Google’s AI-powered tools help Korean businesses to grow.
Google has been integrating AI into its products and services for over a decade, making advanced capabilities available to millions of users and businesses worldwide. In 2016, the power of AI was put on full display when AlphaGo, a deep learning system developed by Google DeepMind, defeated Korean Go champion Lee Sedol in a historic match that captured the world’s attention.11
Today, Google’s AI-powered tools and services are an integral part of daily life for millions of Koreans, helping them save time, be more productive, and reach global audiences.
In 2024, Google Search, Google Ads, Google AdSense, Google Play and Google Cloud helped provide KRW 18 trillion (US$ 13 billion) of economic activity for businesses.
Over the next five years, Korean businesses could gain KRW 167 trillion (USD 122 billion) in economic value through their adoption of enterprise-grade AI platforms and tools such as Vertex AI, Gemini Code Assist, Gemini in BigQuery, and Gemini in Looker.
Google’s AI-powered tools help create new jobs and boost productivity.
Google’s AI-powered solutions are streamlining operations for businesses and creators alike, enabling them to be more efficient and innovative. Features, like automated task management, intelligent summarization, and real-time translation within Google Workspace, help knowledge workers collaborate more effectively, learn new skills, and make data-informed decisions.
Google’s AI-powered tools are supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country.
In 2024, Google supported 110,000 jobs by helping businesses expand through their use of Google Search, Google Ads, Google AdSense, Google Play, and Google Cloud.
Based on the time saved for the average worker, Google Search and Google Workspace supported a KRW 40 trillion (USD 29 billion) improvement in productivity in 2024.
of businesses that use Google Gemini agreed that it had been helpful to their business, with 47% reporting Gemini had improved productivity across the business.
Google Cloud accelerates Korean innovation.
By allowing businesses to develop new products and prototypes faster, reduce downtime and operate more flexibly, Google Cloud is supporting businesses to work smarter and more efficiently. Businesses using Google Cloud’s services report that they are able to store larger amounts of data, have more flexibility to scale their IT needs, and improved digital security.
On average, an organization in Korea is able to develop and deploy new digital applications and services for its end-users (e.g., employees, customers, citizens) 20% faster after adopting Google Cloud solutions, and sees reduced unplanned application downtime by over 50% after transitioning to Google Cloud from its previous on-premises environment.
Over the next 5 years (i.e., 2026 to 2030), KRW 78 trillion (US$57 billion) in economic value will be gained by MSMEs and startups through their use of Google Cloud solutions and Google Workspace.
Over the next 5 years (i.e., 2026 to 2030), the Google Cloud region in Korea is expected to add KRW 130 trillion (US$ 91 billion) in economic value to Korea, equivalent to 0.86% of GDP, and support an average of 130,000 jobs per year.
YouTube, Google Play, and Android connect Korean creators, developers and businesses to global customers.
Korea maximizes the benefits of Google Play, with the 3rd largest number of developers registered on Google Play in the world in 2024. Despite representing just 0.6% of the global population, Koreans are making mobile apps and games that accounted for 4% of global app downloads in 2024 and 6.1% of worldwide app revenue, ten times greater than its global population share.12 In addition, YouTube connects Korean creators with audiences around the world and helps export Korean culture globally—enabling creators to build international fanbases and grow their businesses.
Google Play provides Korean businesses with a powerful platform for worldwide growth.
49% of the country’s app developers have overseas users.
66% of businesses said that Google Play made it easier to export their products and services to international customers.
76% of Korean creators agree that YouTube is an essential platform to earn a global presence.13
Note: All data points, unless otherwise specified, are derived by Public First’s own research & modelling. These are estimations, and the figures have been rounded up.