On January 2, 2026, Ulsan Mayor Kim Du-gyeom signed the "Ulsan Sovereign AI Cluster Development Plan" as his first official act of the new year.
This initiative goes beyond simply building a data center. It is a strategic move to achieve two major goals: industrial data independence and the transformation of manufacturing through intelligence.
1. Realizing "Sovereign AI"
Sovereign AI refers to artificial intelligence built and controlled using a nation's own data and infrastructure, without depending on specific foreign countries or global Big Tech firms. Ulsan is the hub for South Korea’s key industries, including Hyundai Motor, HD Hyundai, and SK Innovation. The "Ulsan Sovereign AI" project aims to process sensitive manufacturing data securely within the region to prevent data leaks.
2. Integration with SK-AWS Hyperscale Data Center
At the heart of this project is the massive AI data center built by SK Group and Amazon Web Services (AWS), which broke ground in June 2025. With an investment of approximately 7 trillion KRW ($4.8B), the center will house 60,000 GPUs. Located within the Ulsan Mipo National Industrial Complex, it is designed to minimize latency by being physically close to industrial sites.
3. Launch of the "AI Capital Promotion Headquarters"
Alongside this approval, Ulsan City officially launched the "AI Capital Promotion Headquarters." This signifies the city’s commitment to acting as a central control tower, not just providing support, but directly managing policy, talent development, and infrastructure.
4. Digital Transformation (DX) of Traditional Manufacturing
The project will equip Ulsan’s core industries (automotive, shipbuilding, and petrochemicals) with "AI brains." For example, AI will be used to optimize shipbuilding processes or maximize energy efficiency in chemical plants.
[Photo Credit] "Korea Local Era Expo Ceremony," November 19. Openly shared by Ulsan Metropolitan City under Type 1 of the Korea Open Government License (KOGL) (www.ulsan.go.kr).