South Korea is one of the most gaming-driven and esports-focused countries in the world. It ranks as the fourth largest gaming market globally with over 33 million gamers. For years, this market has attracted major developers and publishers. Our new overview explores how culture, technology, and government support make South Korea one of the world’s largest gaming markets.
General Information
The Republic of Korea is a state in East Asia, widely known by the informal name South Korea.
It ranks 107th in the world by territory and 27th by population. The state is located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. It has a single land border with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (the countries are separated by the demilitarized zone) and a maritime border with Japan. To the west it is bordered by the Yellow Sea, to the east by the Sea of Japan, and to the south by the Korea Strait and the East China Sea.
| Official name | The Republic of Korea | |
| Total area | 100,449 km² | |
| Population | 51.7 million (Newzoo) | |
| Median age | 45.6 (Worldometer) | |
| GDP | USD 1,879.043 billion (2024 IMF) | |
| GDP per capita | USD 36,488.91 (2024 IMF) | |
| Official language | Korean |
The capital and largest city is Seoul; other major cities include Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju, Suwon, Ulsan, and Changwon. It is a unitary state and a presidential republic. Since June 4, 2025, the president has been Lee Jae-myung, and the prime minister since July 3, 2025, is Kim Min-seok. Legislative power is vested in the National Assembly headed by the Speaker.
The country is divided into 16 administrative divisions, including 9 provinces, 6 metropolitan cities that have provincial-level status, and 1 special city (Seoul).
South Korea is an ethnically homogeneous state, with Koreans making up about 95% of the population. More than 65% of the population identify as non-religious; the main religions are Buddhism and Christianity.
It is an industrial state with a developed economy. GDP adjusted for PPP in 2018 was USD 2.139 trillion (around USD 41,400 per capita).
The currency is the South Korean won.
After World War II, Korea was divided into a northern part administered by the USSR and a southern part controlled by the USA. The Republic of Korea was established on August 15, 1948, within the American zone, and on September 9, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was proclaimed in the Soviet zone. The subsequent Korean War (1950–1953) cemented the division of the country.
Due to ongoing tensions with North Korea, South Korea maintains the seventh-largest standing military force in the world.
The Gaming Market
Key Facts and Trends
● South Korea is the 4th largest video game market in the world.
● Since 2021, the market has fluctuated, but Statista and Newzoo predict long-term growth.
● Mobile platforms dominate, though PC and consoles still have strong, loyal audiences.
● Players seek engaging story-driven games, stylized graphics, and competitive mechanics.
● New games are primarily promoted through YouTube, social media, and online communities, or by streamers.
● Active promotion of IPs through a One Source Multi Use model: cross-platform collaborations, overseas expansion, and enhanced user engagement.
● Genre diversification – a shift from MMORPGs to casual and idle games.
● A decline in gaming time as people spend more time outside their homes.
● Korean companies are increasingly adapting to global cultural trends, while Western developers are expanding localization for the Korean audience.
Game Exports from South Korea
Source: https://assets.ctfassets.netExport regions
South Korea actively supports the gaming industry. In 2024, the government allocated over USD 50 million in subsidies and grants.
Market Development Dynamics
Source: https://platform.newzoo.comGame Market Revenue by Platform
Source: https://platform.newzoo.comPopulation & Gamers
| Population | 51.7 million(Newzoo) | |
| Internet users | 50.1 million(Newzoo) | |
| Smartphone ownership | 97.5% (DataReportal) | |
| Players | 33.7 million (Worldometer)(Newzoo) |
Number of Gamers by Platform
Source: https://platform.newzoo.comPlayer Profile
South Korea is one of the world leaders in esports. In 2024, South Korean pro players earned a total of USD 11.8 million in prize money, making them among the world’s most successful. The esports fan culture is vibrant and highly active. There are 14 dedicated esports arenas nationwide.
Outside professional esports, most people play video games during their free time, including in PC bangs—specialized gaming cafés with powerful PCs, hourly billing, 24/7 access, and food and drink service.
Streamers are extremely popular, and many Koreans actively follow gaming celebrities.
Traditionally, Korean gamers played complex MMORPGs. Over time, trends have shifted toward lighter idle RPGs. One of the defining traits of Korean gamers is their strong support for domestic game studios and franchises.
Source: https://assets.ctfassets.netAge Distribution of Mobile Gamers
Source: https://assets.ctfassets.netAge Distribution of PC Gamers
Source: https://assets.ctfassets.netAge Distribution of Console Gamers
Source: https://assets.ctfassets.netOS Distribution
Source: https://gs.statcounter.comAverage Internet Speed
Source: https://www.speedtest.net/global-index/south-koreaPopular Social Media
Source: https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2025-south-koreaOnline Communities Used by Gamers
Source: https://assets.ctfassets.netMost Popular Mobile Game Genres
Source: https://www.statista.comMost Popular PC Game Genres
Source: https://www.statista.comMost Popular Console Game Genres
Source: https://www.statista.comConsoles Used by Gamers
Source: https://www.statista.comTop-Grossing Mobile Games in Google Play & App Store, 2025 (AppMagic)
Titles are translated where applicable.
1. Lineage M (NCSOFT)
2. Whiteout Survival (Century Games)
3. Last War: Survival (FUNFLY PTE. LTD.)
4. Mabinogi Mobile (NEXON)
5. Royal Match (Dream Games)
6. Roblox (Roblox Corporation)
7. Odin: Valhalla Rising (Kakao Games)
8. Seven Knights Re:BIRTH (Netmarble)
9. RF Online Next (Netmarble)
10. FC Mobile (NEXON)
11. Vampir (Netmarble)
12. I9: Inferno Nine (Leniu Technology Co., Limited)
13. Lineage W (NCSOFT)
14. FC Online M (NEXON / EA SPORTS)
15. Seaside Escape: Merge & Story (Microfun)
16. Goddess of Victory: NIKKE (Tencent)
17. Kingshot (Century Games)
18. What the Luck?: Co-Op Defense (111%)
19. Lineage 2M (NCSOFT)
20. Last Z: Survival Shooter (Florere Game Limited)
Catch new content first
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LINKEDIN
Top Free Mobile Games in Google Play & App Store, 2025 (AppMagic)
1. GoStop M (Noriworks)
2. Block Game (Moca)
3. Block Blast! (HungryStudio)
4. Royal Kingdom (Dream Games)
5. Sudoku (Moca)
6. Mabinogi Mobile (NEXON)
7. Roblox (Roblox Corporation)
8. Kingshot (Century Games)
9. Whiteout Survival (Century Games)
10. Last War: Survival (FUNFLY PTE. LTD.)
11. Minecraft: Dream it, Build it! (Mojang / Microsoft)
12. Goblin Raising—999 Summons (Joy Nice Games)
13. Make 10—apple number / Apple Game (JIEUNK)
14. Last Z: Survival Shooter (Florere Game Limited)
15. Royal Match (Dream Games)
16. Brain Puzzle: Tricky Quest (SmallStep Tech)
17. Color Block Jam (Rollic Games / Take Two)
18. National GoStop (Noriworks)
19. Dark War: Survival (Florere Game Limited)
20. Bus Escape: Traffic Jam (ABI Game Studio)
