Purpose of using the internet in South Korea in 2023

The most popular reason to use the internet in South Korea was for communications, according to a survey in 2023 among online users, with over 97 percent of respondents stating this as their reason to use the internet. Overall, the internet usage rate in South Korea across almost every age group is very high, resulting in multifaceted internet usage.

Mobile internet usage

  Another major reason for internet usage was communication. This was true for everyone and also a common mobile internet usage purpose. The usage of mobile phone internet in South Korea is on the rise, having surpassed the 90 percent mark in 2018. As a leading country in terms of 5G coverage and speed, it is possible in South Korea to play online games, stream videos, or even partake in online calls on the go. The smartphone as a daily companion has become one of the most important items in everyday life for many South Koreans.

 Internet usage for communication

The majority of internet users in South Korea preferred to use it for their daily communication, as can be seen looking at the e-mail usage rate or instant messenger user penetration rate. Especially the latter has become a commonplace method of communication, even in the workplace. In particular, the younger generations seem to prefer communicating via instant messenger over real-life meetings for efficient communication at work.