OpenAI Opens First Official Office in South Korea, Launches Full-Scale AI Industry Cooperation

OpenAI, the world’s leading artificial intelligence company, is establishing its first official office in South Korea and launching comprehensive cooperation with the Korean government and industry. According to a report by ZDNet Korea on May 26 (Korean time), OpenAI has made clear its position to use Seoul as a base and pursue close cooperation with the Korean government and industry.

At a meeting with the Democratic Party’s Digital Special Committee held at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul on May 26, OpenAI officially announced that it had already completed Korean corporate registration and would open an office in Seoul. The meeting was attended by key party figures including Democratic Party Digital Special Committee Chairman Lim Moon-young and Strategic Planning Director Chae Bo-gun, while OpenAI was represented by Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon, International Business Director Oliver Jay, and Asia-Pacific Policy Director Sandy Koonvatanagarn, who shared specific plans.

OpenAI emphasized that the Seoul office establishment is not simply setting up an overseas branch, but rather a strategic base for collaboration with Korea’s AI ecosystem. CSO Jason Kwon stated, “Korea is a technological powerhouse with full-stack capabilities from semiconductors to applications,” adding, “We will work with Korea’s industry, education, and policy sectors to build responsible AI infrastructure.”

OpenAI is currently recruiting for various positions in technology, policy, and partnerships for the Seoul office, with plans to finalize location and organizational structure within several months. CSO Kwon noted, “AI infrastructure will ultimately determine each country’s technological sovereignty and economic interests,” emphasizing that “infrastructure is destiny.” He highlighted Korea’s strengths as including semiconductor companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, excellent talent, education and R&D capabilities, and active AI utilization by application technology companies such as Naver, Kakao, and Krafton.

OpenAI recently launched the “OpenAI for Countries” program, announcing plans to collaborate with governments and civil society in various countries to jointly build localized AI models and ecosystems. This represents customized AI infrastructure cooperation tailored to each country’s circumstances, rather than simple technology export.

Cooperation with Korean companies is already active. Kakao has integrated OpenAI technology into its services, while Krafton is utilizing ChatGPT for game development and employee productivity enhancement. KDB Development Bank has signed a business agreement for startup ecosystem development, and SK Telecom is collaborating as a marketing and distribution partner.

CSO Kwon emphasized, “Investment in the developer ecosystem is essential for the autonomous development of the AI ecosystem,” stating, “The Seoul office will be the first step for OpenAI to participate responsibly in the Korean market and grow together.”

OpenAI’s entry into Seoul is expected to be an important turning point for Korea to solidify its position as a technology-centered nation in the global AI leadership competition. It is time for the government, businesses, and civil society to respond with joint strategies and investments in the international competition surrounding AI.

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