Customer Experience

South Korea confronts digital divide as seniors struggle with kiosks

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September 15, 2026

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South Korea's rapid adoption of kiosks, smartphone apps and other digital services is leaving many older residents struggling to complete routine tasks, from ordering food and buying baseball tickets to hailing taxis, according to a South China Morning Post report. A government survey found that 60% of South Koreans over 60 have difficulty using public and commercial services due to limited digital skills.

The problem is particularly significant because South Korea is a "super-aged" society, with more than 20% of its population 65 or older. Nearly 90% of taxi drivers use ride-hailing apps, while more than 80% of South Koreans over 60 continue trying to hail taxis on the street. Older residents can also face difficulties accessing medical and government services as more transactions move online or to kiosks. Separate Seoul research released earlier this year found that although kiosk use among older residents increased to 71.7%, 63.3% still reported difficulty using the machines.

South Korea is responding with digital training programs that teach older residents how to use smartphones, apps, artificial intelligence and self-service kiosks. Mobile training units equipped with technology and mock kiosks also travel to community centers and regional events. More than 65,000 training sessions were held for about 650,000 people over 60 in 2025.