OpenAI Expands into South Korea, Partners with Samsung and SK Hynix
OpenAI Establishes Presence in South Korea Through Strategic Partnerships
Seoul, September 10, 2025 – OpenAI has officially entered the South Korean market through collaborations with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy. The announcement was made by Jason Kwon, OpenAI's Chief Strategy Officer, during a press conference in Seoul.
Strengthening AI Infrastructure Through Semiconductor Partnerships
Kwon emphasized that South Korea's advanced semiconductor industry provides ideal conditions for AI development. "SK Hynix's leadership in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and Samsung's technological capabilities will be crucial for next-generation AI computing," he stated. These partnerships aim to optimize hardware for AI workloads, particularly in data centers.
Rapid Market Growth in South Korea
OpenAI reported explosive growth in South Korea:
- ChatGPT active users have tripled since 2024
- Paid subscriptions increased by over 200%
- South Korea now ranks among OpenAI's fastest-growing markets globally
"The adoption rate demonstrates South Korean users' enthusiasm for AI technologies," Kwon noted.
Academic Collaboration and Local Presence
The company plans to:
- Sign an MOU with Seoul National University this week
- Establish research partnerships with Korean academic institutions
- Open its twelfth global office and third Asian location in Seoul (following Japan and Singapore)
The new office will focus on understanding local market needs and fostering regional AI talent.
Global Implications
These developments position South Korea as a key player in:
- AI hardware innovation
- Next-generation computing architectures
- Regional AI ecosystem development
Key Points:
- Strategic partnerships: Collaboration with Samsung and SK Hynix for AI-optimized hardware
- Market growth: South Korea shows fastest ChatGPT adoption rates globally
- Academic ties: Planned MOU with Seoul National University for joint research
- Local presence: New Seoul office marks OpenAI's third Asian location
- Global impact: Strengthens Asia-Pacific position in AI innovation
