Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang departed from Gimpo International Airport on Tuesday after completing a business visit to South Korea [1].
The trip underscores the critical reliance of global AI development on South Korean semiconductor hardware and software infrastructure. As Nvidia scales its AI chip production, securing stable partnerships with memory providers and cloud operators in Seoul is essential for maintaining its market lead.
Huang spent four nights and five days in the country [1]. During the visit, he held a series of high-level meetings with key industry partners, including SK Hynix, Naver, and SK Telecom [1]. These discussions focused on expanding collaborations in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and super-computing capabilities [1].
One of the primary outcomes of the trip was a focus on long-term hardware supply. Huang said that the company entered into a multi-year partnership with SK Hynix to expand business operations [1]. This agreement is expected to stabilize the supply of high-bandwidth memory required for Nvidia's latest generation of AI processors.
Upon his departure from Gimpo Airport, Huang expressed gratitude for the reception he received during his stay. He said the visit was very good and that everyone had welcomed him kindly [1]. He also thanked those who hosted him and said he hoped to return in the future [1].
The visit coincides with a period of intense competition in the global AI chip market. By strengthening ties with South Korean tech giants, Nvidia aims to optimize its supply chain and integrate its software ecosystem more deeply with regional cloud providers [1].
“Nvidia entered into a multi-year partnership with SK Hynix to expand business operations.”
This visit solidifies the strategic interdependence between U.S.-based AI design and South Korean manufacturing. By securing a multi-year partnership with SK Hynix, Nvidia is mitigating risks associated with the memory bottleneck that often limits the deployment of large-scale AI models. The engagement with Naver and SK Telecom further suggests that Nvidia is moving beyond hardware sales to integrate its AI stack directly into the regional digital infrastructure of East Asia.
