Which Hyundai Motor Group affiliates will invest in the Saemangeum AI data center project?

Hyundai Motor, Kia, Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Hyundai AutoEver will participate. The group plans to use two special purpose companies, with one responsible for construction and infrastructure and the other for GPU services.

When will Hyundai Motor Group begin construction and commercial operations for its Saemangeum AI data center?

The group plans to break ground in March 2027, with commercial operations targeted for early 2030. It said the two special purpose companies are to be established next month.

Why is Hyundai Motor Group developing an AI data center in Saemangeum?

The project is part of Hyundai Motor Group’s push to expand into AI infrastructure and diversify beyond its traditional automotive business. Chang Jae-hoon described a broader plan to develop Saemangeum as a hub for AI data centers, robotics and hydrogen-related industries.

Hyundai Motor Group to establish two SPCs for AI data center project

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Summary

Hyundai Motor Group said Friday it will establish two special purpose companies next month for an AI data center project in Saemangeum, Gunsan. One company will oversee construction and infrastructure, while the other will handle GPU services. The group plans to break ground in March 2027 and begin commercial operations in early 2030. Vice Chairman Chang Jae-hoon reaffirmed the group’s 9 trillion won investment commitment to the region during a visit the previous day.

Key Facts

Hyundai Motor, Kia, Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Hyundai AutoEver will participate in the investment.
The Saemangeum reclaimed land area is about 200 kilometers southwest of Seoul.
Chang outlined plans for Saemangeum to become a hub for AI data centers, robotics and hydrogen-related industries.
The group said the project is part of its broader effort to diversify beyond its traditional automotive business.

By Yonhap

Published Oct 30, 2026 11:41 am KST

From right, Kim Min-seok, leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), Chang Jae-hoon, vice chairman of Hyundai Motor and Lee Won-taek, governor of North Jeolla Province, pose during their meeting at Saemangeum reclaimed land area in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, Thursday. Yonhap

Hyundai Motor Group said Friday it plans to establish two special purpose companies (SPCs) next month to develop artificial intelligence (AI) data centers as part of its push to expand into AI infrastructure.

The automotive group said its affiliates, including Hyundai Motor, Kia, Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Hyundai AutoEver, will participate in the investment.

One SPC will oversee data center construction and infrastructure development, while the other will handle graphics processing unit (GPU) services.

The group said it plans to break ground on the project in the Saemangeum reclaimed land area in Gunsan, about 200 kilometers southwest of Seoul, in March 2027. Commercial operations are targeted for early 2030.

The announcement came a day after Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chairman Chang Jae-hoon visited Saemangeum, reaffirming the group's commitment to invest 9 trillion won ($6.7 billion) in the region.

During the visit, Chang outlined plans to transform Saemangeum into a hub for AI data centers, robotics and hydrogen-related industries as part of the group's broader efforts to diversify beyond its traditional automotive business.

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