The Korean government plans to significantly ramp up investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors through its record 2027 budget proposal of nearly 821 trillion won ($599 billion), the Ministry of Planning and Budget announced. The plan aims to counter potential low economic growth and strengthen South Korea's standing in the global technology sector. The government designated semiconductors, physical AI, and AI data centers as three national megaprojects, backed by an initial funding injection of 21.3 trillion won, a 97.2 percent increase from the current year. President Lee Jae Myung emphasized that the budget provides a foundation for technological leadership amid shifts in the global AI revolution, energy transitions, and supply chain restructuring. Under the proposal, Budget Minister Park Hong-geun detailed the creation of a special account for semiconductors to expand production infrastructure, secure core technologies, and fortify the domestic industry ecosystem. Furthermore, 2.6 trillion won will be allocated to physical AI demonstration projects alongside foundational infrastructure support, including power, water, and industrial complexes. The initiative includes supplying 10,000 graphics processing units (GPUs), data resources, and specialized personnel to build a competitive national AI foundation model and support public AI services. Beyond the core tech megaprojects, the budget outlines strategic growth engines with 62.8 trillion won allocated across key national technologies such as fusion energy, small modular reactors (SMRs), quantum technology, aerospace, and advanced biotechnology. Additional allocations of 43.3 trillion won are targeted toward youth employment, housing, and family support programs.   (ICE SEOUL)

Fonte notizia: The Korea Times