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ICT & Media🇰🇷 South Korea

South Korea Mobile Cellular Subscriptions

– Mobile cellular subscriptions refer to subscriptions to a public mobile telephone service that provide access to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) using cellular technology.

South Korea Mobile Cellular SubscriptionsMillion · 2015–2024

1008060402015: 58.94Trough2016: 61.302017: 63.662018: 66.362019: 68.892020: 70.512021: 72.862022: 76.992023: 83.892024: 89.22Peak20152017201920212024
Source: data.worldbank.orgLast updated: April 2026

What South Korea Mobile Cellular Subscriptions shows

South Korea Mobile Cellular Subscriptions was 89.22 Million in 2024, up 6.4% on 2023. South Korea’s mobile cellular subscription between 2015 and 2024 reflect a highly advanced and rapidly growing telecommunications market driven by innovation and early technology adoption. Subscription volumes increased from 58.94 million in 2015 to 89.22 million in 2024, demonstrating strong growth supported by high smartphone usage and digital engagement.

Trend

Rising to a series high

South Korea Mobile Cellular Subscriptions moved from 58.94 Million in 2015 to 89.22 Million in 2024 (+51.4%), an average of +4.7% a year. The series high was 89.22 Million in 2024 and the low 58.94 Million in 2015.

Volatility

A 33.9% peak-to-trough swing

The gap between the series high (2024) and low (2015) is 30.28 Million. The sharpest single-year move was +9% in 2023.

Structure

Ranks 15 of 33 countries covered

Among the 33 countries in this dataset, South Korea ranks 15 for 2024, behind China (1,870 Million) and India (1,150 Million). It accounts for 1% of the global total in 2024.

Full series

South Korea Mobile Cellular Subscriptions by year

Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Million.

Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.

South Korea Mobile Cellular Subscriptions, 2015–2024, Million.
YearMillionChange vs prior year
2024Peak 89.22 +6.4%
2023 83.89 +9%
2022 76.99 +5.7%
2021 72.86 +3.3%
2020 70.51 +2.4%
2019 68.89 +3.8%
2018 66.36 +4.2%
2017 63.66 +3.8%
2016 61.30 +4%
2015 Trough58.94 —

Regional context

How South Korea compares in East Asia & Pacific

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions by country, 2024, Million. South Korea is highlighted.

1China
1,870
2Indonesia
347.3
3Philippines
133.6
4Thailand
115.1
5South Korea
89.22
6Malaysia
49.66
7Australia
30.07
8Singapore
9.96

About this indicator

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions — – Mobile cellular subscriptions refer to subscriptions to a public mobile telephone service that provide access to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) using cellular technology. It includes both postpaid subscriptions and active prepaid SIM cards that have been used within a specified period (typically the last three months).

The South Korean telecom sector is globally recognized for its leadership in 5G deployment and high-speed connectivity. Extensive infrastructure, combined with strong competition among operators, has resulted in high-quality services and widespread accessibility. Growth is driven by demand for data-intensive applications such as streaming, gaming, and digital services. The market exhibits high penetration, with multiple subscriptions per user common. Telecom operators continue to invest heavily in network upgrades, innovation, and emerging technologies such as IoT and smart cities. Overall, the dataset highlights South Korea as a global leader in telecommunications, characterized by rapid growth, technological advancement, and strong integration of mobile connectivity within the digital economy. This explosive growth is a powerful testament to a nation that is constantly at the cutting edge of technological innovation. The data reveals a society that is hyper-connected and deeply engaged with the digital world. South Korea’s commitment to building a future-proof telecommunications network is evident in the remarkable expansion of its subscription base. The dataset provides a fascinating look at a market that is leading the world into the next era of digital connectivity. South Korea stands as a digital superpower, maintaining its status as a global hub for technological excellence and innovation. The data underscores a nation that is perfectly positioned to drive the future of the global digital economy.

Indicator
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions
Country
South Korea
Region
East Asia & Pacific
Unit
Million
Coverage
2015–2024, annual
Category
ICT & Media
Last updated
April 2026
Source
data.worldbank.org

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Frequently asked questions

What is South Korea Mobile Cellular Subscriptions?

Definition – Mobile cellular subscriptions refer to subscriptions to a public mobile telephone service that provide access to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) using cellular technology. It includes both postpaid subscriptions and active prepaid SIM cards that have been used within a specified period (typically the last three months). Inclusions – The data includes all active mobile cellular subscriptions offering voice communication services, covering both prepaid and postpaid accounts. It encompasses subscriptions across analogue and digital cellular technologies (including 2G, 3G, and 4G systems) and is compiled from telecom operators and regulatory authorities, typically aggregated at the national level. Exclusions – The data excludes subscriptions used solely for mobile data services such as USB modems or data cards, as well as private trunked mobile radio, radio paging, telepoint systems, and telemetry services. It also does not capture inactive SIM cards or non-voice-based mobile connectivity services.

What was South Korea Mobile Cellular Subscriptions in 2024?

South Korea Mobile Cellular Subscriptions was 89.22 Million in 2024, up 6.4% on 2023.

How has South Korea Mobile Cellular Subscriptions changed between 2015 and 2024?

South Korea Mobile Cellular Subscriptions moved from 58.94 Million in 2015 to 89.22 Million in 2024 (+51.4%), an average of +4.7% a year. The series high was 89.22 Million in 2024 and the low 58.94 Million in 2015.

Which year had the highest and lowest South Korea Mobile Cellular Subscriptions?

The highest value was 89.22 Million in 2024 and the lowest was 58.94 Million in 2015.

Where does the South Korea Mobile Cellular Subscriptions data come from?

The series is sourced from data.worldbank.org (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/IT.CEL.SETS). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Million.

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