제 27 호 Smartphone
Kicker: SOCIETY
Smartphone
By Myung-Gwan Kang
Nowadays, everyone has a smartphone. When the telephone was first introduced, however, it was far too expensive, and network coverage was limited, so only a few people in certain areas had access to it. Telephones were once considered a luxury items. but as technology advanced and society changed, mobile phones became more affordable and widely available, eventually becoming something that nearly everyone carries in their pocket. In this article, I will explore how mobile phones spread so rapidly and the changes they have brought to our daily lives.
The Evolution of phone
Over the past 20 years, smartphones have transformed from luxury items into essential tools that define modern society. Initially, they were mainly used for business communication, but today they influence nearly every aspect of human life, including social interactions, education, commerce, entertainment, and political participation. In the digital age, smartphones play a central role in work, creativity, and social connections, going beyond simple communication and fundamentally changing the way individuals and communities function.
In the early 2000s, mobile phones were primarily used for calls and text messages. Functions like calendars, alarms, and simple games dominated the user experience, and internet access was slow and limited. Mobile phones at that time were functional devices rather than innovative platforms, and their social influence was relatively modest.
The launch of the iPhone in 2007 marked a turning point in smartphone history. Apple introduced an intuitive user interface, capacitive touchscreen, and a fully integrated app ecosystem, opening new possibilities for both consumers and developers. As smartphones evolved into multifunctional platforms, they began to be widely used for navigation, media consumption, mobile banking, and social networking. The Android platform later accelerated global adoption by providing affordable alternatives, fostering competition, and encouraging technological advancement. This period laid the foundation for smartphones to become central hubs of daily life rather than mere communication devices.
As the market approached saturation, innovation shifted from widespread adoption to technical advancement. Features such as folding displays, AI-driven personalization, and integration with wearable devices illustrate the next stage of smartphone evolution. Today, smartphones influence life, work, and economic activities and are evolving into indispensable hubs of digital life through convergence with AI, AR/VR(Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality), and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Spread of smartphones
Smartphones have become a core platform that changes the daily life and social structure of modern people beyond simple electronic devices. Since the launch of the iPhone in South Korea through KT in 2009, the local smartphone market has grown rapidly due to competitive entry by domestic manufacturers such as Samsung and LG.
As of 2015, the penetration rate of adult smartphones in South Korea was 86%, the world's highest level, and almost all citizens had smartphones. By 2023, the total population was about 51.8 million and mobile connections were 64.19 million, resulting in 123.9%. In 2025, the penetration rate rose to 98.5%, and it was completely established as a necessity of national life. The younger generation uses almost all smartphones, and the elderly, which were introduced slowly in the early days, are gradually using smartphones to decrease the gap between generations.
Smartphone dissemination in Korea has also made significant changes in terms of social and economic. Digital content consumption through smartphones, online shopping, mobile payments, and social media activities have become a routine culture. In addition, thanks to the high mobile network infrastructure and ICT policy support, it is easy to access public service, finance, and acquire information through smartphones. This reduces the digital gap and contributes to the expansion of economic and social participation by various ages and communities.
As a result, the spread of smartphones in Korea is an important phenomenon that leads to social and economic changes beyond the supply of devices, and smartphones are becoming an essential digital platform in modern Korean society.
Daily Changes and Social Influences
Smartphones have brought daily changes and social impacts to Korean society. As of 2025, in Korea, almost all citizens use smartphone in their daily life and social structure has changed significantly. It is common to own a smartphone from a young age, and children and young people experience both learning, playing and acquiring information in the mobile environment.
This has also brought change in the way of education through online learning platforms, mobile -based quizzes and task submission. Digital collaboration tools are generalized, while customized learning and self-directed learning using smartphones are expanding away from traditional classroom class–oriented learning.
The multi-functionality of the smartphone has improved efficiency in many areas of life. Mobile payment, online shopping, and e-government services are available anytime, anywhere, and information search and news acquisition will be done immediately. Social communication methods have also changed. In the center of the real-time telephone, has moved from text, to messenger, and SNS-oriented communication, reducing the difference in communication between generations, and has created a new social connection network. Smartphones also play a central role in work and economic activities. Homework, remote meetings, freelancers and geek economic activities are centered on mobile, and it has also created great changes in existing work culture and work patterns.
As smartphones are becoming essential platforms in almost all areas such as education, shopping, finance, and entertainment, people's life patterns and social participation have become completely reorganized. After all, in 2025, in Korean society, smartphones have become a must-use tool that has penetrated all aspects of life, including learning, work, social connection, and economic activities. Smartphones and digital-oriented learning and social experiences have become commonplace, the lifestyle and social structure of modern Koreans are evolving with smartphones.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
The widespread use of smartphones in Korea has profoundly reshaped the economy. Mobile payments, e-commerce, and app-based services have become integral parts of daily life. Consumers now complete financial transactions, shop for goods, and even manage investments directly from their devices. The gig economy has also expanded rapidly, with freelancers and part-time workers leveraging smartphone platforms for work opportunities. Startups and large companies alike have developed apps and services that rely heavily on mobile connectivity, creating new jobs and driving innovation across multiple sectors. This shift has not only changed the way businesses operate but has also made economic participation more accessible to people of all ages and regions, bridging gaps that previously limited engagement.
Looking ahead, smartphones are poised to continue transforming life and work through emerging technologies. AI-driven personalization, wearable device integration, and the proliferation of IoT (Internet of Things) are enabling more seamless and interconnected experiences. Foldable and flexible displays are expanding the ways people interact with mobile devices, while augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications promise to change education, entertainment, and professional environments. As these technologies converge with the smartphone, Korea’s digital ecosystem is expected to become even more dynamic, efficient, and interactive, positioning smartphones as not only tools for communication but also as central hubs that shape the future of society, learning, work, and economic activity.
In essence, the smartphone has evolved far beyond its original purpose. From revolutionizing how Koreans manage their daily lives to driving economic growth and shaping future technological innovation, it remains the cornerstone of the country’s digital age — a platform that continues to redefine both individual experiences and societal structures.
Smartphones are no longer just communication devices but have become the core platform driving Korean society and the economy. Initially introduced as a simple means of connection, they are now indispensable across finance, education, culture, and industry. Rapid adoption and technological evolution have created new opportunities and connections that transcend generations and regions, serving as a vital driving force for national competitiveness. Looking ahead, smartphones are expected to usher in another wave of transformation by integrating with advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and augmented reality. This shift will not only redefine individual lives but also reshape social structures and economic ecosystems. Ultimately, smartphones stand as the defining symbol of Korea’s digital age and will remain a decisive tool in shaping the nation’s future.
Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJpBygSbPNI&t=60s
https://www.gallup.co.kr/gallupdb/reportContent.asp?seqNo=1566
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone_industry_in_South_Korea?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Sci-Tech/view?articleId=133014&utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://datareportal.com/reports/digital-2024-south-korea?utm_source=chatgpt.com
