South Korean Market Opens Door for Starlink Due to New Regulations
Starlink Approved to Launch Satellite Internet Services in South Korea
Good news for internet users in South Korea! SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service has received official regulatory approval to operate in the country.
According to reports from JoongAng Daily, the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT approved three cross-border agreements for low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication services in early 2025, specifically including Starlink Korea, SpaceX's South Korean subsidiary. This approval clears the way for Starlink to provide LEO satellite internet in South Korea.
The Telecommunications Policy Bureau is currently reviewing Starlink's business plans and financial feasibility, and Kim Nam-cheol, director-general of the ministry's radio policy bureau, commented that Starlink could launch as early as June or later in the year.
The entry of Starlink is made possible due to recent amendments to the Radio Waves Act, which were made earlier this month. With Starlink's service, crews on long-haul voyages will be able to access streaming services, make video calls, and maintain better communication. Once operational, Starlink will provide high-speed, low-latency internet services to areas of South Korea with poor connectivity, such as remote islands, ships, and aircraft.
But Starlink won't be the only player in the South Korean satellite internet market. British rival OneWeb is also planning to offer its LEO satellite services in South Korea. The competition between Starlink and OneWeb could potentially lead to better services and lower prices for consumers in South Korea.
The maritime industry in South Korea is expected to be significantly transformed by the arrival of Starlink. Improved communication and welfare for seafarers is a significant step forward. South Korea, being the fourth-largest economy in Asia, presents a lucrative market for both Starlink and OneWeb.
OneWeb's LEO satellite services are being considered as an option in South Korea, making it the fourth-largest economy in Asia. The development in the satellite internet market in South Korea is ongoing, with both Starlink and OneWeb vying for a share.
Starlink Korea LLC applied for approval of a cross-border supply agreement in May 2023. The approval received from the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT means that Starlink is now currently approved and legally permitted to operate satellite internet in South Korea as of August 2025.
With the competition heating up in the satellite internet service sector, it's an exciting time for internet users in South Korea. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
[1] Source: JoongAng Daily
[1] The South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT has approved Starlink Korea to provide satellite internet services in the country, making it currently approved and legally permitted to operate as of August 2025.
[2] With Starlink's entry into the South Korean satellite internet market, and British rival OneWeb also planning to offer their services, the competition could potentially lead to better services and lower prices for consumers in the fourth-largest economy in Asia.
