In addition to announcing its new economic strategy, the South Korean government revealed details of the 2026 state budget for research and development (R&D) on August 22, 2025. According to a presidential statement, a record 35.3 trillion won (approximately $25.2 billion) will be allocated for this purpose, representing the most significant increase in science spending in the countrys history. It was emphasized that a substantial portion of this budget will be specifically invested in the development of artificial intelligence. These funds will directly finance fundamental research at universities and government R&D institutes, the development of domestic AI semiconductors (AI chips), and the creation of national "sovereign" large language models. This budget complements the previously announced public-private 100 trillion won fund and is intended to create a strong scientific foundation for future commercial breakthroughs in AI.
South Korea to Spend a Record $25.2B on R&D in 2026 with a Focus on AI
