, and the ability to handle fluctuating energy demands.
Beyond advancing AI innovation, the project is expected to significantly boost South Korea’s economy. The global data center services market is projected to reach USD 438.3 billion by 2030, and this 3 GW facility positions South Korea as a key player in the sector.
“Having worked closely with major Asian tech enterprises, I recognize this project’s potential to elevate Korea and the region in both technological progress and economic growth. This isn’t just an infrastructure project; it’s the foundation for a new digital industrial revolution,” noted Koo.
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A Transformative Project
The scale of this initiative translates into substantial economic benefits for the Jeollanam-do Province and beyond. The project is expected to create over 10,000 jobs across multiple sectors, including energy storage systems (ESS), renewable energy production, equipment manufacturing, and research and development (R&D).
Additionally, the facility will serve millions of users, supporting hyperscalers, large corporations, and AI developers. This data center is just the beginning of SFR’s broader strategy. Over the next 18 months, the company plans to expand AI infrastructure partnerships across Asia, Europe, and the US.
SFR’s expertise in Energy-to-Intelligence (e2i²) serves as the foundation for this expansion, transforming traditional energy frameworks into next-generation, AI-driven ecosystems. With strong financial backing and an extensive global network across Asia and the West, SFR is poised to lead the next wave of intelligent infrastructure.
Over the past decade, South Korea has evolved into a technological powerhouse, with companies like Samsung, LG, and Hyundai excelling in their fields. Now, the country is solidifying its influence in AI and data infrastructure.
The Jeollanam-do AI data center exemplifies how strategic public-private partnerships can drive large-scale innovation. By establishing this landmark facility, South Korea is taking a significant step toward leading the digital revolution.
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