ChatGPT tops AI use in South Korea; Naver leads search, KakaoTalk messaging

South Korea's digital platform market has surpassed 161 trillion won (approximately $117 billion USD) as of 2024, according to a recent survey. The Ministry of Science and ICT released the findings from its '2025 Survey on Value-Added Telecommunications Business,' which tracks the digital landscape in the country.

The survey reveals distinct user preferences for various digital services. ChatGPT has emerged as the most utilized generative artificial intelligence tool among Korean users. In the realm of search engines, Naver remains the dominant platform, while KakaoTalk continues to be the preferred messaging application.

This annual survey, mandated by the Telecommunications Business Act since 2021, provides crucial insights into the usage patterns and market scale of digital platforms operating within South Korea. The data highlights the significant economic impact and user engagement driven by these technologies.