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OpenAI Expands to South Korea: Seoul Office Announced Amid Rapid ChatGPT Adoption


OpenAI officially revealed plans to open a new office in Seoul, South Korea.

This move underscores both OpenAI’s global ambitions and South Korea’s growing status as a leader in artificial intelligence adoption and digital transformation.
With this new hub, Seoul becomes OpenAI’s third Asian outpost, following Tokyo and Singapore, and marks a significant step in strengthening partnerships and innovation in the region.

Why Seoul? The Surge in ChatGPT Popularity

South Korea’s embrace of AI technology has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past year, the country’s weekly active users of ChatGPT have increased by 4.5 times.


More notably, South Korea now boasts the highest number of paid ChatGPT subscribers outside the United States, reflecting both business and consumer enthusiasm for OpenAI’s tools.


The decision to establish a direct presence in Seoul follows clear market signals:

  • Rapid user growth and deep engagement from Korean enterprises

  • The increasing integration of ChatGPT in both business workflows and daily life

  • Demand for localized support, innovation, and partnerships


Strategic Business Partnerships

OpenAI’s move to Seoul builds on existing collaborations with some of Korea’s top tech giants and conglomerates, such as:

  • Kakao (social platforms and cloud)

  • Krafton (gaming and AI-driven entertainment)

  • SK Telecom (AI infrastructure and telecom services)


Through these partnerships, OpenAI is already working on developing new AI products and expanding infrastructure, aiming to accelerate Korea’s position as a global AI innovation hub.


What Will the Seoul Office Do?

The Seoul office will serve several functions:

  • Local Talent Recruitment: OpenAI has already established a legal entity in South Korea and is hiring local experts in AI, business development, and government relations.

  • Partnership Support: The office will work closely with Korean companies, universities, and policymakers to drive adoption and co-creation of AI-powered solutions tailored to the Korean market.

  • Innovation & Research: With a strong focus on localization, the new hub will help ensure that OpenAI’s technology fits the needs and nuances of Korean users—ranging from language models tuned to Korean text to ethical AI applications that respect local values.


Economic and Market Impact

OpenAI’s entrance is expected to spur competition and investment in the Korean AI ecosystem. Korea’s government and private sector have already prioritized digital transformation, and this move will likely:

  • Accelerate research in AI language, vision, and multimodal systems

  • Support local startups through technical assistance and funding partnerships

  • Foster responsible AI deployment, thanks to deeper engagement with policymakers


What’s Next?

While the exact opening date and location of the Seoul office are yet to be announced, OpenAI’s public statements confirm a clear commitment to building long-term, in-market capacity. The company is also poised to deepen its collaborations with Korean educational institutions and contribute to shaping global AI policy from one of Asia’s most innovative economies.


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