South Korea to double spending on AI and chips in 2027
Summary
South Korea will nearly double spending on AI and semiconductors in 2027 to 21.3 trillion won, while also raising defence spending to support smart military systems, nuclear-powered submarines and KF-21 fighter jets. President Lee Jae Myung said the budget is designed to boost growth through frontier AI projects and chip investment.
Key Points
- South Korea plans to allocate 21.3 trillion won to AI and chipmaking in 2027, nearly double this year’s amount.
- President Lee Jae Myung said the government will use AI, robots and drones to transform the military into a “smart, elite force.”
- The defence budget is set to rise about 8% to 73.3 trillion won, with funding aimed at nuclear-powered submarines and KF-21 fighter jets.
- The government also plans major investments in AI data centres, semiconductor infrastructure, and related utilities like electricity and water supply.
