NVIDIA Chief Executive officer (CEO) Jensen Huang established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Factory Alliance through a series of meetings with major Korean conglomerates. This collaboration with NVIDIA, a leader in the AI era, has positioned Korean companies as key players in the global AI ecosystem, creating new business opportunities.
Notably, the alliance includes not only Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix but also Hyundai Motor Group, LG Group, Naver, and Doosan. For NVIDIA, this partnership secures strong allies and lays the groundwork to transform the AI era into a new growth engine.
Huang wrapped up his visit to Korea on Monday, focusing on identifying partners for expanding AI factory initiatives, including robotics and autonomous driving.
During his visit, he emphasized the importance of collaboration. While NVIDIA is known for its graphic processing units (GPUs) and AI accelerators, it faces stiff competition in the physical AI sector from companies like Google. However, it has yet to secure partners with hardware capable of real-world validation.
Huang identified Korea as a crucial partner to address these challenges. Korean companies have global production bases generating vast amounts of manufacturing data, and they possess top-tier AI technology capabilities. Upon arrival at Seoul Gimpo Business Aviation Center on June 5, Huang told reporters that Korea holds a unique position in manufacturing, mechatronics, and AI. The fusion of these technologies is perfect for robotics.
Huang forged various partnerships through meetings with executives from major conglomerates. He agreed to jointly develop next-generation memory for AI factories with SK Hynix, while SK Telecom will oversee AI factory construction. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won stated that it will build the future AI factory together with NVIDIA. This collaboration marks a significant step forward from their previous partnership focused on high-bandwidth memory (HBM) supply.
With Hyundai Motor Group, Huang discussed collaborating on industrial robotics technology. He shared insights with Chairman Chung Eui-sun on co-developing Hyundai’s robotics platform. Chung proposed NVIDIA’s participation in the Saemangeum project, which includes AI and robotics. Huang responded positively to this suggestion.
Huang also agreed to strengthen AI factory business cooperation with LG Group in areas like physical AI and AI infrastructure development. LG Group committed to collaborating throughout the entire robot development process, enhancing NVIDIA’s AI infrastructure capabilities with cooling solutions. In the mobility sector, LG Electronics will integrate its infotainment capabilities with NVIDIA’s autonomous driving platform.
Additionally, they will connect Doosan’s products, technology, and manufacturing capabilities to NVIDIA’s accelerated computing and physical AI platform, exploring solutions for power supply and optimization of generation facilities necessary for AI factory construction.
Naver plans to jointly establish a gigawatt-scale global AI factory with NVIDIA. This partnership goes beyond mere technical collaboration, encompassing the entire process from discovering global demand to capital cooperation for building AI factory infrastructure.
Met with Heads of Major Korean Conglomerates Two to Three Times, Exploring Broad-Based Cooperation
Huang undertook a whirlwind tour over four days to achieve these results. Considering his schedule, including filming for a variety show on June 6 and departing on the morning of June 9, he effectively met with key group representatives and expanded contacts over just two and a half days.
During his visit, Huang met with executives from major groups, including Samsung Electronics, SK Group, Hyundai Motor Group, LG Group, as well as Doosan Group, Naver, NC, and Krafton. He also held discussions with executives from robotics and AI startups.
On his first day in Korea, Huang dined with SK Group Chairman Chey, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, and Naver Chairman Lee Hae-jin at a restaurant near Hongdae, enjoying samgyeopsal (pork belly) and soju-beer cocktails. On June 7, he had a naengmyeon meeting with Hyundai Group Chairman Chung and also met with Doosan Group Chairman Park Jung-won, NC CEO Kim Taek-jin, and Krafton Chairman Chang Byung-kyu. In the evening, he had a gathering with SK Group officials, including Chairman Chey.
On Monday, he began meetings with Chairman Chey and continued with LG Group Chairman Koo, Hyundai Group Chairman Chung, Naver Chairman Lee, Samsung Electronics Device Solutions (semiconductors, DS) Vice Chairman Jeon Young-hyeon, and executives from AI robotics startups. During his visit, he met with Chairman Chey three times and with Chairmen Chung and Koo, and Chairman Lee twice each.
Jensen Huang Holds Back-to-Back Meetings with Everyone from Korea’s Big Four Conglomerates to Startup CEOs
Huang appears poised to continue pursuing diverse collaborations with Korean companies. He remarked that Korea ranks at the top of the semiconductor manufacturing sector, and the world needs heavy industry to create new industries, in which Korea excels.
He also highlighted Korea’s exceptional advancements in software technology, AI, science, and mathematics, stating that the U.S. ranks first in AI contributions, China second, and Korea third, showcasing the remarkable achievements driven by a deep passion for science and math. Huang emphasized that this combination creates an ideal environment for Korea to leverage the AI revolution.
During his visit, Huang indicated that he had prepared surprises, including increased semiconductor orders from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, as well as collaborations in autonomous driving and robotics. Analysts suggest that Huang’s outreach to domestic AI and robotics startups aims to integrate them into NVIDIA’s software ecosystem. However, it also signals an intention to elevate Korea as a pillar of the AI ecosystem while partnering with startups.
Furthermore, Huang announced plans to establish an AI research center in Seoul. NVIDIA recently posted job openings for a physical AI solution architect in its AI technology center with Seoul employment as a condition. This effectively solidifies the establishment plan. Huang’s visit to the AI Research Institute at Seoul National University and meetings with young researchers align with efforts to strengthen research and development (R&D) capabilities and secure top talent.
Crowds Follow Jensen Huang Wherever He Goes; Set for Ceremonial First Pitch and TV Variety Show Appearance
His visit drew public attention beyond business activities. He frequented PC rooms, baseball stadiums, and K-food establishments, such as samgyeopsal, chicken, and naengmyeon restaurants. Crowds gathered wherever he went, showcasing his affection for Korean culture. He willingly signed autographs, creating a friendly image among the public.
On June 7, Huang threw the ceremonial first pitch at a game between the Doosan Bears and the Kiwoom Heroes at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul. Having previously thrown the first pitch at the Major League Baseball (MLB) and Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) games in 2024, this marked his first time throwing at a the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League game.
Before the pitch, he grabbed the microphone and shouted “Korea,” expressing his delight at being there. He thanked the Korean people for welcoming him, his family, and NVIDIA, saying that nothing is better than chicken and beer. He concluded with a cheerful “Go Korea!”
Huang also became the first global CEO to appear on a Korean variety talk show. On June 6, he participated in the tvN show You Quiz on the Block, where he showcased his enthusiasm by dancing to “Golden,” performed by Huntrix from KPop Demon Hunters. The episode featuring Huang will air on June 10.
