ChatGPT, Gemini, DeepSeek—these generative AI technologies have become household names. But did you know that data centers are essential to power such AI services and the internet? Data centers, which integrate vast amounts of data through computing systems and communication equipment, have emerged as a new trend not only in the IT market but also in the construction industry, driven by the rise of generative AI and cloud migration. Hyundai E&C, a leader in data center construction with abundant experience and innovative technologies, continues to solidify its position in the field.  

Hyundai E&C: A Leader in Data Center Construction

A data center is a specially designed facility that stores and manages digital data, serving as a critical infrastructure for cloud and internet services. As artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and big data analytics become key determinants of corporate competitiveness, the role of data centers has grown exponentially. Global cloud giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft (MS), and Google are investing astronomical sums to build hyperscale data centers*, a testament to their strategic importance. With the recent emergence of DeepSeek-R1, a cost-effective AI model released by the Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, shaking up the global IT market, interest in data centers is growing even further. Some experts believe that if various companies utilize low-cost, high-performance open-source models like DeepSeek-R1, the demand and investment in data centers will actually increase in the long run.

* Hyperscale data centers are large-scale facilities that operate at least 100,000 servers and feature an organic, scalable structure.

Korea, in particular, is attracting attention as a key market for data centers. As a geographical hub connecting China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, along with the development of advanced network infrastructure and low industrial electricity costs, global cloud providers such as AWS, Microsoft, and Oracle are expanding their presence. Hyundai E&C, which entered the data center market in 2004 with the Korea Financial Telecommunications & Clearings Institute's (KFTC) Bundang IT Center, has also been making history by securing orders for data centers from leading public, financial, and ICT firms throughout Korea, as well as global corporations.

[ Pacific Sunny Data Center, in Jukjeon, Yongin - scheduled for completion in 2025 ]

The most critical aspect of data center construction is ensuring that the data center operates smoothly 24/7, under any and all circumstances. To achieve this, it's crucial to prevent shutdowns caused not only by natural disasters and fires but also by system malfunctions due to overheating. As part of efforts to ensure the stable operation of data centers, Hyundai E&C provides meticulous design and construction across all areas, including power supply, communication connections, temperature and humidity control, cooling, and security. The company is always prepared for unpredictable events such as earthquakes and typhoons through seismic and base isolation designs. Furthermore, Hyundai E&C is committed to implementing thorough preventive measures and systems that utilize backup power to ensure users' valuable data is backed up, even if the power supply is interrupted due to unavoidable circumstances.

[ Base isolation device applied to the KB Kookmin Bank Integrated IT Center. It prevents vibrations from being transmitted to the data center and can withstand major earthquakes up to a magnitude of 8.0 ]

There has been a growing focus on implementing efficient cooling systems to address heat generation within data centers, which is a cause of server failures. Leading Korean portal Naver’s Data Center GAK Sejong, built by Hyundai E&C, has garnered attention for its eco-friendly cooling system that utilizes natural energy sources such as solar power and wind to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Hyundai E&C is developing a diverse range of innovative technologies to maximize the stable operation and energy efficiency of data centers.

Hyundai E&C Data Center Portfolio

Based on its accumulated know-how and technological prowess, Hyundai E&C boasts the most extensive track record of data center projects among Korean construction companies. The company not only meets the diverse needs of Korean and global cloud providers with its Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) capabilities, but also effectively manages a wide array of risks through its Processing Mapping technique, which optimizes project process management through standardization.

 Major Data Centers Built by Hyundai E&C 

Hyundai E&C, a Total Solution Provider

Based on its experience in constructing a wide array of data centers that require safety and security, such as Naver Data Center GAK Sejong, the National Information Resources Service's Government Integrated Data Center, and the NH Integrated IT Center, Hyundai E&C is currently constructing a data center for a global cloud company and Korea's largest carrier-neutral data center (Pacific Sunny Data Center in Jukjeon, Yongin). In November, the company was also selected as the builder of the Data Center in Seonggok-dong, Ansan (worth KRW 600 billion), a key part of the upgrading of the Sihwa National Industrial Complex.

With its global standard commissioning* know-how, Hyundai E&C can flexibly respond to orders, designs, and construction, and will expand its data center business from Korea to new markets overseas such as Vietnam and Indonesia, leveraging its differentiated technological capabilities. As global demand surges, Hyundai E&C is poised to solidify its role as a total solution provider and global construction leader in the data center sector based on meticulous preparation.

* Commissioning: A quality assurance process that optimizes system performance through thorough management and verification from design to completion.