Korea Internet Users
Individuals using the Internet IT.NET.USER.ZS
Korea's internet users was 98.10% in 2025, ranked 33rd globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Korea's internet users stood at 98.10% in 2025, a rise of +0.20% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 98.10% by 2025. Korea ranked 33rd globally.
South Korea’s share of internet users rose from a negligible 0.02 percent in 1990 to 98.10 percent in 2025, placing the country 33rd globally and matching the all‑time peak recorded in the same year. This rapid expansion across 36 years reflects sustained investment in broadband infrastructure and high rates of smartphone adoption, positioning South Korea alongside peers such as Hong Kong SAR (98.43 percent) and San Marino (98.10 percent) at the top of the World Bank rankings. The near‑universal connectivity has facilitated the growth of e‑commerce, digital finance, and remote work, while also narrowing the digital divide that existed at the turn of the decade. As 5G networks mature and the government pursues nationwide gigabit fiber rollout, the proportion of internet users is expected to edge slightly higher, potentially reaching the upper 98 percent range, though further gains will depend on demographic shifts and the inclusion of remaining offline households.
Data & projection
| Year | Internet Users | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 98.62% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 98.36% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 98.10% | - | - |
| 2025 | 98.10% | +0.20% | #33 |
| 2024 | 97.90% | +0.48% | #7 |
| 2023 | 97.42% | +0.25% | #13 |
| 2022 | 97.17% | −0.40% | #13 |
| 2021 | 97.57% | +1.07% | #12 |
| 2020 | 96.51% | +0.35% | #10 |
| 2019 | 96.16% | +0.13% | #9 |
| 2018 | 96.02% | +0.95% | #9 |
| 2017 | 95.07% | +2.23% | #13 |
| 2016 | 92.84% | +2.95% | #15 |
| 2015 | 89.90% | +2.34% | #17 |
| 2014 | 87.56% | +2.79% | #16 |
| 2013 | 84.77% | +0.70% | #19 |
| 2012 | 84.07% | +0.31% | #16 |
| 2011 | 83.76% | +0.06% | #12 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Korea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2006. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw internet users improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Korea's internet users was 98.10% in 2025. Ranked 33rd globally. This represents a 0.2% increase from the previous year.
Korea's internet users peaked at 98.10% in 2025.
The lowest internet users in Korea was 0.02% in 1990.
Korea ranks 33rd globally in internet users as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.NET.USER.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Korea's internet users is projected to reach 98.10% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The internet users of Korea in 2025 was 98.10%. This ranks 33rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_korea_internet-users,
title = {Korea Internet Users},
url = {https://historysaid.com/korea/internet-users/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}