TLDR: OpenAI’s generative AI service, ChatGPT, has surpassed 20 million monthly active users in South Korea as of August 2025, according to data from industry tracker Wiseapp Retail. This represents a substantial increase from 4.07 million users a year prior, indicating rapid adoption of AI technology in the country. The user base is nearly evenly split between genders, with a strong concentration among individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
OpenAI’s generative artificial intelligence (AI) service, ChatGPT, has achieved a significant milestone in South Korea, with its monthly active users (MAUs) exceeding 20 million for the first time in August 2025. Data compiled by the industry tracker Wiseapp Retail revealed that the service reached 20.31 million MAUs last month, a sharp increase from 4.07 million recorded a year ago. This surge highlights the rapid and widespread adoption of AI technology within the South Korean populace.
The demographic breakdown of ChatGPT users in South Korea indicates a broad appeal across various segments. The 20.31 million users account for approximately 40 percent of the country’s 50.12 million smartphone users. The gender distribution is remarkably balanced, with men comprising 50.1 percent and women 49.9 percent of the user base. Furthermore, nearly 70 percent of these users fall within the 20s, 30s, and 40s age brackets, underscoring the strong engagement of younger and middle-aged generations with AI tools.
This growth aligns with OpenAI’s increasing focus on the Korean market. As of June 2025, OpenAI had established a Seoul office, its third major base in Asia, following Tokyo and Singapore. Jason Kwon, OpenAI’s Chief Strategy Officer, noted that Korea ranks among the top five countries globally for ChatGPT business users and is in the top ten for both overall usage and developer activity on OpenAI’s API. Sandy Kunvatanagarn, OpenAI’s head of policy for the Asia-Pacific region, also highlighted a 4.5-fold increase in weekly active users in Korea over the past year, describing the growth as ‘off the charts.’
The high accessibility of technology in South Korea is a key factor contributing to this rapid adoption. The country boasts over 95 percent smartphone usage and virtually all households have broadband internet access, according to 2023 Gallup Korea polls. This robust digital infrastructure provides fertile ground for AI tools like ChatGPT to integrate quickly into daily life. While global paid subscribers for ChatGPT reached around 20 million as of April 2025, the extensive usage in Korea, encompassing both free and paid users, demonstrates a broader trend of AI integration into everyday activities rather than just premium subscriptions.
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Experts suggest that Korea’s early access to newer AI models and its advanced digital environment have positioned it as a leader in AI adoption metrics, setting it apart from regions facing stricter data protection laws and digital service regulations.
