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South Korea Ranks 3rd Globally in Notable AI Models, 1st in AI Patents Per Capita for Two Consecutive Years
AI Model and Patent Achievements
According to the 'AI Index 2026' report by Stanford University's 'Human-Centered AI Institute' (HAI), South Korea possessed five notable Artificial Intelligence (AI) models launched in 2025, ranking third globally. This marks a one-step improvement from the previous year (4th place), surpassing major developed nations such as Canada, France, and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, South Korea recorded 14.31 AI patents per 100,000 people, ranking first worldwide for two consecutive years, followed by Luxembourg, China, and the United States.
AI Industry Expansion and Policy Efforts
South Korea ranked fourth globally in industrial robot installations in 2025 and showed the largest increase in AI adoption rates. Notably, it passed 17 AI-related bills between 2016 and 2025, ranking second among the G20 countries. The 'AI Basic Act,' enforced in January 2025, was cited as a leading example for national industry promotion and trust-building. The government maintains a policy stance prioritizing innovation over regulation, and SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics are recognized as leaders in High Bandwidth Memory (HBM).
Future Challenges and Government Goals
The report highlighted insufficient private investment and the outflow of AI talent as areas for improvement for South Korea. In response, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, Bae Gyeong-hoon, stated that national support, including the establishment of an AI highway and securing unique AI models under the Lee Jae-myung administration, has shown results. The government plans to further strengthen policy support to establish South Korea as a true 'top three AI powerhouse' and ensure all citizens benefit equally from AI.
*Source: ハンギョレ新聞 (2026-04-14)*
