2024 Overview of the Mobile Games Market and User Behavior in Korea

The mobile gaming market in South Korea has transitioned into a mature, stable phase, maintaining its position as the dominant segment of the domestic gaming industry. Analysis of market data from 2015 to 2023 reveals a consistent upward trajectory in revenue, culminating in approximately 13.61 trillion Korean won in 2023. While the sector experienced rapid expansion in previous years, with growth rates peaking at 43.4% in 2017, the 2023 growth rate of 4.1% reflects a shift toward sustainable, long-term stabilization.

User behavior data, gathered from a 2024 survey of 7,402 mobile gamers aged 10 to 69, highlights the deep integration of mobile gaming into daily life. Over half of all respondents engage with mobile games at least once daily, with 33.5% playing multiple times per day. This high frequency of use is supported by a broad, cross-generational user base. While individuals in their 20s constitute the largest demographic at 20.2%, participation remains remarkably balanced across age groups, with users in their 30s and 40s representing 19.7% and 19.4% of the market, respectively.

Preferences in gameplay further underscore the market's evolution toward accessibility. Puzzle and quiz games lead in popularity, favored by 38% of players, followed by role-playing games at 23.9% and tabletop or casino games at 20%. These findings suggest that Korean gamers increasingly prioritize casual, engaging experiences over complex mechanics. Ultimately, the industry has solidified its mobile-centric structure, characterized by high daily engagement and a diverse audience that spans nearly all adult age brackets.