South Korea Telecom MNO Market Size, Share, By Service Type (Voice Services, Data and Internet Services, Messaging Services, IoT and M2M Services, OTT and PayTV Services, and Other Services), By End User (Enterprises, Consumer), South Korea Telecom MNO Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035
Industry: Electronics, ICT & Media
South Korea Telecom MNO Market Insights Forecasts to 2035
- South Korea Telecom MNO Market Size 2024: USD 38.91 Billion
- South Korea Telecom MNO Market Size 2035: USD 62.86 Billion
- South Korea Telecom MNO Market CAGR 2024: 4.4%
- South Korea Telecom MNO Market Segments: Service Type and End User
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The South Korean telecom MNO market consists of mobile network operators that deliver voice, data, messaging, IoT, OTT, and digital connectivity to consumers and businesses in South Korea while ensuring network reliability, quality of network coverage, data safety, and network continuity. The development of this market is fueled by high smartphone market penetration, extensive use of 5G networks in South Korea, increased data traffic, and growing digital transformation in businesses in South Korea.
The telecommunications industry in South Korea can be considered to be aided by its robust network, strong governmental support for digital transformation, as well as ongoing efforts to develop 5G, data centers, and submarine cables. The presence of giant tech players, broadband speeds, and consumer appetite for digital services are also making the position of MNOs even stronger.
The advancements in technologies are witnessing the adoption of 5G standalone networks, AI-enhanced network management solutions, cloud core systems, and edge computing solutions for enhancing the efficiency of 5G networks in South Korean MNOs. The evolution of 5G private networks, RedCap, 6G technologies, and Internet of Things is accelerating the adoption of enterprise networking and industrial automation use cases.
Market Dynamics of the South Korea Telecom MNO Market:
The South Korea telecom MNO sector is fueled by the growing mobile data traffic, the rising number of 5G subscriptions, IoT/M2M communications, and the support of the South Korea government towards the development of smart infrastructure. The emergence of cloud communications, business digitalization, and the growth of over-the-top services have also fueled the South Korea mobile connectivity market.
South Korea telecom MNO industry is hindered by strong price competition, high CAPEX needs for network upgrades, the cost of the spectrum, regulatory challenges, and the saturation of the markets in the cities.
The future of the telecom MNO market in South Korea is bright, and the opportunities that emerge from the private 5G networks, smart manufacturing, self-driving cars, AI services, cloud gaming, and the embryonic state of 6G Communications cannot be underestimated. The combined impact of AI, edge compute, and next-gen wireless is expected to improve services even further.
South Korea Telecom MNO Market Report Coverage
| Report Coverage | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Year: | 2024 |
| Market Size in 2024: | USD 38.91 Billion |
| Forecast Period: | 2025-2035 |
| Forecast Period CAGR 2025-2035 : | CAGR of 4.4% |
| 2035 Value Projection: | USD 62.86 Billion |
| Historical Data for: | 2020-2023 |
| No. of Pages: | 210 |
| Tables, Charts & Figures: | 110 |
| Segments covered: | By Service , By End User |
| Companies covered:: | SK Telecom, KT Corporation, LG Uplus, and Key Players |
| Pitfalls & Challenges: | COVID-19 Empact, Challenge, Future, Growth, & Analysis |
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Market Segmentation
The South Korea telecom MNO market share is classified into service type and end user.
By Service Type:
The South Korea telecom MNO market is divided by service type into voice services, data and internet services, messaging services, IoT and M2M services, OTT and PayTV services, and other services. Among these, the data and internet services segment dominated the share in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a remarkable CAGR during the forecast period. The prominence of this segment is fueled by the growing usage of smartphones, video streaming, online gaming, working from home, and dependence on mobile internet.
By End User:
The South Korea telecom MNO market is divided by end user into enterprises and consumer. Among these, the consumer segment dominated the share in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a remarkable CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing demand for fast mobile internet access, OTT content, mobile payment services, and social media use among consumers has remained an important revenue stream for MNOs.
Competitive Analysis:
The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organisations/companies involved within the South Korea telecom MNO market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.
Top Key Companies in South Korea Telecom MNO Market:
- SK Telecom
- KT Corporation
- LG Uplus
Recent Developments in the South Korea Telecom MNO Market
In February 2025, SK Telecom joined as a founding member of the MIT GenAI Impact Consortium, collaborating with MIT and several global organizations to explore the commercialization and industry-wide impact of generative AI. This initiative is expected to help SK Telecom integrate advanced AI capabilities into its telecommunications services and operations.
In March 2025, Samsung Electronics partnered with NVIDIA to further develop AI-powered Radio Access Network (AI-RAN) technologies for mobile networks. The collaboration demonstrated interoperability between AI-enabled RAN solutions and accelerated computing platforms, supporting enhanced AI functionality within telecom infrastructure. This advancement will enable telecom operators to deploy smarter and more efficient mobile networks, preparing the industry for future 5G-Advanced and beyond.
Key Target Audience
- Market Players
- Investors
- End-users
- Government Authorities
- Consulting and Research Firm
- Venture capitalists
- Value-Added Resellers (VARs)
Market Segment
This study forecasts revenue at the South Korea, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Decisions Advisors has segmented the South Korea telecom MNO market based on the below-mentioned segments:
South Korea Telecom MNO Market, By Service Type
- Voice Services
- Data and Internet Services
- Messaging Services
- IoT and M2M Services
- OTT and PayTV Services
- Other Services
South Korea Telecom MNO Market, By End User
- Enterprises
- Consumer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Q:What is the South Korea telecom MNO market size?A:South Korea Telecom MNO Market is expected to grow from USD 38.91 billion in 2024 to USD 62.86 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period 2025-2035.
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Q:What are the key growth drivers of the market?A:Market growth is driven by rising mobile data usage, strong 5G adoption, increasing IoT and M2M connectivity, enterprise digital transformation, and government support for smart infrastructure and digital economy initiatives.
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Q:What factors restrain the South Korea telecom MNO market?A:Constraints include intense price competition, high capital expenditure for network upgrades, spectrum costs, regulatory pressures, and market saturation in urban areas.
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Q:How is the market segmented by service type?A:The market is segmented into voice services, data and internet services, messaging services, IoT and M2M services, OTT and PayTV services, and other services.
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Q:Who are the key players in the South Korea telecom MNO market?A:Key companies include SK Telecom, KT Corporation, and LG Uplus.
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Q:Who are the target audiences for this market report?A:The report targets market players, investors, end-users, government authorities, consulting and research firms, venture capitalists, and value-added resellers (VARs).
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