OpenAI to open office in Seoul, South Korea

OpenAI is establishing its first South Korean office in Seoul, the company announced recently. This move comes as South Korea now ranks second globally in paying ChatGPT users, trailing only the United States, according to company data.

The AI company has started hiring local staff to work with South Korean partners and plans to share more details soon, states a recent report by Reuters on the matter. "Korea is one of the best places for AI because it has strong technology at all levels, from computer chips to software, and people of all ages are interested in it," said OpenAI's Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon in an official statement.  

Earlier this year, OpenAI said it would work with Kakao, a popular South Korean messaging app, to develop AI products. During his visit to Seoul, Kwon is scheduled to meet with leaders from both the ruling and opposition political parties, according to Korean news outlets.  

South Korea is an important market for AI companies because of its advanced tech industry and many smartphone users. By opening an office there, experts suggest that OpenAI can work more closely with Korean businesses and follow local AI rules. The company did not say exactly when the new office will open.