South Korea aims to save seniors lost in digital age
South Korea’s aging population faces a growing digital divide, prompting government‑backed training programs that teach seniors how to use smartphones, ride‑hailing apps and online services. The initiative, which has already reached hundreds of thousands, aims to reduce vulnerability to scams and i…
South Korea’s rapid technological boom has left many of its older citizens struggling to keep up with the digital world. In a recent training session in Suwon, 79‑year‑old Hwang Sun‑hee successfully placed an online order, a moment that highlighted both the challenges and the progress of the country’s effort to bridge the senior digital divide.
Why the Digital Gap Matters
With a population of about 52 million, South Korea is home to leading smartphone and memory‑chip manufacturers, yet the benefits of this connectivity are not evenly distributed. A 2023 survey revealed that 60 percent of South Koreans over 60 find it difficult to use public and commercial services because of limited digital skills, compared with just six percent of those under 40. The gap is not merely a matter of convenience; it exposes seniors to online scams, hampers their ability to book medical appointments, and can even affect their safety when hailing taxis or purchasing tickets at stadiums.
Experts point to the country’s rapid industrialisation as a key factor. “South Korea’s industrialisation happened in just a few decades, whereas in many Western countries it took centuries,” said Kim Jeung‑kun, professor of senior business at Kangnam University. The nation’s older cohort grew up in a time when electricity, landlines and formal schooling were scarce, creating a generational divide that is now widening with the pace of technology.
Government‑Led Training Initiatives
In response to the growing problem, the South Korean government launched a public tech training program for the elderly in 2020, coinciding with the shift to online services during the COVID‑19 lockdown. The program deploys vans equipped with mobile devices and mock kiosks to community centres and regional festivals. By 2025, more than 65,000 sessions have been held, reaching approximately 650,000 participants over 60.
During these sessions, seniors practice a range of tasks: paying hospital bills at mock kiosks, interacting with robot dogs, and using voice assistants to check the weather. The training also covers practical everyday scenarios, such as booking a taxi through a ride‑hailing app or purchasing tickets at a baseball stadium. The goal is to give seniors the confidence and skills to navigate the digital landscape independently.
Real‑World Examples of the Gap
In Seoul, taxi drivers rely on ride‑hailing apps for nearly 90 percent of their rides, yet more than 80 percent of South Koreans over 60 still hail cabs by hand. A 71‑year‑old retired public servant, who preferred to keep his surname private, recounted spending over 30 minutes trying to flag down a taxi on a busy street. He watched younger riders, using apps, secure rides just metres away, leaving him feeling “utterly useless.”
Similarly, several baseball clubs have begun reserving a small number of tickets for on‑site sales after reports that older fans, holding cash, approached younger fans to purchase tickets from machines. These anecdotes illustrate how the digital divide can create tangible barriers in everyday life.
Looking Ahead
While the training program has already helped thousands of seniors gain digital confidence, the challenge remains vast. The country’s “super‑aged” status—over 20 percent of the population is 65 or older—means that the demand for digital literacy will only grow. The government plans to expand the program’s reach, incorporating more advanced topics such as online banking security and telemedicine.
Hwang Sun‑hee, who has attended multiple training sessions, expressed a mix of pride and envy. “I wish I had been born young in today’s world,” she said, highlighting the emotional impact of the divide. Her story underscores the importance of continued support and resources for the elderly as South Korea navigates its digital future.
Ultimately, bridging the digital divide is not just about technology; it’s about ensuring that seniors can access essential services, protect themselves from fraud, and participate fully in society. The government’s initiative is a crucial step toward that goal, but sustained effort and innovation will be required to keep pace with the rapid evolution of digital tools.
Key Takeaways
- South Korea’s digital divide disproportionately affects seniors, with 60% over 60 struggling to use online services.
- Government‑backed training programs have reached 650,000 seniors, teaching them to use smartphones, apps, and kiosks.
- Real‑world gaps include taxi hailing and ticket purchasing, where older citizens are left behind.
- Rapid industrialisation and a “super‑aged” population amplify the urgency of digital literacy initiatives.
- Continued expansion and advanced training are needed to keep seniors safe from online scams and to improve access to healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the senior digital divide in South Korea? It refers to the gap in digital literacy and access between older citizens and younger generations, leading to challenges in using smartphones, apps, and online services.
- How many seniors have participated in the training program? By 2025, the program has conducted over 65,000 sessions, reaching around 650,000 participants aged 60 and above.
- What kinds of skills are taught in the training sessions? Participants learn to use mobile devices, ride‑hailing apps, online ticketing, kiosk payments, voice assistants, and basic online safety practices.
- Why is the digital divide a concern for seniors? It can expose them to scams, limit access to healthcare and commerce, and reduce their independence and quality of life.
- What are the next steps for the program? The government plans to expand coverage, introduce advanced topics like online banking security, and integrate more community‑based resources.
Why it matters
The digital divide threatens seniors’ safety, independence, and access to essential services, making it a critical public health and social equity issue.
Key points
- South Korea’s rapid tech boom has left many seniors behind, with 60% over 60 struggling with digital services.
- Government training programs have reached 650,000 seniors, teaching them to use smartphones and apps.
- Real‑world gaps include taxi hailing and ticket purchasing, where older citizens are often left out.
- The country’s super‑aged population and rapid industrialisation amplify the urgency of digital literacy initiatives.
- Continued expansion and advanced training are needed to protect seniors from scams and improve access to healthcare.
Frequently asked questions
What is the senior digital divide in South Korea?
It refers to the gap in digital literacy and access between older citizens and younger generations, leading to challenges in using smartphones, apps, and online services.
How many seniors have participated in the training program?
By 2025, the program has conducted over 65,000 sessions, reaching around 650,000 participants aged 60 and above.
What kinds of skills are taught in the training sessions?
Participants learn to use mobile devices, ride‑hailing apps, online ticketing, kiosk payments, voice assistants, and basic online safety practices.
Why is the digital divide a concern for seniors?
It can expose them to scams, limit access to healthcare and commerce, and reduce their independence and quality of life.
What are the next steps for the program?
The government plans to expand coverage, introduce advanced topics like online banking security, and integrate more community‑based resources.
