The number of smartphone users on 5G mobile networks has reached 20 million as of November in South Korea since the 5G service was launched in 2019.
The total number of 5G users reached 20.19 million in November last year, accounting for around 28 percent of the total 72.57 million mobile subscriptions in the country, according to the data from the Ministry of Science and ICT.
South Korea, which has a population of 52 million, first commercialised 5G networks in April 2019 and has, so far, secured 5G coverage across its 85 cities.
The release of Samsung Electronics’ foldable phones — Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 — in late August also helped boost user growth.
Samsung’s foldable smartphones have been popular in South Korea, with their sales topping 1 million in 39 days after its launch.
SK Telecom, the country’s largest mobile carrier by subscriptions, had the most 5G users at 9.52 million, followed by KT at 6.16 million and LG Uplus at 4.46 million.
The number of mobile users subscribed to 4G networks in South Korea fell to 48.55 million in November, accounting for 67 percent of mobile subscriptions.