Ride-hailing - South Korea | Statista Market Forecast

South Korea is projected to see a substantial increase in revenue for the Ride-hailing market in the coming years.
It is expected to reach US$1.53bn in 2024, with an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 3.71%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$1.83bn by 2029.
By 2029, the number of users is expected to amount to 15.05m users, with a user penetration of 29.3%.
The average revenue per user (ARPU) is predicted to be US$113.10.
The Ride-hailing market is an online-only market.
It is worth noting that, in global comparison, China is expected to generate the most revenue in this market, with US$60bn in 2024.
South Korea's Ride-hailing market is dominated by Kakao Taxi, which has over 23 million registered users and a 98% market share.

Definition:

The Ride-hailing market encompasses on-demand transportation services facilitated through mobile apps or online platforms. This market covers both private vehicle rides and taxi services, all booked exclusively online. It includes Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), such as Uber and Lyft, traditional taxis booked via apps, such as Free Now or Cabify, and ride-pooling services, such as Moia and Via. This market excludes peer-to-peer ride-sharing, focusing on professionally operated transport services booked digitally for efficient and convenient urban mobility. Rides of traditional taxi services hailed on the street or booked via telephone are not included in this market.

Additional Information:

The main performance indicators of the Ride-hailing market are revenues, average revenue per user (ARPU), user numbers and user penetration rates. Additionally, online and offline sales channel shares display the distribution of online and offline bookings. The ARPU refers to the average revenue one user generates per year while the revenue represents the total booking volume. Revenues are generated through both online and offline sales channels and include exclusively B2C revenues and users for the mentioned market. User numbers show only those individuals who have made a reservation, independent of the number of travelers on the booking. Each user is only counted once per year.

The booking volume includes all booked rides made by users from the selected region, regardless of where the ride took place.

For further information on the data displayed, refer to the info button right next to each box.

Platforms that let users book rides offered by drivers using their private vehicles (e.g., Uber)
Taxi companies that offer their services through an app (e.g., Free Now)
Platforms that offer shared rides (ride-pooling) with other passengers (e.g., Moia, Via)

Traditional taxi rides booked offline with taxi companies (via street-hailing or by telephone)

The Ride-hailing market in South Korea has been experiencing significant growth and development in recent years. Customer preferences in the South Korean Ride-hailing market have been shaped by a number of factors. One key preference is convenience. South Korean consumers value the ease and simplicity of using ride-hailing services, particularly in urban areas where traffic congestion and parking can be challenging. Additionally, many South Koreans appreciate the ability to book and pay for rides through mobile apps, which offers a seamless and efficient experience. Safety is another important consideration for customers, with many opting for ride-hailing services due to the perception of enhanced security measures compared to traditional taxis. Trends in the South Korean Ride-hailing market have been driven by various factors. One notable trend is the increasing adoption of ride-hailing services by older demographics. As the population ages, more elderly individuals are turning to ride-hailing as a convenient and reliable transportation option. This trend is likely to continue as the older population continues to grow. Another trend is the integration of ride-hailing services with other forms of transportation, such as public transit. This allows customers to seamlessly switch between different modes of transportation, enhancing the overall efficiency of their journeys. Local special circumstances in South Korea have also influenced the development of the Ride-hailing market. One significant factor is the presence of dominant local players. South Korean ride-hailing companies have gained a strong foothold in the market, offering competition to international giants such as Uber. These local companies have tailored their services to meet the specific needs and preferences of South Korean consumers, giving them a competitive advantage. Additionally, government regulations have played a role in shaping the market. South Korea has implemented regulations to ensure the safety and quality of ride-hailing services, which has helped to build trust among consumers. Underlying macroeconomic factors have also contributed to the growth of the Ride-hailing market in South Korea. The country's strong digital infrastructure and high smartphone penetration have created a favorable environment for the adoption of ride-hailing services. Additionally, South Korea's urbanization and population density have made ride-hailing a practical and efficient transportation option for many residents. The country's strong economy and high disposable income levels have also contributed to the willingness of consumers to pay for the convenience and benefits offered by ride-hailing services. Overall, the Ride-hailing market in South Korea is developing rapidly due to customer preferences for convenience and safety, as well as the integration of services with other modes of transportation. Local special circumstances, such as the presence of dominant local players and government regulations, have also played a role in shaping the market. Underlying macroeconomic factors, including South Korea's digital infrastructure, urbanization, and strong economy, have further fueled the growth of the market.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on bookings and revenues of ride-hailing services.

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a bottom-up approach, building on a specific rationale for each market. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use financial reports, third-party studies and reports, federal statistical offices, industry associations, and price data. To estimate the number of users and bookings, we furthermore use data from the Statista Consumer Insigths Global survey. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as demographic data, GDP, consumer spending, internet penetration, and device usage. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, ARIMA, which allows time series forecasts, accounting for stationarity of data and enabling short-term estimates. Additionally, simple linear regression, Holt-Winters forecast, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing methods are applied.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The market is updated twice a year in case market dynamics change.

This report presents a comprehensive analysis and additional information on the Mobility market, in a PDF format.