The development of the Internet in South Korea is a successful example in the history of global information technology. Its high-speed Internet penetration rate and advanced technology level make South Korea a leading Internet power in the world. The following is the main history of the development of the Internet in South Korea:
- 1990s: Initial stage
Early development: The development of the Internet in South Korea began in the early 1990s, when the Korean government began to realize the importance of information technology to the national economy. In 1994, Korea Education and Research Information Service (KERIS) launched KREN (Korea Research Environment Network), which is considered as one of the earliest Internet rudiments in South Korea.
Internet service launch: In 1994, Korea Telecom (KT) launched the first generation commercial Internet service HiTEL, and then in 1995, the first ISP (Internet service provider) in China was established to provide dial-up Internet services for the public. - Late 1990s: Rapid expansion
The Development of Broadband Networks: In 1998, the South Korean government launched the "Information Superhighway" project, dedicated to developing broadband networks nationwide. During this period, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital User Line) technology was widely adopted, promoting the popularization of broadband networks.
Internet penetration rate soared: In 1999, South Korea launched the world's fastest home broadband service, marking that South Korea has officially entered the broadband era. By 2000, more than half of South Korean households had access to the Internet. - 2000s: Global Leadership
Promotion of government policies: The Korean government continues to increase investment in information technology, and promotes the development of telecommunications, Internet and IT industries through the "IT 839" policy. These policies not only accelerated the popularization of broadband, but also promoted the development of mobile Internet and wireless network.
The rise of wireless Internet: In 2003, South Korea launched the world's first 3G mobile communication service, which laid the foundation for the rapid development of smart phones and mobile Internet. In 2006, South Korea further launched WiBro (Wireless Broadband) service, which was one of the earliest mobile broadband services in the world. - 2010s: mobile internet era
The popularity of smart phones: With the popularity of smart phones, the number of mobile Internet users in South Korea has grown rapidly. In 2010, South Korea launched the world's first commercial 4G LTE service, which significantly increased the speed of mobile Internet.
The rise of mobile payment and social media: In the 2010s, local social media applications such as KakaoTalk and Line and portal websites such as Naver and Daum became part of the daily life of Korean Internet users. Mobile payments, online shopping, and online gaming also developed rapidly during this period. - 2020s: 5G and Future Prospects
Commercialization of 5G Networks: In 2019, South Korea became the first country in the world to launch commercial 5G services, further consolidating its leading position in the global communication technology field. The popularity of 5G networks has enabled South Korea to continue leading in cutting-edge technologies such as autonomous driving, smart cities, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Future development: The South Korean government is promoting the "Digital New Deal" plan, aiming to further promote the development of the South Korean digital economy through the application of new technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain. - Impact and Achievements
The world's leading Internet penetration rate: South Korea's Internet penetration rate has always been in the forefront of the world, and its broadband coverage and network speed have also been ranked first in the world for a long time.
The booming development of the Internet economy: the development of the Internet has greatly promoted the development of e-commerce, online education, digital entertainment (such as e-sports and K-pop), financial technology (such as mobile payment) and other industries in South Korea.
summary
The development of the Internet in South Korea shows how a country can rapidly develop into a leading Internet power in the world through the promotion of government policies, technological innovation and infrastructure construction. Today, South Korea's Internet technology and services still have a great influence in the world, and continue to lead the development trend of the global Internet.