ANN/THE KOREA HERALD – South Korean tech leader Kakao, which experienced its most severe server disruption last year, announced yesterday that it has successfully constructed its inaugural in-house data centre in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province.
The newly established facility, named Kakao Data Center Ansan, covering an area of 47,378 square metres is located within Hanyang University’s ERICA campus in the industrial city, approximately 29 kilometres to the south of Seoul.
It is projected to be fully operational by the first quarter of the upcoming year.
“Our gratitude extends to both Ansan City and Hanyang University for helping us build an efficient, resilient, and eco-friendly data facility. This advanced infrastructure will be a cornerstone in our dedication to providing everyone with reliable services,” Kakao CEO Hong Eun-taek said during an opening speech.
The completion ceremony was attended by over 100 people, including Hanyang University President Lee Ki-jeong, Ansan Mayor Lee Min-geun, Ansan City Council Vice Chairman Lee Jin-bun, regional community representatives, and construction personnel.
Kakao said the new facility was a “hyperscale” centre that can accommodate 120,000 servers and archive six exabytes of data.
Following the setup of its operating system and after rigorous testing, the facility will kick off its full operations next year.
The centre has been constructed with safeguards against natural disasters, equipped with earthquake-resistant designs and multi-tiered fire response systems.
Aligning with sustainable protocols, the facility also integrates renewable energy mechanisms and efficient waste management cycles.
During its establishment, Kakao actively collaborated with local businesses, supporting regional events like the Ansan Science Valley Science Festival and contributing to Hanyang University’s ERICA Campus development fund.
Moving forward, in partnership with Hanyang University and Ansan City, Kakao aims to spur industry-academia collaboration and regional economic growth.
The need for Kakao to operate its own infrastructure became more urgent after a fire at its SK C&C data centre in Pangyo last October resulted in a major service disruption spanning five days.
