South Korean conglomerate Samsung unveiled on Sunday a $310 billion (€267 billion) five-year investment plan aimed at meeting the growing demand fueled by the global rise of artificial intelligence (AI).

As part of this plan, Samsung has approved the construction of Pyeongtaek Plant 5, a new semiconductor facility designed “to meet memory chip needs,” its statement said.

Semiconductor chain

“Once line 5 is fully operational, the Pyeongtaek plant is expected to play an even more strategic role in the global semiconductor supply chain and the domestic chip ecosystem in South Korea,” the source added.

Two AI data centers

The new line is expected to begin operations in 2028. As part of this plan, Samsung SDS, the group's IT and logistics arm, will establish two AI data centers in South Jeolla and Gumi, the company added, without providing further details.

Global AI Powers

This plan comes after the South Korean government pledged to triple national spending on the sector next year, with President Lee Jae Myung committing to making the country one of the world's top three AI powers, allocating nearly €6.1 billion, including around €1.57 billion for its deployment in industry, daily life and the public sector.

Affiliated business networks

Samsung is the first of the family-owned conglomerates that dominate the South Korean economy. Samsung Group refers to a network of affiliated companies with complex cross-shareholdings under the Samsung brand rather than a single holding company.

Subsidiaries of Samsung Group

Samsung Electronics, a leading global manufacturer of electronic components essential for the AI industry, announced on October 30 a jump of more than 30% in its third-quarter annual profit. The rise of AI has given it a major boost, as well as that of South Korea's SK hynix, another key player in the global market, whose high-performance memory chips have become indispensable for AI computing. Samsung SDI, a subsidiary specializing in batteries for electric vehicles, is exploring the creation of a domestic production line "for next-generation batteries, including all-solid-state batteries," the company also stated.