The popularity of generative artificial intelligence applications in South Korea reached an unprecedented level in 2024. According to the latest statistics, in December 2024, the monthly usage of these applications exceeded 900 million, showing the widespread application of generative AI technology in daily life. Among them, ChatGPT has attracted up to 6.82 million users with its excellent performance and user-friendly interface, becoming the most popular application. Meanwhile, other applications such as A-dot and Rutton have also shown strong growth momentum, further demonstrating the diversity and adaptability of generative AI technologies.
Image source notes: The image is generated by AI, and the image authorized service provider Midjourney
According to a survey report released by WiseApp, Retail and Goods on January 7, 2025, ChatGPT is not only far ahead in the number of users, but its usage time has also shown an explosive growth. Data shows that in December 2023, the total time used by South Korean users in using generative AI applications was 110 million minutes, and by December 2024, this number soared to 900 million minutes, an increase of more than eight times. This significant increase reflects the growing reliance on generative AI technologies, especially in information retrieval, text and image generation, and personal assistant services.
The survey mainly targets smartphone users using Android and iOS systems in South Korea, focusing on applications that can search information, generate text and image, and serve as conversational artificial intelligence assistants. It is worth noting that applications focusing on specific features, such as photography, notes and translation, were not included in the scope of this survey. This choice makes the survey results more focused on the core application areas of generative AI technology.
WiseApp, Retail and Goods emphasized in the report that the rapid development of generative AI services is profoundly changing the consumption and production methods of content and gradually integrating into the daily lives of Korean users. This phenomenon not only reflects the rapid progress of technology, but also shows a significant increase in users' acceptance of new technologies. Generative AI technology is moving from laboratories to mass markets and becoming an important force in promoting social change.
Looking ahead, with the continuous evolution of generative AI technology, we can foresee that these applications will play a greater role in more areas and completely change the way we live and work. From education to healthcare, from entertainment to business, generative AI technology will be everywhere and become a key engine to promote social progress.
Key points:
1⃣ With 9 million visits per month, ChatGPT has become the most popular generative AI application in South Korea.
2⃣ The usage time surged to 900 million minutes, an increase of more than eight times compared with last year.
3⃣ Generative AI services are profoundly changing the way content is consumed and produced.