Japan and Korea have long been regarded as two of the most attractive—but also most challenging—markets for global app publishers. Both countries boast high smartphone penetration, strong consumer spending on digital services, and thriving gaming and subscription app cultures. Yet many global teams struggle to gain traction in these markets—not because the opportunity isn’t there, but because they misunderstand how fundamentally different the two cultures are.

In this article, we unpack the biggest myths that hold back global apps in Japan and Korea and explore key cultural nuances that shape user behavior, conversion, and growth. The insights come from a conversation with Allen Park, Head of Marketing at aix, a consulting firm that helps global subscription and gaming apps succeed in Japan and Korea through deep localization and market-entry strategy.

🎥 Watch the full interview video 

Japan and Korea: High Potential, High Risk

According to RevenueCast’s 2025 report, average subscription spending in APAC has nearly matched that of North America and Europe. Japan and Korea, in particular, have become hotspots for subscription-based apps and mobile games seeking to expand eastward.

However, Western founders often underestimate the complexity of these markets—and overestimate how similar they are.

"Many founders assume a one-size-fits-all strategy will work. But Japan and Korea are culturally, behaviorally, and linguistically distinct. If you don’t address that from the start, you're setting yourself up to fail."
— Allen Park, Head of Marketing at aix

The Biggest Myths

Myth 1: "Japan and Korea Are Basically the Same"

Because Japan and Korea are geographically close (just a two-hour flight apart), many assume their markets are similar enough to use a unified strategy. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

While both are APAC powerhouses, they differ not only in language but also in how users make decisions, perceive value, and engage with apps. Japanese consumers tend to be cautious and methodical, requiring detailed information before converting. Korean users, by contrast, are fast-moving, trend-driven, and highly responsive to exclusivity and social buzz.

Did you know?
Google dominates search in Japan (over 80% share), but in Korea, Naver remains the top search engine—showing just how different user habits can be.

Myth 2: "Stereotypes Like Anime or K-Pop Always Work"

Many app publishers assume that slapping on an anime-style character for Japan or using K-pop or palace imagery for Korea will improve conversions. But stereotypes can backfire—especially when they don't align naturally with the app's core service.

“If your service has nothing to do with anime or Korean palaces, using them just makes users wonder, ‘Why is this here?’”
— Allen Park

Stereotypes can work—but only when they make sense. For instance, a dating sim or a manga-based game can lean into anime visuals effectively. But if you're offering a finance app or a fitness tracker, you’re better off highlighting clarity, functionality, and local relevance.

Myth 3: "Local Ad Channels Always Outperform Global Ones"

It’s common to believe that platforms like Naver, Kakao (Korea) or Yahoo! Japan, Line (Japan) will automatically outperform Meta, Google, or Apple Ads.

The reality? It depends on your stage.

For early-stage market entry, global UA channels still perform very well. Local platforms require more nuanced setup, partnerships, and often yield better ROI only when you're ready to scale or experiment with reward-based models.

"We recommend global platforms for initial traction, and consider local DSPs and offerwalls as a second wave of growth."
— Allen Park

Cultural Clash: Consumer Psychology 101

Hofstede’s cultural analysis helps explain the deep-rooted differences between the two markets. Both Japan and Korea are high in long-term orientation, meaning users are willing to invest effort today for a better tomorrow. But their motivations diverge in crucial ways:

• Japan: High achievement orientation. Users are meticulous, goal-focused, and seek depth of understanding before taking action.
  
  
• Korea: Lower achievement orientation but high competitiveness. The cultural mantra “Pali Pali” (meaning “quickly, quickly”) captures Koreans’ urgency to act fast and stay ahead.

These traits show up everywhere—from onboarding flows to ad creatives. Where Japanese users expect comprehensive, trust-building information, Koreans are more responsive to bold, simple messages that tap into their FOMO.

“Japanese users want to make sure their decisions are smart and well-informed. Korean users want to make sure they’re not left behind.”
— Allen Park

Case in Point: Slopes’ Expansion into Japan

A real-world example is Slopes, a skiing and snowboarding app that saw huge gains in Japan after localizing properly.

Originally, Slopes entered Japan with minimal localization—mainly machine-translated ASO elements and creatives. Not surprisingly, growth was flat.

After working with aix, Slopes shifted to a deep localization strategy:

• Optimized keywords based on real user search behavior
  
  
• Redesigned app screenshots to highlight culturally relevant visuals
  
  
• Partnered with trusted local entities to build credibility
  
  

The result? A measurable uptick in organic installs, improved retention, and a spot in Japan’s top three markets for the app.

What’s Next: Tactics That Drive Results

So far, we’ve tackled the myths and key cultural insights for Japan and Korea. But how do you put these lessons into practice? In Part 2 of this series, we’ll break down actionable strategies for creative localization, user acquisition, onboarding, and monetization—based on what actually works in-market.

Before you go, here are a few key takeaways from Part 1:

• Japan and Korea are not the same market. Cultural nuance isn’t a detail—it’s the strategy.
  
  
• Stereotypes only work when they fit. Use cultural cues like anime or K-pop wisely and in context.
  
  
• Global UA channels still work. Don’t default to local platforms before testing what already scales.
  
  
• Japanese users seek clarity and trust. Korean users respond to trends, speed, and exclusivity.
  
  
• Localization is behavioral, not just linguistic. Understand how users think—not just what language they speak.
  
  

In Part 2, we’ll go one step further and show you how top apps are executing these insights—from ASO redesigns to rewarded ad strategies. Stay tuned.