장성이냐 해남이냐..글로벌 AI데이터센터 어디로? (뉴스데스크 2026.5.11 광주MBC)

(Anchor) The attraction of the ‘AI Data Center’ by SK and OpenAI, which will serve as the core driving force for the integrated Gwangju-Jeonnam Special City, is imminent. Despite SK Chairman Chey Tae-won’s recent reserved stance, Jeonnam is confident that it is a ‘ready optimal location’ equipped with abundant renewable energy and infrastructure. Will it be Haenam, which offers energy self-sufficiency, or Jangseong, which provides favorable living conditions? The future of the region hinges on SK’s choice. Reporter Kim Young-chang reports. (Reporter) This is the area around Jangseong Advanced Technology District 3, which spans a total of approximately 3.62 million square meters and is home to six large industrial complexes, including those in Jangseong and Gwangju. Previously, last October, SK and the global company OpenAI agreed to build an AI data center in Jeonnam Province with a capacity of approximately 10,000 GPUs. At the time, South Jeolla Province proposed Haenam Solasido and Jangseong Advanced Technology District 3 to the company as sites for the data center. South Jeolla Province Official (voice altered) "Haenam would be more advantageous in terms of renewable energy and such, but Jangseong is better when considering living conditions..." South Jeolla Province assesses Haenam Solasido as the optimal location, noting that it possesses a large site and sufficient power supply conditions, including abundant water resources, and notably, the National AI Computer Data Center is also set to be established there. Jangseong Advanced Technology District 3 is equally impressive, featuring an industrial complex and offering advantages in living conditions due to its proximity to Gwangju, a city center. In fact, it is reported that SK showed deep interest, including touring Jangseong Advanced Technology District 3 in early January of this year. * Kwak Jae-young / Head of Regional Development Division, Jangseong County "A substation is installed within the Advanced Technology Zone 3, facilitating a smooth power supply. Additionally, with approximately 8,000 apartment units under construction, the living conditions for employees are excellent." Both regions have stated that they will leave the choice to the company rather than engaging in a competition to attract the data center. South Jeolla Province also stated, "It is up to the company to compare and choose between the two regions," adding, "Regardless of which region it is, our goal is to begin construction as soon as possible." With the site expected to be decided in the first half of this year, attention is focused on which region SK will choose between Jangseong and Haenam. This is Kim Young-chang from MBC News. #AIDataCenter #Jangseong #Haenam