NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang visited Seoul on June 13, 2026, to announce strategic partnerships with SK Hynix and Naver [1, 2].

These agreements aim to secure the critical memory chips required for high-performance AI processors. As global demand for artificial intelligence surges, the stability of the semiconductor supply chain has become a primary concern for tech giants seeking to avoid production bottlenecks.

During the visit, Huang focused on strengthening the AI ecosystem within the region [2]. The collaboration with SK Hynix is specifically designed to ensure a steady flow of essential memory components, which are vital for the operation of NVIDIA's GPU architectures [1, 2].

Parallel to the hardware focus, NVIDIA is partnering with Naver to expand AI infrastructure [1, 2]. This move integrates NVIDIA's computing power with Naver's local platform capabilities, a step intended to scale the deployment of AI services across South Korea.

Industry analysts view the visit as a tactical move to diversify and solidify NVIDIA's operational footprint in East Asia [2]. By aligning with both a hardware manufacturer and a software platform provider, the company is attempting to lock in both the physical components and the digital infrastructure necessary for long-term growth.

South Korea remains a central hub for memory chip production, making these partnerships critical for NVIDIA's ability to meet global delivery schedules [1, 2]. The company's strategy emphasizes a vertical integration of the supply chain to mitigate risks associated with geopolitical instability or manufacturing delays.

Huang said the goals of the visit were to build a more resilient AI ecosystem through these strategic regional alliances [2].

“NVIDIA announced partnerships with SK Hynix and Naver to secure memory chips and expand AI infrastructure.”

NVIDIA is shifting from a purely transactional relationship with suppliers to a deeply integrated partnership model. By securing direct ties with SK Hynix and Naver, NVIDIA reduces its vulnerability to memory shortages and establishes a localized foothold in one of the world's most advanced semiconductor markets, ensuring its hardware remains the standard for AI scaling.