South Korea Mobile Gaming Market Overview, 2029

The mobile gaming market in South Korea had its inception in the early 2000s, aligning with the global expansion of mobile technology. However, it wasn't until the mid-2000s that the market truly took off with the widespread adoption of feature-rich smartphones. South Korea, known for its tech-savvy population and robust mobile infrastructure, quickly became a hotbed for mobile gaming innovation. The introduction of platforms like Apple's App Store and Google Play Store provided South Korean developers with platforms to showcase and distribute their games to a global audience, catalyzing the growth of the local mobile gaming industry. As technology advanced, the landscape of mobile gaming in South Korea underwent significant transformation. Initially dominated by simple, casual games, the market gradually evolved as smartphones became more powerful. This evolution led to the development of more sophisticated and visually stunning games, catering to the diverse preferences of South Korean players who have high expectations for gaming experiences. Moreover, the emergence of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies brought new dimensions to mobile gaming in South Korea. Games leveraging AR, such as Pokémon Go, captivated players by blending virtual elements with the real world. Similarly, VR technology offered South Korean players immersive gaming experiences that transported them to virtual environments, further enriching the mobile gaming landscape.

According to the research report "South Korea Mobile Gaming Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Mobile Gaming Market is projected to reach over USD 13 Billion by 2029. The mobile gaming market in South Korea is driven by several key factors. Firstly, South Korea has one of the highest smartphone penetration rates globally, with a tech-savvy population that readily embraces new technologies. This widespread adoption of smartphones provides a vast user base for mobile gaming, contributing to market growth. Additionally, South Korea boasts a robust mobile infrastructure with high-speed internet connectivity, ensuring smooth and seamless gameplay experiences for users across the country. Secondly, South Korea has a rich gaming culture deeply ingrained in its society, with a long history of gaming across various platforms. This cultural affinity for gaming, coupled with a highly competitive gaming ecosystem, fuels innovation and drives demand for mobile gaming experiences. Moreover, the presence of globally renowned gaming companies and a thriving indie game development scene further enriches the mobile gaming market in South Korea. Furthermore, the integration of social and multiplayer features has been a significant driver of growth in the South Korean mobile gaming market. Games that enable players to connect with friends, join online communities, or participate in real-time multiplayer battles are particularly popular. This social aspect of gaming not only fosters engagement and retention but also encourages viral growth through word-of-mouth and social media sharing. Regarding the impact of upcoming generations on mobile gaming demand in South Korea, the outlook is significant. Younger generations, including Gen Z and beyond, have grown up in a digital age where mobile devices are an integral part of daily life. They are highly accustomed to using smartphones and tablets for entertainment purposes, including gaming. As these younger demographics continue to mature and become a larger portion of the consumer market, their preferences and behaviors are expected to shape the future of the mobile gaming industry in South Korea. Additionally, younger generations in South Korea prioritize social interaction and connectivity in their gaming experiences. Games that facilitate communication and collaboration among players are likely to remain popular among South Korean youth, further driving growth in the mobile gaming market. Overall, the combination of technological advancements, a strong gaming culture, and the preferences of upcoming generations positions South Korea as a key player in the global mobile gaming landscape.

The mobile gaming market encompasses four distinct segments, each exhibiting unique trends and growth patterns. Firstly, categorized by type, action or adventure games hold a leading position within the market, drawing significant engagement from players worldwide. However, the casino segment is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the popularity of mobile gambling and the increasing availability of casino-style games on mobile platforms. Additionally, sports and role-playing games, along with strategy and brain teasers, contribute to the diverse array of gaming experiences available to users, catering to different preferences and interests. Secondly, the market can be segmented by platform, with Android emerging as the dominant platform, leading in terms of user base and revenue generation. While iOS also commands a considerable share of the market, Android's widespread adoption among diverse demographics contributes to its leading position. Thirdly, segmentation by age group reveals that individuals below 24 years old constitute the largest demographic within the mobile gaming market. This age group demonstrates a high level of engagement and spends considerable time and resources on mobile gaming activities. Notably, the 22-44 years age bracket is experiencing the fastest growth, reflecting a broadening appeal of mobile gaming across various age groups and demographics. Lastly, monetization type segmentation highlights the diverse revenue streams within the mobile gaming industry. In-app purchases represent the leading monetization method, allowing developers to generate revenue through the sale of virtual goods, upgrades, and additional content within games. However, advertising emerges as the fastest-growing segment, leveraging ad placements within games to monetize user engagement effectively. Paid apps and conversions also contribute to revenue generation within the market, offering users premium gaming experiences in exchange for upfront payment.

The future outlook of the mobile gaming industry in South Korea is exceptionally promising, driven by a combination of advancing technology, a strong gaming culture, and evolving consumer preferences. As technology continues to advance, several key trends are expected to shape the future of the market. Firstly, the widespread adoption of smartphones and high-speed internet infrastructure in South Korea will continue to provide a solid foundation for the growth of the mobile gaming industry. With one of the highest smartphone penetration rates globally, South Korea boasts a large and engaged user base, creating ample opportunities for developers and publishers. Moreover, advancements in mobile hardware and software technologies will lead to the creation of more sophisticated and immersive gaming experiences. Higher processing power, improved graphics capabilities, and enhanced network connectivity will enable developers to push the boundaries of mobile gaming, delivering visually stunning graphics, seamless multiplayer experiences, and immersive augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) content. These advancements will further enhance user engagement and drive the continued growth of the mobile gaming market in South Korea.

Additionally, the integration of social and community features will play a significant role in shaping the future of mobile gaming in South Korea. Social gaming experiences that allow players to connect with friends, join online communities, and participate in real-time multiplayer battles will continue to be highly popular. The social aspect of gaming fosters engagement, encourages collaboration, and drives user retention, contributing to the overall growth of the market. However, despite the promising outlook, the mobile gaming industry in South Korea may face several challenges. One significant challenge is the increasing competition within the market. With a large number of games being released on app stores daily, developers must find innovative ways to differentiate their offerings and capture the attention of players. This may require substantial investments in marketing, user acquisition, and content development to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Moreover, regulatory challenges and government oversight could impact the industry. Changes in regulations, content restrictions, or approval processes may disrupt market dynamics and hinder innovation, posing challenges for developers and publishers operating in South Korea.




Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Mobile Gaming market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Action or Adventure
• Casino
• Sports and Role Playing
• Strategy and Brain

By Platform
• iOS
• Android

By Age group
• Below 24 Years
• 24-44 Years
• Above 44 Years

By Monetization Type
• In-app Purchases
• Paid Apps
• Advertising

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Mobile Gaming industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.