Nvidia Opens South Korea R&D Center, Strengthens Samsung and SK Hynix Ties
In brief
- Nvidia recruiting for first public R&D center in South Korea, focusing on physical AI and robotics
- Center will develop AI infrastructure solutions alongside government and Hyundai Motor Group partnerships
- Strategic move deepens ties with Samsung, SK Hynix, and local semiconductor suppliers
- Builds on October 2025 GPU supply memorandum of understanding with Hyundai
The South Korea Strategy
Nvidia is officially hiring for the new center, which will focus on three core areas: physical AI, robotics, and AI infrastructure solutions. The recruitment launch reflects Nvidia's effort to embed itself deeper in a region where critical suppliers operate. Samsung and SK Hynix manufacture the high-bandwidth memory chips that go into Nvidia's GPUs, making South Korea central to the company's supply chain.
Huang's June visit included meetings with local business leaders focused on customer-specific AI customization and infrastructure support. The timing underscores Nvidia's intent to move beyond chip sales into collaborative R&D partnerships that strengthen ties across the Korean tech ecosystem.
Location and Partnerships
Discussions are already underway with both the South Korean government and Hyundai Motor Group regarding the facility. One proposed location is Saemangeum, a massive reclaimed land development on South Korea's west coast. The choice signals long-term commitment, as development projects of that scale require sustained investment and partnership.
The Hyundai connection runs deeper than geography. Nvidia and Hyundai signed a memorandum of understanding in October 2025 covering GPU supply and joint AI initiatives. Follow-up talks took place in January 2026, and the R&D center announcement appears to be the next logical step in that relationship. Huang has signaled that expansion of the site will be contingent on successful recruitment, making talent acquisition the near-term priority.
What's Next
Setting up an R&D operation in the same country where your critical suppliers live makes obvious strategic sense. The center positions Nvidia to collaborate directly with Samsung and SK Hynix on next-generation memory architectures while building custom AI solutions tailored to South Korean enterprises. It's a play for both supply-chain resilience and market access in one of the world's most competitive semiconductor regions.
