Did ChatGPT Achieve the Highest User Growth Rate Among Smartphone Apps in South Korea?
Synopsis
Discover how ChatGPT, OpenAI's groundbreaking AI platform, achieved an incredible 196.6% growth in smartphone users this year in South Korea. Explore its rise, integration with KakaoTalk, and what this means for the future of AI technology.
Key Takeaways
ChatGPT leads in user growth with a 196.6% increase.
It has become the most utilized smartphone app in South Korea.
Integration with KakaoTalk enhances user experience and accessibility.
Partnerships in the AI sector are crucial for market competitiveness.
Over 20 million users surpassed for the first time in August.
Seoul, December 10 (NationPress) The generative artificial intelligence (AI) platform ChatGPT from OpenAI has seen the most remarkable surge in smartphone app users among all available applications in South Korea this year, as indicated by a survey released on Wednesday.
The user base for the ChatGPT app skyrocketed by 196.6 percent in November compared to January, making it the app with the highest growth rate. This data comes from a survey of 4 million smartphone users in Korea conducted by industry tracker Wiseapp Retail, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Following ChatGPT, Daiso Mall, the online marketplace of the well-known discount retailer Daiso, secured the second spot with a growth rate of 31.9 percent. Beauty retailer Olive Young came third with 30.8 percent, while Monino, an asset management service app catering to users of Samsung Group's financial affiliates, achieved 28.1 percent.
During the same timeframe, ChatGPT stood out as the most popular smartphone app, with a monthly average of 16.7 million users. It was trailed by Kakao Pay, which had 9.1 million users, and Olive Young with 8.6 million.
In October, Kakao announced that ChatGPT is now integrated into the KakaoTalk messaging app. This feature allows KakaoTalk users to access the chatbot effortlessly and share AI-generated content, including conversations and images, with their friends in real time.
Existing ChatGPT users can utilize this service within KakaoTalk using their existing ChatGPT accounts. This launch represents the first significant outcome of the partnership established between Kakao and OpenAI in February, as part of the Korean internet giant's strategic initiative to become part of a global AI alliance amid growing market competition.
Previously, data indicated that the number of ChatGPT users in South Korea exceeded 20 million for the first time in August. The monthly active users (MAUs) for ChatGPT reached a record of 20.31 million in August, a significant rise from 4.07 million a year earlier, according to data compiled by Wiseapp Retail.
Point of View
The remarkable growth of ChatGPT in South Korea showcases the increasing reliance on AI technology in daily life. This trend indicates a broader acceptance and integration of AI tools that facilitate communication and efficiency, reflecting a significant shift in consumer behavior and technological adaptation.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did ChatGPT's user base grow in South Korea?
ChatGPT's user base in South Korea grew by 196.6% in November compared to January.
Which app had the second highest growth rate after ChatGPT?
Daiso Mall ranked second with a growth rate of 31.9%.
How many monthly active users does ChatGPT have?
ChatGPT recorded an average of 16.7 million monthly active users.
What is the significance of ChatGPT's integration with KakaoTalk?
The integration allows KakaoTalk users to easily access ChatGPT for real-time AI-generated conversations and content sharing.
