The generative AI giant behind ChatGPT is setting up a shiny new office in South Korea, marking a major move to double down on one of its fastest-growing markets. While the office space itself might still be getting its first coat of paint, the hiring process has already begun, and OpenAI has plans to expand local partnerships, talent acquisition, and on-the-ground collaborations.
Why Seoul? Well, South Korea just happens to be ChatGPT’s second-biggest subscriber base globally, trailing only behind the U.S. That’s not just impressive, it’s a clear signal: Korea is all in on AI.
OpenAI confirmed the news this week, hinting that more juicy details (think: partnerships, strategic initiatives, product drops?) will be coming soon. But the groundwork has already started. The company previously announced plans to co-develop AI solutions with Kakao, the Korean tech heavyweight best known for its chat app, digital payments, and just about everything else.
And here’s where it gets political—in a good way. Jason Kwon, OpenAI’s Chief Strategy Officer, is currently in Korea meeting with top government officials across the aisle. That’s right—both the ruling People Power Party and the main opposition Democratic Party are on his schedule. Because if you’re building an AI ecosystem, you’re going to need buy-in from more than just developers.
In a statement, Kwon made it clear why OpenAI is betting big on Korea: “Korea’s full-stack AI ecosystem makes it one of the most promising markets in the world for meaningful AI impact—from silicon to software, and students to seniors.”
Translation? Korea isn’t just consuming AI. It’s shaping it.
With this move, OpenAI is signaling that the next wave of AI innovation may very well have Seoul at its epicenter.
