The role of the government in metaverse development in China and South Korea: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

As the development of augmented reality technologies has accelerated in recent years, it became a catalyst for the growth of projects in the field of metaverse. Despite the fact, that the concept of metaverse is not completely new, only during the past years it became the center of attention of different social stratum. While various institutions and think-tanks are still in the process of defining the term, the rapid technological development dictates the implementation of the metaverse and its key technologies into the economic, social and cultural spheres of life. Among the countries being in the forefront of this process are China and South Korea.

To conduct this research, the exploratory research design was chosen. Based on literature review, this thesis deliberates on the theoretical discussion related to the term “metaverse” and illustrates the process of its evolution in the past and the current development status. In the work we show the roadmap of metaverse development in China and South Korea. Using thematic analysis, we point out the trends in governmental regulations of the industry. Next, we use comparative analysis in order to highlight main similarities and differences in national metaverse strategies in two countries. Also, the paper explores the shift towards a “middle ground” - the area of compromise between two countries, who follow different strategies, when it comes to the governance of metaverse, including the positions and choices of governance subjects, goals and means.

This thesis is aimed to illustrate main features of the metaverse governance in China and South Korea and provide assistance for further research focused on national Metaverse strategies.