Jang Seob Yoon
Research expert covering South Korea
Artificial intelligence (AI) in South Korea - statistics & facts
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has made waves across the globe, and the tech-savvy South Korean economy is getting on board. AI has long been considered more in the realm of science fiction and futurology; however, recent developments in the field, including generative AI services such as ChatGPT, have reignited widespread interest in the technology. Reflective of its ranking in the top ten most innovative countries in the world, South Korea is home to hundreds of enterprises actively developing and training AI in all sectors.
Different types of AI range from sensory functions like visual and audio intelligence to behavioral/social intelligence, and it may even extend to emotional understanding. Nevertheless, when discussing its capabilities, the conventional wisdom is that an AI model can only be as good as the data used to train it. In the case of domestic companies, approximately a third of the data used for AI product development is public, with most using private data.
Amidst all the excitement surrounding AI are legitimate concerns should any complications arise. The public is unconvinced whether adequate response mechanisms to AI problems exist. A shortage of experts is one of the many challenges South Korean AI corporations face, while public organizations fear losing trust over wrong AI decisions. With AI poised to continue its emergence on a global scale, South Korea is undoubtedly inclined to profit from its exciting potential while maintaining tempered expectations.
How are South Korean companies developing AI?
Results of a government survey conducted among domestic AI companies have showcased the industry's rapid growth in recent years, exemplified by a surge in the number of employees working in AI-related roles. Such professionals tend to utilize cloud computing infrastructure when working with AI. On the other hand, among those opting to use physical hardware, the model of choice for the vast majority is an Nvidia graphics processing unit (GPU).Different types of AI range from sensory functions like visual and audio intelligence to behavioral/social intelligence, and it may even extend to emotional understanding. Nevertheless, when discussing its capabilities, the conventional wisdom is that an AI model can only be as good as the data used to train it. In the case of domestic companies, approximately a third of the data used for AI product development is public, with most using private data.
The reception of AI in South Korea
The adoption of AI in South Korea's businesses varies significantly by industry. However, the nation's public sector appears generally willing to integrate AI. In particular, stakeholders anticipate that AI's superior computing power will improve operational efficiency while remaining within budget. On an individual consumer level, South Koreans are open to trying out an array of AI-powered services and products.Amidst all the excitement surrounding AI are legitimate concerns should any complications arise. The public is unconvinced whether adequate response mechanisms to AI problems exist. A shortage of experts is one of the many challenges South Korean AI corporations face, while public organizations fear losing trust over wrong AI decisions. With AI poised to continue its emergence on a global scale, South Korea is undoubtedly inclined to profit from its exciting potential while maintaining tempered expectations.
