Korea's stance as a powerhouse in terms of information technology is demonstrated by its vast IT-related production and exports, development of world-leading technology, and also the wide use of Internet and mobile telecommunication devices within the country. IT industry-related products, such as computer chips and mobile phones, account for over 30% of Korea's total exports, and nearly every Korean over age 12 owns at least one mobile phone. Moreover, almost every other household has broadband connections, and all parts of the society from food-service industries to public transportation systems are heavily dependant on computers and IT.
* Internet Use
* Source: Korea Communications Commission [Unit: 1,000 people]
Today, Korean semiconductors, mobile handsets, TFT-LCDs and other items have become the most advanced and top selling in their fields globally. The Korean IT industry was able to secure such a leading position through an interlinking development and usage process: new services generate new domestic demand, the infrastructure required to utilize such services is built up, and the manufacturing capabilities behind the related devices enhanced.
When looking at IT-related statistics and changes that occurred in Korean society between 2001 and 2007, the number of broadband Internet subscribers increased from 7.81 million to 14.71 million, while the number of Internet users also increased from 24.38 million to 34.82 million. The number of e-commerce transactions also showed growth between 2003 and 2006, from 7.2 million cases to 12.8 million. While the number of IT-related businesses changed little from 2001 to 2006 (19,110 to 19,447, respectively), the number of workers in this sector increased from 480 thousand to 680 thousand.