South Korea is preparing to launch a large-scale government program. The initiative will provide free access to generative AI for all residents. The project is named AI for All. Beta testing will start in September. A full launch will take place later this year. Seoul has announced three technology consortiums to implement the program. The groups will be led by the two largest telecommunications operators in the country. The third consortium will be headed by the popular platform Kakao.
The key difference from traditional chatbots lies in integration. The new services will connect to government data systems. Residents will be able to make doctor appointments through an AI assistant. The system will help search for apartments and provide tax consultations. Small businesses will receive tools for tax calculations. Entrepreneurs will be able to verify their eligibility for government support. The system will recommend educational content for children to parents. Each consortium will release its own mobile application. Generative features will be added to existing products.
Users will have unlimited access without any limits. Typically, it is token limitations that separate free versions from paid ones. Each request consumes server computational resources. Part of the computing power will be provided by the government itself. Up to 512 Nvidia B200 chips will be distributed among the three consortiums. Authorities will also help cover current operational costs. The Ministry of Science and ICT did not disclose the total cost of the program. The initiative fits into the strategy of strengthening the domestic industry. Authorities expect to reduce dependence on American and Chinese developments.
The generative AI market in South Korea is already very developed. A government survey showed high activity among local users. About a quarter of Koreans pay for premium AI services.