Korea Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
Korea's mobile subscriptions was 172.39 in 2025, ranked 17th globally. This represents a 6.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Korea's mobile subscriptions stood at 172.39 in 2025, a rise of +10.27 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 172.39 by 2025. Korea ranked 17th globally.
South Korea’s mobile‑subscription density rose from zero in 1960 to an all‑time peak of 172.38 per 100 inhabitants in 2025, ranking the nation 17th worldwide. The trajectory shows a steady climb after the 1983 trough, when subscriptions were still nonexistent, accelerating in the late 1990s with the rollout of 2G networks and reaching saturation as 4G and 5G services expanded. By 2025 the country’s coverage is marginally lower than peers such as Andorra (175.74) and Mauritius (177.77) but comparable to Qatar (171.60) and South Africa (171.24), reflecting a mature market where most adults already own multiple devices. The 51‑year span of growth underscores the rapid digitalisation of South Korean society and its strong telecommunications infrastructure. Continued adoption of emerging technologies, such as widespread 5G‑only devices and the rollout of 6G trials, could push the subscription rate beyond the current ceiling, sustaining upward pressure on the metric.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 179.46 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 172.39 | - | - |
| 2025 | 172.39 | +10.27 | #17 |
| 2023 | 162.11 | +13.43 | #18 |
| 2022 | 148.68 | +8.17 | #31 |
| 2021 | 140.52 | +4.54 | #29 |
| 2020 | 135.97 | +2.89 | #31 |
| 2019 | 133.08 | +4.59 | #42 |
| 2018 | 128.50 | +4.85 | #50 |
| 2017 | 123.64 | +4.15 | #65 |
| 2016 | 119.49 | +3.90 | #75 |
| 2015 | 115.60 | +2.24 | #86 |
| 2014 | 113.36 | +4.15 | #86 |
| 2013 | 109.21 | +1.09 | #96 |
| 2012 | 108.12 | +1.24 | #97 |
| 2011 | 106.88 | +2.78 | #88 |
| 2010 | 104.10 | +5.34 | #80 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Korea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2006. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw mobile subscriptions improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Korea's mobile subscriptions was 172.39 in 2025. Ranked 17th globally. This represents a 6.3% increase from the previous year.
Korea's mobile subscriptions peaked at 172.39 in 2025.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in Korea was 0.00 in 1960.
Korea ranks 17th globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
Korea's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 172.39 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of Korea in 2025 was 172.39. This ranks 17th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_korea_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {Korea Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/korea/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}