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OpenAI Signs Korea Chip LOIs, Explores Data Centers in Seoul Visit

The agreements position Korea as a core memory supplier with prospective Stargate sites pending final contracts.

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President Lee Jae Myung (R) shakes hands with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman during their meeting at the presidential office in Seoul on Oct. 1, 2025. (Yonhap)
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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks during the Federal Reserve's Integrated Review of the Capital Framework for Large Banks Conference in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 22, 2025. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno

Overview

  • Samsung Electronics and SK hynix signed letters of intent to supply DRAM and HBM for OpenAI’s Stargate program, which OpenAI forecasts will require about 900,000 high-performance DRAM wafers per month.
  • SK Group added a separate memorandum of understanding to co-develop an AI data center in southwest South Korea, with Sam Altman touting plans for a “Stargate Korea” to support sovereign AI needs.
  • South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT signed an MOU with OpenAI to expand the domestic AI ecosystem, including workforce development, startup support and public-sector AI adoption.
  • A top presidential adviser said OpenAI is seeking to order 900,000 wafers in 2029 and is planning two 20‑megawatt data centers via joint ventures with Samsung and SK hynix, with schedules and financing still being worked out.
  • Shares surged after the announcements, with Samsung up 4.7% and SK hynix up 12%, as Samsung SDS, Samsung C&T and Samsung Heavy Industries agreed to support data-center design and floating facilities and SK Telecom began exploring a dedicated site.