OpenAI has introduced the Economic Blueprint for Korea – a document with recommendations on how South Korea can maximize the benefits of AI and stimulate economic growth. The strategy builds on recent steps: OpenAI's first country partnership in the Asia-Pacific region, announced on October 1, the Stargate initiative, under which Samsung and SK plan to expand the supply of advanced memory, and the exploration of next-generation data centers in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT). Additionally, OpenAI has opened an office in Korea and entered into a strategic partnership with Seoul National University.
The document proposes a two-track strategy: the development of sovereign capabilities in foundational models, infrastructure, data management, and GPU supply – and strategic partnerships with advanced AI developers. These directions complement each other: the implementation of advanced technologies strengthens operational maturity, data management, and economic efficiency, which in turn enhances the sovereign ecosystem.
Among the priority areas are export and industrial competitiveness (semiconductors, automotive, shipbuilding), healthcare and social welfare (support for doctors, error reduction, document management), education and talent (personalized learning, reduced administrative burden), as well as small and medium enterprises and regional development. The conditions mentioned include large-scale infrastructure, operational readiness, data management, regulatory sandboxes, and a modernized regulatory environment.
If South Korea combines sovereign capabilities with partnerships, it can scale AI in key industries, implement best global practices, and create an exportable 'AI nation package' that combines technology, funding, and policy expertise. 'Korea has a historic opportunity to lead a new era of intelligence, leveraging strengths in semiconductors, digital infrastructure, talent, and government support,' said Chris Lehane, Director of Global Affairs at OpenAI. 'This approach can position Korea not only as a user but also as a global standard-setter and a reliable provider of scalable AI systems.'
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