OpenAI CEO Sam Altman made an unannounced visit to South Korea over the weekend of November 2, 2026, meeting with executives from the country's leading chipmakers to advance existing partnerships [1]. Altman met with approximately 50 executives from Samsung affiliates spanning electronics, finance, and biotechnology in Yongin, south of Seoul, with discussions covering AI developments, potential business opportunities, and technology's impact on corporate decision-making and operations [1]. He also met with SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won over lunch on Saturday, with senior executives from SK Hynix and SK Telecom in attendance, with local media reports suggesting discussions may have focused on cooperation regarding AI chips and data centers, including existing plans for high-bandwidth memory supplies and AI data center development, though participants did not provide details [1]. SK Hynix told CNBC it was unable to confirm the reported meeting [1].
This latest visit builds on Altman's previous engagement in South Korea as part of OpenAI's broader Stargate initiative. Altman previously visited South Korea in October 2025, when he met with President Lee Jae Myung, Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee, and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, announcing partnerships with Samsung and SK Group focused on advanced memory chip supplies and AI data center development [1]. Under these agreements, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix outlined plans to ramp up production of advanced memory chips, while OpenAI and its South Korean partners agreed to explore developing AI data centers in the country [1]. OpenAI cited South Korea's ranking among global leaders in AI readiness and significant public-private funding as reasons for expanding its presence in the country [1]. Additionally, Altman met with Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee at OpenAI's headquarters in San Francisco in July 2026 [1].
CONCLUSION
Sam Altman's surprise visit to South Korea underscores OpenAI's strategic commitment to deepening partnerships with major chipmakers Samsung and SK Group as part of its Stargate infrastructure expansion initiative. The repeated high-level engagement signals accelerating collaboration on advanced memory chip production and AI data center development, positioning South Korea as a critical hub for OpenAI's global AI infrastructure ambitions.