Ministry of Statistics survey runs through July 22; covers 7.53 million businesses
South Korea launched a nationwide economic census Monday that for the first time includes questions on AI adoption, robotics, smart factory operations and unmanned stores, reflecting rapid shifts in the country's industrial landscape. The government plans to expand the use of administrative data to reduce on-site visits and deploy AI technology throughout the survey process to improve statistical accuracy.
The Ministry of Statistics said it will conduct the "2025 Economic Census" covering businesses nationwide from Monday through July 22. The economic census is a foundational national survey that comprehensively captures employment, production and management conditions across all industries. It serves as baseline data for government economic policy, regional industrial development and support programs for small businesses.
New items added to this year's survey for the first time include AI usage, robot deployment, smart factory operations and unmanned store operations — all indicators of structural industrial change and digital transformation. The Ministry of Statistics said the expanded questionnaire will allow a more precise picture of emerging shifts in the industrial ecosystem, including the spread of AI and the growth of the platform economy.
The survey covers 7.53 million businesses that were economically active as of the end of last year. Of those, about 3.34 million will undergo on-site interviews, while the remaining 4.19 million will be covered through administrative records without field visits. On-site surveys will focus primarily on businesses with five or more employees, reducing the response burden on smaller operators.
The Ministry of Statistics will also apply AI technology to the survey process itself. AI will be used to review industrial classifications, and a call center equipped with voice bots and chatbots will provide around-the-clock consultation services. The agency said the measures are intended to improve survey quality and make participation more convenient for respondents.
The survey combines online and in-person methods. Online participation is available through the economic census website from Monday through June 30, while approximately 12,000 field agents will conduct in-person interviews at business sites from June 12 through July 22. Businesses can schedule agent visits through the website or the call center.
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