Generative AI Usage Deepens in Korea as Consumer Spending Spikes (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 5 (Korea Bizwire) — South Koreans are spending far more on generative artificial intelligence apps, underscoring how quickly the technology has shifted from novelty to necessity — and raising fresh questions about the future of the mobile gaming market.
In-app purchases for generative AI apps in South Korea surged 513 percent last year to $235 million, up from $38.3 million a year earlier, according to a 2026 mobile market report released Wednesday by the analytics firm Sensor Tower. The spike came despite subscription prices that often exceed 30,000 won, suggesting consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for AI-driven services.
Downloads nearly doubled to 53.9 million from 28 million, while total usage time soared 369 percent to 827 million hours. Sensor Tower said the data indicate that AI apps have moved beyond the experimental stage and are becoming embedded in everyday life.
The surge is part of a broader global trend. Worldwide, in-app revenue for generative AI apps climbed 229 percent to $5.04 billion last year, from $1.53 billion the previous year. Downloads rose 118 percent to 3.81 billion, and total usage time jumped 259 percent to 48 billion hours.
The rapid ascent of AI apps is beginning to cast a shadow over mobile gaming, long the dominant force in app store revenue. Global mobile game in-app revenue rose just 1.3 percent last year, while growth in South Korea was even more subdued at 1 percent, according to the report.
Industry analysts say the widening gap reflects a shift in consumer spending toward productivity and utility-driven apps, as generative AI tools become integrated into work, study and daily routines.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
