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Suwon, South Korea witnessed a surge of optimism on September 15, as 79-year-old Hwang Sun-hee successfully completed an online shopping task at a government-organized digital survival training session. This event highlights the widening digital divide in South Korea, particularly among seniors. The country's rapid digital transformation has left many older citizens struggling to keep pace.

The "grey digital divide" is a pressing concern in the 52 million strong population of South Korea, a nation renowned for its technological prowess in smartphone and memory chip production. Despite being a world leader in these sectors, a significant percentage of its aging population still grapples with basic digital literacy.

For instance, nearly 90% of taxi drivers rely on traditional hailing methods, whereas over 80% of South Koreans over 60 still prefer manual cab-hailing, a survey revealed. A retired public servant mentioned spending over 30 minutes trying to flag down a taxi on a busy Seoul street.

Moreover, the digital divide poses threats, making older people susceptible to online scams and limiting their access to essential services. A state survey found that 60% of South Koreans over 60 find it challenging to use public and commercial services due to inadequate digital skills, compared to just 6% of those under 40.

Professor Kim Jeung-kun from Kangnam University in Seoul emphasized that South Korea's intergenerational digital divide is deeper than in any other nation. The country's rapid industrialization over a few decades, compared to centuries in many Western countries, has amplified this gap.

South Korea, once a nation with a GDP per capita below $100 in the aftermath of its 1950-1953 war, has now become the world's 15th largest economy. The nation's elderly population is substantial, with more than 20% of its population over 65, classifying it as a "super-aged society".

In response to this challenge, South Korea initiated nationwide digital training for the elderly in 2020, coinciding with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. These sessions, held across various community centers and festivals, have trained over 65,000 people above the age of 60, equipping them with skills to navigate mobile devices, apps, and AI.