South Korea Rises to 12th Globally in Generative AI Adoption

South Korea’s adoption of generative artificial intelligence has accelerated in recent years, with the country reaching 12th place globally for usage rates in the second quarter of 2026. This development reflects a steady increase in AI engagement among the population and positions South Korea among the leading nations in AI technology use and innovation.

In Q2 2026, more than 40 percent of South Korea’s population was reported to be using generative AI tools, according to the Microsoft AI Diffusion Report. The same report stated that the country’s ranking improved as usage among individuals aged 15 to 64 grew by 3.5 percentage points compared to the previous quarter.

South Korea’s progress in generative AI adoption followed a period of rapid growth in 2025. The Stanford HAI AI Index Report 2026 stated that the country’s adoption rate increased from 25.9 percent in the first half of 2025 to 30.7 percent in the second half, which was the largest increase among 30 regions surveyed. This boost moved South Korea’s global ranking from 25th to 18th during that period.

The Microsoft AI Diffusion Report also provided a comparison of international adoption rates for Q2 2026. The United Arab Emirates recorded the highest usage at 73.3 percent, followed by Singapore at 64.3 percent, Ireland at 49.9 percent, and France at 49.6 percent. These figures illustrate the varying pace of generative AI uptake across different countries.

What the numbers show

• South Korea’s generative AI usage exceeded 40 percent in Q2 2026.
• Global generative AI usage rose from 17.8 percent in Q1 2026 to 18.8 percent in Q2 2026.
• South Korea registered 14.31 AI patents per 100,000 people in 2024.

While South Korea’s adoption rate placed it 12th globally in Q2 2026, the country has also demonstrated strong performance in AI innovation. The Stanford HAI AI Index Report 2026, as referenced by the Korean National Strategic Portal, recorded 14.31 AI patents per 100,000 people in 2024, the highest per-capita rate worldwide.

Generative AI adoption in South Korea has consistently outpaced the global average. The global rate of generative AI usage increased from 17.8 percent in the first quarter of 2026 to 18.8 percent in the second quarter, while South Korea’s rate was more than double the global figure during the same period.

Comparative data from the Microsoft AI Diffusion Report highlighted that South Korea’s adoption rate, while substantial, still trails behind several countries with higher percentages of generative AI users. However, the country’s rapid growth in both adoption rates and patent activity signals ongoing engagement with AI technologies.

Overall, South Korea’s advancements in generative AI usage and patent filings indicate a sustained focus on AI development and integration across sectors. The country’s position in global rankings has improved steadily over recent years, reflecting both increased public engagement and a strong emphasis on innovation.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.