South Korea intends to provide free access to a national AI chatbot for all citizens

One of the biggest public AI initiatives in the world is being developed in South Korea. The government wants to provide free, unlimited access to a homegrown AI chatbot for every citizen, making AI available as a public service rather than a paid subscription. The initiative is part of the country’s broader plan to strengthen its domestic AI industry and reduce dependence on foreign AI platforms.

What Is the “AI for Everyone” Project?

The program, called AI for Everyone, will offer a general-purpose AI chatbot that anyone in South Korea can use at no cost.

Alongside the chatbot, the government also plans to launch an AI assistant that helps people find public services, benefits, and government programs more easily.

Why Is South Korea Building Its Own AI?

Instead of relying mainly on overseas AI models, South Korea wants to invest in locally developed technology.

Under the proposal:

• At least 50% of the AI must use Korean-developed foundation models.
• More than 30% must come from other domestic AI companies.
• The government will provide computing resources to selected providers to support the service.

Why This Matters

Many people already use AI for learning, work, and everyday tasks, but paid subscriptions can limit access.

By offering a free national AI service, South Korea hopes to make AI available to everyone while supporting local AI companies and encouraging wider adoption across the country.

Conclusion

South Korea’s AI initiative goes beyond launching another chatbot. It represents a national strategy to make AI accessible to every citizen while strengthening the country’s own AI ecosystem. If successful, it could become a model for other governments looking to expand public access to artificial intelligence.