- AI KATANA
- Posts
- OpenAI Sets Up Seoul Base to Serve Asia’s Hottest AI Growth Market
OpenAI Sets Up Seoul Base to Serve Asia’s Hottest AI Growth Market
OpenAI’s new Seoul office taps Korea’s full-stack AI ecosystem
AI KATANA
May 26, 2025
With sky-high user engagement (4.5 × YoY growth, #2 for ChatGPT subscribers), bold government spending, and clear new AI legislation, OpenAI’s Seoul office is set to become a launch-pad for Korean-language models and enterprise AI solutions—just as the nation doubles down on chips, 6G, healthcare AI, and quantum tech. Expect Seoul to rank among the world’s most influential AI hubs by 2026.
OpenAI has confirmed that “within the coming months” its first South-Korean office will open in Seoul after legally registering OpenAI Korea and beginning local hiring. This strategic expansion underscores South Korea’s emergence as a global leader in AI adoption, with the country boasting the highest number of paid ChatGPT subscribers outside the United States. The move reflects OpenAI’s commitment to leveraging South Korea’s dynamic tech ecosystem to advance AI innovation and collaboration.
OpenAI’s Expansion to Seoul
OpenAI has established a Korean subsidiary and is actively recruiting staff to support its upcoming Seoul office, which is set to open in the coming months. This will be OpenAI’s third office in Asia, following successful launches in Tokyo (April 2024) and Singapore (announced October 2024). The Seoul office aims to strengthen partnerships with local companies and policymakers, fostering AI-driven solutions tailored to the Korean market.
Jason Kwon, OpenAI’s chief strategy officer, emphasized the personal significance of this milestone, stating in an X post, “As someone whose family’s story is deeply tied to Korea, it was especially meaningful to announce today that we’ll soon open an OpenAI office in Seoul.” This expansion not only highlights OpenAI’s global ambitions but also its recognition of South Korea’s pivotal role in the AI landscape.
South Korea’s AI Landscape
South Korea is a global frontrunner in AI adoption, driven by its robust technology sector, culture of innovation, and widespread public enthusiasm for AI tools. According to the Transforming the Future: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Korea report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF Report), South Korea’s AI readiness is bolstered by its advanced digital infrastructure and proactive investment in AI technologies.
Key statistics from the IMF report include:
Metric | Details |
|---|---|
AI Job Exposure | Approximately 50% of jobs in South Korea are exposed to AI, with higher exposure among female, younger, more educated, and higher-income workers. |
Sector Adoption | The information and communication technology (ICT) sector leads with an 18% AI adoption rate in 2022, followed by professional services. |
Firm Characteristics | Larger firms (assets above the 75th percentile) and younger firms (less than 5 years old) exhibit significantly higher AI adoption rates. |
These figures highlight South Korea’s readiness to integrate AI across industries, particularly in tech-intensive sectors. The country’s strong innovation ecosystem and digital infrastructure position it as a leader in the global AI market, making it an ideal location for OpenAI’s expansion.
ChatGPT’s Popularity in South Korea
The decision to establish a presence in Seoul is driven by the remarkable popularity of ChatGPT in South Korea. The country has the largest number of paid ChatGPT subscribers outside the US, with weekly users growing by 4.5 times over the past year. This surge reflects South Korea’s tech-savvy population and their eagerness to adopt cutting-edge AI tools for personal and professional use.
The widespread adoption of ChatGPT underscores South Korea’s appetite for AI-driven solutions, from customer service automation to product development and organizational management. OpenAI’s presence in Seoul is expected to further accelerate the adoption of its AI technologies across various sectors.
Tech Trends Driving AI in South Korea
South Korea’s AI ecosystem is shaped by several key trends:
Strong Tech Industry: Home to global tech giants like Samsung and LG, South Korea has a well-established technology sector that supports AI innovation.
Government Support: The South Korean government has committed significant funding to AI research and development, aligning with global leaders like China and the US.
High Digital Readiness: South Korea’s advanced digital infrastructure, including widespread 5G connectivity, facilitates the deployment of AI technologies.
Cultural Embrace of Innovation: The public’s enthusiasm for new technologies drives rapid adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT.
These trends create a fertile ground for OpenAI to collaborate with local stakeholders and develop AI solutions that address South Korea’s unique market needs.
Future Implications
The establishment of OpenAI’s Seoul office is poised to have significant implications for both the company and South Korea’s AI ecosystem. By fostering partnerships with local businesses and policymakers, OpenAI can develop tailored AI applications that enhance productivity and innovation across industries. The office is also likely to attract talent and investment, further solidifying South Korea’s position as a global AI hub.
Moreover, OpenAI’s presence may encourage other global tech companies to invest in South Korea, creating a ripple effect that boosts the country’s AI economy. As AI continues to transform industries worldwide, South Korea’s proactive approach and OpenAI’s strategic expansion are set to shape the future of AI development in the region.