Korea ranks 3rd globally in key AI models, securing top spot for patents

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon speaks during a meeting in Seoul, April 9. Yonhap

Korea is strengthening its position among the world’s leading players in artificial intelligence (AI), ranking third in notable AI models released last year and first in patents per capita, according to a new report from Stanford University.

The Ministry of Science and ICT said Monday that the AI Index 2026 report from Stanford University’s Human-Centered AI Institute ranked Korea third in notable AI models last year, with five, trailing the United States with 50 and China with 30.

The ranking marks a rise from fourth place the previous year, putting Korea ahead of countries such as Canada, France and the United Kingdom, each of which produced one model.

Korea also ranked first globally in AI patents with 14.31 per 100,000 people, maintaining its top position for a second consecutive year. Luxembourg came next at 12.25, followed by China at 6.95 and the United States at 4.68.

The report also highlighted Korea’s broader adoption of artificial intelligence, ranking the country fourth in industrial robot installations, with 30,600 units. China led with 295,000 units, followed by Japan at 44,500 and the United States at 34,200.

Korea also displayed the largest increase in AI adoption globally, rising from 25th place in the first half of 2025 to 18th in the second half, the biggest jump among countries.

Among G20 nations, Korea ranked second in the number of AI-related laws passed between 2016 and 2025, with 17 cases. The report cited Korea’s Framework Act on Artificial Intelligence as a leading example of establishing a national foundation for fostering the AI industry and building trust.

In addition, Korea ranked second globally in prioritizing innovation over regulation in AI, with a 70-to-30 balance, reflecting strong public and private sector efforts.

The report also spotlighted Korean companies SK hynix and Samsung Electronics, alongside U.S.-based Micron, as global leaders in high-bandwidth memory production, a key component for AI systems.

However, the report pointed to relatively low levels of private investment in AI compared with leading countries such as the United States, as well as a net outflow of AI talent, as areas needing improvement.

“Despite a short period since the launch of the Lee Jae Myung government, national-level support for strengthening AI competitiveness is already producing results,” Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon said. “We will continue to strengthen policy support so that Korea can become one of the world’s top three AI powers and ensure all citizens benefit from AI in their daily lives,” Bae said.

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.