Self-Service Kiosks Go Mainstream in Korea

By | May 24, 2017

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The kiosk industry in South Korea is booming. In 2022, the number of kiosks in the country reached 87,341 units, a 15-fold increase from just three years prior. The growth of the kiosk industry is being driven by a number of factors, including:

  • The increasing adoption of self-service: South Koreans are increasingly embracing self-service technologies, and kiosks offer a convenient and efficient way to access a wide range of services.
  • The growth of the digital economy: South Korea is one of the most digitally connected countries in the world, and kiosks provide a seamless way to integrate digital services into the physical world.
  • The government’s support for the kiosk industry: The South Korean government has recognized the potential of the kiosk industry to boost economic growth and create jobs. As a result, the government has implemented a number of policies to support the industry, such as providing subsidies for kiosk development and installation.

The kiosk industry in South Korea is being led by a number of major players, including LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, and NICE TCM. These companies are developing innovative new kiosk solutions that are meeting the needs of a wide range of industries.

Here are some of the key trends in the South Korean kiosk industry:

  • The rise of unattended kiosks: Unattended kiosks are becoming increasingly popular in South Korea. These kiosks are typically located in public places, such as retail stores, airports, and hotels. Unattended kiosks offer a convenient way for customers to access services without having to interact with a human employee.
  • The integration of AI and machine learning: AI and machine learning technologies are being integrated into kiosks to make them more intelligent and user-friendly. For example, some kiosks now use AI to recognize facial features and recommend products or services based on the customer’s individual needs.
  • The expansion of kiosk applications: Kiosks are being used in a wide range of industries, including retail, food and beverage, healthcare, and transportation. For example, kiosks are now being used to order food and drinks at restaurants, to check in for flights at airports, and to pay for fares on public transportation.

The outlook for the kiosk industry in South Korea is positive. The industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by the increasing adoption of self-service, the growth of the digital economy, and the government’s support for the industry.

Here are some specific examples of how kiosks are being used in South Korea:

  • Retail: Kiosks are being used in retail stores to allow customers to browse products, compare prices, and place orders. Kiosks are also being used to provide self-checkout options.
  • Food and beverage: Kiosks are being used in restaurants to allow customers to order food and drinks, pay for their meals, and even pick up their orders without having to interact with a human employee.
  • Healthcare: Kiosks are being used in hospitals and clinics to allow patients to check in, pay for services, and access information about their health conditions.
  • Transportation: Kiosks are being used at airports, train stations, and bus stops to allow passengers to check in for flights, purchase tickets, and find information about their transportation options.

The kiosk industry in South Korea is playing an increasingly important role in the country’s economy. Kiosks are providing a convenient and efficient way for customers to access a wide range of services. The industry is also creating jobs and boosting economic growth.

Author: Staff Writer

Craig Keefner is the editor and author for Kiosk Association and kiosk industry. With over 30 years in the industry and experience in large and small kiosk solutions, Craig is widely considered to be an expert in the field. Major kiosk projects for him include Verizon Bill Pay kiosk and hundreds of others.