APAC data center firm Empyrion Digital has launched a new data center in Seoul, South Korea.

The company this month announced the opening of its KR1 Gangnam Data Centre (KR1 GDC) in Gangnam. Empyrion said the facility is the first new data center development in Seoul’s Gangnam district in more than a decade.

After announcing plans in 2022, Empyrion broke ground on the facility in June 2023. Located at 224 Yangjae-dong in Seocho-gu, the nine-story facility offers 29.4MW of IT load across 30,715 sqm (330,615 sq ft).

“KR1 GDC is launched at a time when demand for high-quality, power-secured facilities in the Seoul metropolitan area far exceeds supply,” said Mark Fong, CEO of Empyrion Digital. “With South Korea advancing its goal to become a global AI powerhouse, KR1 GDC reflects Empyrion Digital’s foresight and execution in addressing this infrastructure gap. We are confident that KR1 GDC will serve the needs of South Korea and deliver long-term value for our customers and partners across Asia.”

The ceremony was attended by H.E. Eric Teo, ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to the Republic of Korea; Youngjun Jung, vice mayor of Seocho-gu Office, and other key business leaders in South Korea.

Empyrion was launched by Asian infrastructure investment fund Seraya Partners in 2021. KR1 GDC is Empyrion’s second operational asset in Asia, following the acquisition of SG1 Dodid in Singapore in 2021. The firm acquired a stake in Dodid Pte. Ltd. and its 12.5MW data center in Singapore alongside Malaysian conglomerate YTL in late 2021.

James Chern, managing partner and chief investment officer of Seraya Partners, said: “The opening of Empyrion Digital’s Gangnam Data Centre is a strong affirmation of Seraya’s strategy to build and scale next-generation digital infrastructure across Asia. The unwavering support of our global investors has been instrumental in bringing this project to life. Their continued confidence reinforces our belief that platforms built for AI, sustainability, and regional connectivity will define the future of infrastructure investing.”

In a separate announcement, data center cooling firm Nortek said its StatePoint liquid cooling technology has been deployed at Empyrion’s Gangnam facility.

As well as Singapore and Seoul, Empyrion is developing a 7MW facility in Taiwan, a 12MW facility in Bangkok, Thailand, and a 25MW facility in Tokyo, Japan. Seraya has also launched a new investment unit focused on the Japanese data center market.

Seraya Partners is an Asia-based independent private equity fund focused on infrastructure investments, with $1.3 billion in AUM across its funds and co-investment vehicles.