South Korea addresses digital divide affecting seniors
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In South Korea, a growing number of seniors struggle with digital technology, creating challenges in daily life.
The country’s rapid industrialization and aging population have widened the gap between older and younger generations in digital literacy. Many seniors find it difficult to use essential services that now rely on smartphone apps and kiosk machines, leading to feelings of frustration and exclusion.
Last year, baseball clubs began setting aside tickets for in-person sales because older fans were unable to purchase them through automated systems. A recent survey revealed that while nearly 90% of taxi drivers use ride-hailing apps, over 80% of South Koreans aged 60 and above still flag down taxis by hand. One 71-year-old man recounted his difficulty securing a taxi in Seoul, as drivers passed him to pick up passengers using apps.
To address this “grey digital divide”, South Korea began offering public technology training for seniors in 2020. These programs, held at community centers and festivals, teach older adults how to use mobile devices, apps, and artificial intelligence. In 2025, over 65,000 training sessions reached approximately 650,000 people over the age of 60. Despite these efforts, many seniors express a desire to have grown up with today’s technology.
