The Biggest Online Games in South Korea

As of early 2025, South Korea’s gaming scene showcases a diverse range of popular online games across various platforms. Several titles stand out as the most popular among South Korean gamers, reflecting both global trends and local preferences.

Mobile Gaming Dominance

Mobile gaming leads the charge in South Korea’s online gaming landscape. Some of the most popular mobile games include:

Block Blast! by Hungry Studio has secured a top spot, consistently ranking as one of the most popular mobile games in the country. This puzzle game offers quick, engaging gameplay that fits well with the fast-paced lifestyle of many South Korean players.

Wuthering Waves: Version 2.0 by HK KURO GAMES LIMITED has garnered significant attention, offering an action-packed experience that resonates well with local players.

Brawl Stars by Supercell continues to attract a large player base, providing competitive multiplayer battles that appeal to South Korean gamers’ competitive nature.

Other notable titles such as PUBG MOBILE, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Archero 2 maintain strong positions in the rankings, offering a variety of experiences from battle royale to MOBA gameplay.

PC and Console Gaming

While mobile gaming dominates, PC and console games also have a dedicated following in South Korea:

League of Legends remains the undisputed champion of esports in South Korea, with players earning over 39 million U.S. dollars in total prize money as of January 2025. Its popularity extends beyond competitive play, making it a staple in the South Korean gaming community.

StarCraft II continues to be a significant player in the esports scene, with South Korean gamers collectively earning around 24.5 million dollars in prize money.

Overwatch maintains a strong presence, contributing about 18 million dollars to the total esports earnings of South Korean players.

Esports and Competitive Gaming

South Korea’s esports scene is thriving, with games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, and FIFA (now EA SPORTS FC) at the forefront of competitive gaming. The country’s total esports earnings have reached impressive figures across hundreds of tournaments, showcasing the skill and dedication of South Korean players on the global stage.

Upcoming Titles and Future Trends

The South Korean gaming industry continues to innovate, with several highly anticipated titles set to release in the near future:

Project M by NCSoft promises to deliver a cinematic gaming experience with cutting-edge graphics and immersive gameplay.

Crimson Desert is generating buzz with its open-world design and ambitious scope, potentially setting new standards for Korean-developed games.

Project TH offers an intriguing premise set in a near-future unified Korea, blending action-adventure gameplay with political intrigue.

As South Korea continues to develop its digital infrastructure and embrace online entertainment, the gaming industry is poised for further growth. The country’s unique position as a tech hub and its passionate gaming community create a fertile ground for both established franchises and innovative new titles. With a mix of mobile, PC, and console offerings, as well as a thriving esports ecosystem, South Korea remains at the forefront of the global gaming landscape, consistently producing and consuming some of the most exciting and competitive games in the world.