Nvidia CEO Brings 'Surprises' for Korea as Robotics Becomes Next Major Sector

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang arrived in Seoul declaring robotics as South Korea's next major sector, with Nvidia planning R&D expansion and "surprises." The Silicon Review reports on the deepening AI alliance.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang touched down in Seoul with a bold prediction: robotics will be South Korea's next major growth sector. His four-day visit marks his second trip in seven months, underscoring the deepening ties between Nvidia and Korean tech giants.

"Korea has many sectors to invest in. Robotics is going to be the next major sector here in Korea," Huang told reporters after arriving at Gimpo International Airport. Flashing his characteristic smile, he added: "Did I bring any gifts for Korea? I brought a lot of business for Korea. I have some surprises." 

"Robotics is going to be the next major sector here. Korea is extraordinary at manufacturing, mechatronics, and also AI. The fusion of all of that technology is perfect robotics." — Jensen Huang, Nvidia CEO

The visit comes as Nvidia prepares for mass production of Vera Rubin, its next-generation AI accelerator platform, set for rollout in the second half of 2026. Huang confirmed that all three memory chip makers Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and Micron have qualified their HBM4 products and are in full production.

"Korea is a manufacturing center of the world. We can apply the robotics technology, the physical AI technology that we invent here for the industry," Huang said. He highlighted scheduled meetings with Samsung, SK Group, LG Group, Hyundai Motor, and Naver during his trip.

The manufacturing of semiconductors will become increasingly robotics and AI-driven in the future, he added, presenting significant opportunities to partner with Korean semiconductor companies.

Huang also revealed that Nvidia has begun hiring for an R&D center in Korea and will build a dedicated site once enough personnel are in place. "Korea is an excellent place to invest in R&D because it has excellent expertise in AI, robotics, as well as a great deal of semiconductor technology," he said.

Huang will meet with NCSoft CEO Kim Taek-jin to discuss cooperation in gaming and physical AI, and is also expected to meet Krafton executives. Visits to Naver's 1784 headquarters, Hyundai Motor Group, and LG Group are being discussed, with AI factories, sovereign AI, and physical AI as key agenda items.

As Jensen Huang arrives in Seoul declaring robotics as South Korea's next major sector with Nvidia planning R&D expansion and unexpected "surprises," The Silicon Review examines how the world's most valuable chipmaker is transforming Korea from a customer into a co-creator of the physical AI future.

Q: Why did Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visit South Korea in June 2026?
A: Huang arrived on June 5 for a four-day visit to strengthen Nvidia's partnerships with Korean tech giants including Samsung, SK Group, LG, Hyundai, and Naver, with robotics identified as the next major growth sector.

Q: What did Jensen Huang say about robotics in South Korea?
A: Huang said "robotics is going to be the next major sector here in Korea," adding that Korea's strengths in manufacturing, mechatronics, and AI make it perfectly positioned for the fusion required for robotics.

Q: What "surprises" did Nvidia's CEO bring for South Korea?
A: Huang told reporters "I brought a lot of business for Korea. I have some surprises," though he declined to disclose specific details. Industry observers expect announcements related to R&D investment and robotics partnerships.

Q: Is Nvidia building an R&D center in South Korea?
A: Huang confirmed that Nvidia has begun hiring for an R&D center in Korea and will build a dedicated site once enough personnel are in place, praising Korea's expertise in AI, robotics, and semiconductor technology.

Q: What is the Vera Rubin platform that Huang mentioned?
A: Vera Rubin is Nvidia's next-generation AI accelerator platform, set for rollout in the second half of 2026. Huang said mass production is imminent and the second quarter will be extremely busy.

Q: Which Korean companies is Jensen Huang meeting during his visit?
A: Huang is scheduled to meet with Samsung Electronics, SK Group, LG Group, Hyundai Motor Group, Naver, NCSoft, and Krafton, as well as AI and robotics startups and university researchers .