South Korea plans free domestic AI chatbot service this year

South Korea plans to launch a free artificial intelligence chatbot service using domestic technology by the end of this year, government officials said, as Seoul seeks to reduce reliance on foreign AI platforms.

A spokesperson for the science ministry said the government initiative is intended to introduce both a general-purpose AI chatbot and an AI agent able to carry out more complex tasks by the end of the year.

Market research firm Wiseapp-Retail said about half of South Korea's 51 million people used generative AI applications in February. It said nearly 23 million people used ChatGPT, which was developed by the US company OpenAI.

Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon told reporters on Monday that South Korea would need to offer better services if it wanted users to move away from foreign AI products they already pay for. He also said the government wanted the country to move quickly into AI agents and compete in that area.

Under the government's "AI for All" plan, officials said the first priority is to integrate public AI agent services that offer functions not available on existing foreign platforms. The government says the free service is also meant to reduce the digital divide, because many current AI tools require monthly subscription payments.

From 2027, Seoul plans to expand the system into personalised AI agents that could help users with tasks including asset management, learning support and retirement planning.

Kim Yong-beom, senior presidential secretary for policy, said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that free domestic AI services could encourage people to use Korean platforms, helping demand and data build up and supporting the growth of the domestic AI market. He also said a public AI agent could help Koreans identify and apply for relevant government services.

The initiative comes as South Korea's AI Basic Act took effect on Tuesday. The law establishes a national legal framework for the AI industry. It requires labelling of generative AI content, creates a management framework for tools that may affect people's physical safety or fundamental rights, and expands government support for the sector.

The legislation names 10 sensitive fields, including nuclear power, criminal investigations, loan screening, education and medical care, that will face stronger requirements on AI transparency and safety.