Industry News | 6/10/2025
OpenAI Opens First Office in Seoul, Strengthening South Korea's AI Influence
OpenAI has established its first office in Seoul, marking South Korea as a significant player in the global AI sector. The country has become OpenAI's second-largest paying market, with a rapidly growing user base and strong AI integration in business and technology sectors.
OpenAI Expands to South Korea
OpenAI has officially opened its first office in Seoul, South Korea, highlighting the country's growing importance in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape. This strategic move positions South Korea as OpenAI's second-largest paying market, following the United States, and underscores the nation's rapid adoption of AI technologies.
Rapid Growth in AI Adoption
The number of weekly active ChatGPT users in South Korea has increased more than 4.5 times over the past year, propelling the country to the forefront of OpenAI's markets. South Korea ranks among the top ten countries for overall ChatGPT usage and is in the top five for paid enterprise users, reflecting the deep integration of AI into business workflows.
Strategic Importance
South Korea's tech-savvy population, widespread high-speed internet access, and supportive government policies have created a fertile environment for AI growth. The country's full-stack AI ecosystem, which includes semiconductor manufacturing and software development, makes it an attractive market for AI deployment.
OpenAI's Local Engagement
The new Seoul office will focus on recruiting local talent and strengthening partnerships with Korean businesses, developers, and policymakers. OpenAI has already collaborated with major Korean tech firms like Kakao and SK Telecom to develop AI technologies and solutions tailored for the Korean market.
Impact on the AI Industry
OpenAI's presence in South Korea is expected to stimulate further competition and investment in the domestic AI sector. The collaboration between OpenAI and local entities could lead to the creation of innovative AI products and services for both domestic and international markets. Additionally, OpenAI's engagement with the Korean government may involve initiatives like building AI data centers, further embedding South Korea in the global AI development map.
Conclusion
The establishment of OpenAI's Seoul office is a testament to South Korea's strategic importance in the AI industry. As OpenAI continues to expand globally, its presence in South Korea is poised to accelerate AI advancements and contribute to the country's ambition to be a leader in AI innovation.