The adoption rate of artificial intelligence (AI) among South Korean companies has risen to 58%, indicating a rapid expansion in AI utilization. Companies identified the establishment of a robust foundation in talent, data, infrastructure, and governance as key challenges for broadening AI use across their organizations.
According to Amazon Web Services (AWS), a study conducted by the research firm Strand Partners, titled 'Realizing Korea's AI Potential 2026,' found that the AI adoption rate among domestic companies increased by 10 percentage points from 48% a year ago. The survey included 1,000 business leaders and 1,000 general citizens.
Over the past year, approximately 624,000 companies have newly adopted AI, averaging more than one company per minute. Among those that have implemented AI, 81% reported improved productivity, saving an average of 14 hours per week. Nearly 60% of these companies also reported increased revenue. Furthermore, 84% of adopting companies anticipate increasing their AI usage within the next 12 months.
Ham Gi-ho, CEO of AWS Korea, stated, "South Korean companies have built significant momentum in AI, with many already achieving tangible results in productivity and growth. The critical question now is not whether to adopt AI, but how to expand it across the entire business landscape."
He added, "As AI technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, organizations with a solid foundation in data, capabilities, governance, and technology will be best positioned to convert successful AI use cases into ongoing business value."
The percentage of companies remaining at a basic stage of AI adoption decreased from 70% to 54%, while those reaching the most advanced stage increased from 11% to 26%. The adoption rates for ICT and manufacturing sectors were 41% and 35%, respectively, while startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large corporations reported rates of 35%, 25%, and 9%, respectively.
Sixty-seven percent of organizations identified AI adoption as a top or important strategic priority. However, only 27% had a formal and comprehensive AI strategy, and 47% reported lacking reliable methods to measure AI return on investment (ROI). Companies with an AI strategy or plans identified key factors for AI expansion as securing skilled AI talent (48%), data governance and security (44%), and reliable cloud and digital infrastructure (39%).
Six percent of companies fully implemented physical AI, 22% were in pilot testing, and 39% planned to adopt it. However, only 24% felt adequately or very well prepared to adopt next-generation AI. Major obstacles included a lack of AI and digital capabilities (46%) and barriers related to technology and data (38%).
Seventy-eight percent of companies expect demand for AI-related capabilities to increase over the next three years, and 76% believe ongoing training and reskilling are essential for maintaining competitiveness. Additionally, 74% indicated that a stable power supply is crucial for long-term AI investment decisions, while 48% cited public-private collaboration as a key factor in enhancing South Korea's AI infrastructure capabilities.
Sixty-four percent of companies reported being fully or largely aware of South Korea's AI Basic Act, but only 22% felt fully prepared to comply with its regulations.
The study suggested that to expand AI utilization, companies should establish clear business objectives and measurement frameworks, strengthen cloud, data, and governance foundations, and invest continuously in AI and digital capabilities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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