The Top 10 Mobile Games in South Korea
If you ever rode the Seoul Metro you will see that most Koreans are on the mobile phone. Moreover, the increase in mobile gaming in Korea has a lot to do with COVID-19 as more and more people have stopped going out. Over half the Korean population plays mobile games in South Korea. In fact, mobile gaming surpassed console gaming and PC gaming years ago. South Korea is the 4th largest mobile game market in the World after China, the U.S., and Japan. It is estimated these mobile gamers in Korea will spend around $6 billion on mobile games. This is why so many gaming companies all around the world want to enter the Korean mobile gaming market. However, in order to succeed, one must understand the gaming culture in Korea. This is one of the key advantages that Korean mobile gaming companies have over the world.
Lineage W

Lineage W is one of the hottest mobile games in South Korea. It is an online multiplayer mobile game set in a fictional world of medieval Europe. The game is played from a third-person perspective and has players assume the role of one of several classes, each with their own unique skills and abilities. Furthermore, players can cooperate with each other to complete quests, explore the game world, and battle enemy players and NPCs.
The game features a number of different gameplay modes, including a PvE mode where players can team up to complete quests, and a PvP mode where players can compete against each other in competitive matches. Lineage W is an online multiplayer game set in a fictional world of medieval Europe. The game is played from a third-person perspective and has players assume the role of one of several classes, each with their own unique skills and abilities. In addition, players can cooperate with each other to complete quests, explore the game world, and battle enemy players and NPCs. The game features a number of different gameplay modes, including a PvE mode where players can team up to complete quests, and a PvP mode where players can compete against each other in competitive matches.
As you will notice Lineage dominates this list. Lineage W is the 5th major installment of the Lineage series. Therefore, it uses many of the elements from Lineage and Lineage II. The mobile game is available in 12 countries and regions including South Korea, Japan, Southeast, and the Middle East. It will be released for Nintendo Switch and PS5 in 2022.
Publisher: NCSoft
Odin: Valhalla Rising

One of South Korea’s top mobile games is Odin: Valhalla Rising. It is a mobile game that allows you to take control of the Norse God Odin as he rises up from the depths of Valhalla to reclaim his rightful place in Asgard. The game is a mixture of action and strategy, with you having to carefully plan your attacks while also making use of your powerful abilities to defeat your enemies. Furthermore, there are a variety of different levels to play through, each with its own challenges and rewards, and you can also collect and upgrade a variety of different weapons and armor as you progress.
In July of 2021, Odin became South Korea’s #1 game in terms of revenue. The game adapts the worldview and history of Nordic mythology. Kakao Games holds a majority controlling stake in Lionheart Studio
Publisher: Kakao Games
Lineage 2M
Korean mobile game Lineage 2M is one of the top mobile games in Korea. It is a mobile massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Netmarble for Android and iOS. It is based on the popular Lineage 2 PC MMORPG and features similar gameplay mechanics. Players can choose from a variety of classes, including archers, warriors, mages, and more. There is also a player-versus-player (PvP) mode where players can compete against each other in arenas. Moreover, the game has received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its graphics and gameplay. However, some have criticized the game for its high level of difficulty.
Players explore an open world with over 10,000 players who they can fight. There is a wide range of classes and races. Players can fight or have the gameplay for you. Moreover, it has some of the best graphics out there for mobile games. The storyline is fully voiced and takes place 150 years prior to the events of the original Lineage. The key aspect of Lineage 2M is its unique skill tree system. Instead of gaining skill points with each level, players gain SP (separate from XP) which can be invested in the skill tree for new abilities.
They have recently added a new cross-server dungeon. The new update will allow players around the world on different servers to gather for play on a single battlefield.
“There will be no games in the next few years that will be able to technically follow Lineage 2M,” said CEO of NCSoft, Kim Taek-Jin.
Publisher: NCSoft
Lineage M

Lineage M would be #1 on our list of the Top Korean mobile games if the list was solely based on all-time revenue. It is a mobile game that is based on the Lineage franchise. The game was developed by Netmarble and published by NCSOFT. It is a free-to-play game with in-game microtransactions. The game was released in South Korea on June 30, 2016, and globally on July 5, 2017.
The game is set in the fictional world of Lineage and revolves around the conflict between two factions: the elves and the humans. Players can choose to side with either faction, and each has its own storyline. Furthermore, the game features real-time combat, in which players can control their characters directly or issue commands to them. There are also PvE and PvP elements in the game.
Players can level up and unlock special skills and abilities. Gamers can fight mobs and play the game themselves or play using the auto-combat system. The game has a transformation system that allows the players to evolve their character for a short period of time. During this time they can unlock special skills and abilities. The game is old and has a very nostalgic feeling for many Koreans.
“Our goal is to allow users to be completely freed from both time and space limitations,” said the Managing Director at NCSoft, Lee Sung-gu.
Publisher: NCSoft
Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is a free-to-play action RPG that is filled with immersive graphics, and challenging gameplay. It is a mobile game that draws inspiration from the Legend of Zelda series. The game is set in the world of Teyvat and revolves around the Traveler, a mysterious figure who is searching for answers about their past.
The game features an open-world environment and allows players to explore at their own pace. In addition, there are numerous side quests and activities to keep players busy, and the combat system is simple yet effective. Overall, Genshin Impact is a well-crafted game that offers an enjoyable experience for both casual and hardcore gamers alike.
The game offers daily quests and monthly events to give you a chance to get loot (shards) for your characters. You will have to navigate the vast open-world called Teyvat. The main goal of the game is for your character to find your lost sibling cursed and trapped by an unknown god. As you progress through the game you will unlock more characters and will be able to control them. Each character has its own unique characteristics and attributes.
Publisher: Cognosphere