South Koreans exhibit a high degree of optimism regarding artificial intelligence, with only 16% expressing more concern than excitement. This figure is the lowest among 25 surveyed countries, contrasting with the 50% of Americans who reported greater worry than enthusiasm about AI. A significant majority of South Koreans utilize AI daily, employing it as a personal assistant or for various work-related tasks.
The nation has actively integrated AI into various aspects of life, showcased through AI-powered webcomics, virtual K-pop idols, and even humanoid monks. Government agencies are also adopting AI, incorporating AI textbooks into school curricula and deploying AI eldercare robots in welfare centers. South Korea has formally designated an AI-powered Fourth Industrial Revolution as its forward path, underscoring a national commitment to this technological advancement.
This enthusiasm is supported by the country’s strong position in the global semiconductor market. Companies like Samsung and SK Hynix are major suppliers of the high-bandwidth memory chips essential for training AI models. The economic impact of these companies is evident, as South Korea’s main equity index, Kospi, reached record highs in 2026, largely driven by the performance of Samsung and SK Hynix.
President Lee Jae-myung has set an ambitious goal to elevate South Korea to one of the “top three AI powers.” Following his inauguration in 2025, the Presidential Council on National AI Strategy was established to facilitate this objective. This council is instrumental in securing substantial computing power and fostering the development of domestic AI models through funding Korean companies.
In 2024, South Korea enacted the AI Basic Act, one of the world’s initial comprehensive legislative frameworks for artificial intelligence, aiming to foster AI development while implementing flexible regulatory measures. A survey indicated that 70% of South Koreans prioritize advancements in science and medicine through AI innovation over stringent industry regulation, reflecting a societal emphasis on progress.
These efforts appear to be yielding results, as South Korea ranks third globally in the number of notable AI models. This achievement is measured by criteria such as cutting-edge advancements and high citation rates. For a nation like South Korea, AI represents a significant opportunity to enhance its global standing.
However, this focused pursuit of AI development has also brought challenges. In 2025, the South Korean government faced public criticism for introducing AI textbooks that contained factual errors and data privacy concerns. Furthermore, despite general optimism, a significant portion of the population harbors anxieties about job displacement due to AI. This concern was highlighted when the Hyundai Motor Group union protested the planned deployment of Atlas humanoid robots in car factories, emphasizing the need for labor-management agreement before the introduction of new technologies. Sixty-four percent of South Koreans expressed fear that AI could lead to job losses.