Korean Workers Cut 18% of Hours Using AI, But Not Everyone Benefits

South Korean workers are saving 8.4 hours per week using generative AI tools—that's nearly an entire workday back in their pocket. But this technological dividend isn't reaching everyone equally, and the gap might be widening.

The Numbers Behind the AI Revolution

A survey of 3,000 wage workers by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry reveals that 56% now use AI tools in their daily work, cutting their work hours by 17.8% on average. The highest adoption rate? Information and telecommunications workers at 77.6%—no surprise there.

Most workers are using AI for document drafting and summarization, the kind of tasks that traditionally consumed hours of manual effort. It's the digital equivalent of having a research assistant who never sleeps and doesn't drink your coffee.

The Corporate Divide

Here's where it gets interesting: 66.5% of workers at large companies (300+ employees) use AI tools, compared to just 52.7% at small and medium enterprises. This isn't just a numbers game—it's a preview of how technological advantages compound in the business world.

The reasons for non-adoption tell different stories. Large company employees cite corporate security regulations as their main barrier. Small company workers? They say the tools aren't efficient enough for their work. Same technology, completely different obstacles.

Beyond the Productivity Hype

KDI School of Public Policy and Management professor Lee Chang-keun makes a crucial point: companies need to invest in worker capabilities, not just hardware and software. This echoes what we've seen with previous workplace technologies—having the tool is only half the battle.

The implication is profound. AI adoption isn't just about buying subscriptions to ChatGPT or Claude. It's about training, culture change, and rethinking how work gets done. Companies that skip this step might find their expensive AI investments gathering digital dust.

The Inequality Engine

While Korean workers overall are benefiting from AI, the survey reveals emerging fault lines. Tech workers and large company employees are pulling ahead, while others risk being left behind. This isn't just about current productivity—it's about future career prospects.

Workers who master AI tools today will likely have significant advantages in tomorrow's job market. Those who don't might find themselves competing against colleagues who can accomplish in hours what used to take days.

South Korea's AI Leadership Moment

This survey comes as South Korea positions itself as an AI leader, recently becoming the first nation to enact comprehensive AI safety legislation. The country's high smartphone penetration and tech-savvy workforce create ideal conditions for AI adoption.

But the workplace divide mirrors broader questions about AI's societal impact. If half the workforce gains superpowers while the other half struggles with outdated tools and processes, what happens to workplace equality?