Market Intelligence
Education South Korea Economic Development

South Korea Education Technology

In Korea, EdTech has been strongly supported and driven by the government for decades. Starting from “E-learning,” the government forms a significant part of its strategy to reform the education system to focus more on developing students’ learning skills using the latest cutting-edge technology. However, the government-led industry has made sluggish progress for private Edtech companies to grow. 

COVID-19 increased demand for non-face-to-face education services, and with the policy and industrial foundation for ICT technology rapidly expanding, the domestic Edtech market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.5% from about $5.52 billion in 2021 to reach about $7.54 billion by 2025.

Government bodies, such as the Ministry of Education (MoE), have recently been  enacting relevant standards and Acts to boost the Edtech industry, along with “eLearning” and “smart learning.” The significant difference from pre-COVID-19 days is that government bodies are creating an atmosphere of mutually beneficial cooperation with private companies and are also showing their willingness to build a healthier ecosystem. 

Since January 2023, the incumbent minister of MoE has advocated for digital-based education reform to provide personalized learning using private artificial intelligence (AI) technology in public education. The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) also promotes a project to build an “AI digital teaching and learning platform.”.

In February 2023, the MoE unveiled the “Digital-based Education Innovation Plan,” promoting the development of policies outlined below. 

  • Introduction of AI digital textbooks using AI technology starting in 2025 (starting with math, English, and information-related curriculums)
  • Math, English, and information-related curriculums will be applied first.
  • Teachers (humans) and AI assistants (digital textbooks) cooperate to provide customized lessons for students. 
  • Focus on fostering lead teachers who provide humanized guidance while utilizing AI technology.
  • 300 Digital Leadership Schools to begin operation in seven education offices from 2023.

In June 2023, the “AI Digital Textbook Promotion Plan” was announced, followed by the “AI Digital Textbook Development Guidelines” in August. The ministry is pushing harder than ever to spread AI-based customized education.

Those entering the Korean Edtech market must take the following into account: 

  • Growing opportunities for AI-based textbooks and content developers. 
  • Attend domestic industry fairs and conferences to understand the changing policies and the market landscape. 
  • Find local representatives or partners to localize your offerings for Korean EdTech-based tools and devices that are more compatible with domestic systems and companies. 

Local exhibitions and conferences  

For more information on South Korea’s EdTech, please contact our office at Office.Seoul@trade.gov.