South Korea to Become First Country To Offer Every Citizen Free AI Access
South Korea is on the verge of making history by becoming the first country where every citizen will have unlimited access to generative AI services, free of charge. This ambitious initiative was announced by South Korea’s Ministry of Science.
Starting in August 2026, three prominent South Korean technology companies were tasked with developing and providing this free AI service, named "AI for All". Beta testing is set to begin in September.
The AI tools will be integrated into everyday services, including phone calls, SMS, web portals, and more. They will also be connected to government systems, aiding citizens in tasks such as scheduling doctor’s appointments, finding apartments, and seeking tax consultations. Parents will even receive personalized educational content recommendations for their children.
The South Korean government has allocated a substantial $7.2 billion for AI-related projects in 2026, tripling last year’s budget. This move underscores the country’s commitment to making artificial intelligence accessible to all its citizens.
