Traditional media usage in South Korea - statistics & facts

A digital shift in consuming media

This shift from traditional means of access to more flexible, internet-based points of access can be observed in digital and traditional media alike. In particular, the world of entertainment has been quick to adapt to digital access to media. Less than four percent of webtoons are now read in print format, while physical music records are bought by one in three people. While most South Koreans keep up with the news, the share of people who read printed newspapers decreases drastically by age group. Alongside the popularity of digital news and online newspapers among younger demographics, it is possible that overall readership of printed newspapers will continue to decrease in the long term.

Low frequency of radio use

The only notable exception to this digital shift is radio. Car radios are the main method of access to radio channels, while smartphone apps are used by around 14 percent of radio listeners. Together, regular radio devices and car radios make up approximately 85 percent of radio use, while internet-based access via mobile or PC add up to less than 15 percent of use cases. However, radio use in South Korea has been on the decline over the past decade, and the time spent listening to the radio tends to be low compared to other entertainment media.

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