Key figures
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Search Ad Spend | $7.0 billion | Up 7% year-over-year |
| Organic Traffic Share | 55% | Of total website traffic |
| Local Search Usage | 80% | Of mobile searches have local intent |
| SEO Investment | $4.0 billion | Estimated spend on SEO services |
| Voice Search Adoption | 35% | Of internet users use voice search |
Search engines are a primary channel for South Korean consumers seeking information and products, driving significant search ad investment and organic traffic. Local search queries are increasingly important, especially on mobile devices.
Overview
Search advertising remains a key pillar of digital marketing in South Korea, attracting significant investment. Businesses also invest in SEO to enhance their organic search presence and capture valuable user intent.
Breakdown
- Search Advertising Landscape: Dominated by Naver and Google, with increasing use of shopping ads.
- SEO Strategy Focus: Content quality, mobile optimization, and technical SEO are key.
- Local Search Importance: Businesses focus on optimizing Naver Place and Google Business Profiles for local visibility.
Outlook
Search and SEO spend in South Korea is expected to rise in 2026, driven by evolving search algorithms and the increasing sophistication of AI in search advertising. Local search optimization will remain crucial for businesses targeting nearby customers.
Sources: industry surveys, platform filings, and modeled estimates for 2026