South Korea Telecommunications and IT Infrastructure Evolution
South Korea has transformed itself into a global leader in information technology and connectivity. This evolution was not accidental but the result of strategic government initiatives, a booming electronics industry, and partnerships with foreign entities. From the early days of limited telephone access to becoming a world leader in broadband penetration, the nation's journey reflects a commitment to building a knowledge-based society.
Key Facts
- Broadband Leadership: South Korea maintains one of the highest numbers of broadband users globally.
- Rapid Telephone Growth: Telephone subscribers grew from 2.8 million in 1980 to 9.2 million by 1987.
- Digital Transition: All terrestrial television channels transitioned to digital (ATSC) by January 2013.
- Mobile Dominance: The market is served by three primary providers: SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus.
- Infrastructure Investment: Massive government funding, including over US$1 billion for rural broadband, accelerated national connectivity.
The Evolution of Telephony and Radio
The 1980s marked a turning point for South Korean communications. With the help of foreign partners and a growing domestic electronics sector, telephone services improved dramatically. In 1980, there were 2.8 million subscribers; by 1987, this number had surged to 9.2 million. By 2004, main lines in use reached 26.6 million, and by 2015, mobile cellular subscriptions climbed to 58 million.
Radio and television followed a similar trajectory of mass adoption. Radio sets grew from 60,000 in 1945 to approximately 42 million by 1987, supported by over 100 broadcasting stations. Television ownership saw an even more explosive rise, starting with 25,000 sets at the inception of broadcasting in 1961 and reaching an estimated 8.6 million by 1987.
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Broadcasting and Digital Media
South Korea's broadcasting landscape is diverse, featuring seven national terrestrial networks operated by four broadcasters: KBS 1TV, KBS 2TV, KBS NEWS D, MBC TV, SBS TV, EBS 1TV, and EBS 2TV. The most recent addition, KBS NEWS D, is a terrestrial MMS channel launched around the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Beyond terrestrial TV, the country has a robust cable infrastructure. As of 2005, there were 59 cable operators and 190 relay cable operators. By 2022, the B tv platform alone broadcast 255 channels. Additionally, four generalist cable channels—TV CHOSUN, JTBC, Channel A, and MBN—have been available since November 2011.
Radio and Television Statistics (2005)
| Service Type | Category | Quantity/Count |
|---|---|---|
| Radio | AM Stations | 61 |
| Radio | FM Stations | 150 |
| Radio | Shortwave Stations | 2 |
| Television | Terrestrial Stations | 43 |
| Television | Cable Operators | 59 |
| Television | Relay Cable Operators | 190 |
The Rise of Broadband and IT Infrastructure
The rapid growth of the Korean broadband market was driven by a combination of deregulation and aggressive government policy. In July 1990, the government implemented structural reforms, and by the mid-1990s, the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) focused on high-speed infrastructure to foster a knowledge-based society (a society where knowledge is the primary driver of economic growth).
Key milestones in this development include:
- 1995: Establishment of Korea Information Infrastructure (KII) and the enactment of the Framework Act on Information Promotion.
- 1999: Launch of Cyber Korea 21 to accelerate IT development following the 1997 economic crisis.
- Funding: The government provided US$77 million in preferential loans to facilities service providers in 1999, another US$77 million for suburban and regional areas in 2000, and US$926 million for rural broadband through 2005.
To ensure these tools were used effectively, the government launched the "Ten Million People Internet Education" project in June 2000, providing internet literacy lessons to farmers, the elderly, military personnel, and homemakers.
Broadband Market Share (2002)
By October 2002, broadband subscribers reached 10 million. The market was led by Korea Telecom (KT) with a 45.8% share using Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology. Hanaro Telecom followed with 28.6% (using a mix of cable and DSL), and Thrunet held 13.1% (primarily using cable modems).
Modern Connectivity and Challenges
South Korea's infrastructure now includes a sophisticated international network consisting of 10 fiber-optic submarine cables connecting to Russia, Japan, China, Europe, the US, and Taiwan, as well as six satellite earth stations (Intelsat and Inmarsat). By June 2011, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)—technology that allows voice calls over the internet—reached 10.1 million subscribers.
Despite this success, the industry faces modern challenges. For example, on February 27, 2024, the streaming platform Twitch ended its service in Korea due to disputes regarding the double charging of internet usage fees by the three major mobile service providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the main mobile service providers in South Korea?
The three primary mobile phone service providers are SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus.
How did the government promote internet use among the general public?
The government implemented "internet literacy" lessons and the "Ten Million People Internet Education" project in 2000 to teach the internet to homemakers, the elderly, farmers, and military personnel.
When did South Korea transition to digital terrestrial television?
All terrestrial channels in South Korea became digital (using the ATSC standard) in January 2013.
What was the purpose of the Cyber Korea 21 program?
Launched in 1999, Cyber Korea 21 was intended to accelerate the nation's IT development as part of the economic recovery following the 1997 financial crisis.
Why did Twitch stop operating in South Korea in 2024?
Twitch ended its service in Korea on February 27, 2024, because of the double charge of internet usage fees imposed by the three Korean mobile service providers.