Key facts
- South Korea will revamp regulations to accelerate AI adoption in its service sector.
- The service industry accounts for 60% of South Korea's gross domestic product (GDP).
- The government aims to gain an early foothold in the AI agentic commerce market.
- Measures will be introduced to allow AI agents to be tested across the entire shopping process.
- Support will also be provided for new mobility services and AI applications in public services.
South Korea is set to implement measures to foster the growth of its service industry through the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), according to the Ministry of Finance and Economy. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol discussed the strategy with relevant ministries, emphasizing the transformative impact of AI on the sector, which constitutes 60 percent of the nation's gross domestic product.
Koo highlighted the convergence of AI with manufacturing, innovation in public services, and changes in daily life, citing online shopping as an example. He stressed the importance for South Korea to establish an early presence in the AI agentic commerce market, where AI agents can handle product recommendations, comparisons, ordering, and payments.
To facilitate this, the government plans to promptly introduce measures allowing AI agents to undergo testing across the entire shopping process. Additionally, support will be extended to emerging mobility services, including urban air mobility and AI-driven autonomous driving. The application of AI technologies to public services, such as tax payment and administrative functions, is also part of the government's plan.