Gov't to spend $1.67 bil. on AI transformation in public sector
Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon speaks during a meeting in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, Monday. Courtesy of the Ministry of Science and ICT
The government plans to spend up to 2.4 trillion won ($1.67 billion) this year to promote artificial intelligence (AI) transformation across public sectors ranging from defense to agriculture.
The plan was unveiled at a meeting of science-related ministers chaired by Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon, with the funds set to be distributed to 33 government agencies, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT.
The amount marks a fivefold increase from last year, it added.
In detail, Seoul will establish a cross-government AI collaboration framework, providing graphics processing units (GPUs), AI models and data, along with consulting programs, to promote the use of AI in the public sector.
"During CES 2026, I noticed that the AI sector is moving beyond the digital realm and rapidly spreading across industries such as robotics, manufacturing and logistics, as demonstrated by China's physical AI capabilities," Bae said.
"In order for Korea to become one of the world's three AI powerhouses and among the top five technology leaders, we need to take more swift measures," he added.
"We will strengthen cross-ministry capabilities to establish mid-and-long term investment strategies and swiftly generate tangible results from research and development projects," the science minister said.