Ever since the dawn of the IT era, innovators have been trying to create truly immersive virtual worlds. In previous years, these worlds have been incomplete. They’ve lacked depth. But advances in 5G, blockchain, internet and virtual reality technology have changed all that. Science fiction writers’ dreams of the metaverse are starting to come true.

Forward-looking firms and tech pioneers in Korea and elsewhere have already launched metaverse experiences. These are allowing individuals to enter rich digital universes. Corporations use the metaverse to cut costs, reduce carbon footprints and boost efficiency. The metaverse has let them cut down on business trips and in-person forums. According to GlobalData estimates, the metaverse industry will grow from USD 22.79 billion in 2021 to USD 996.42 billion in 2030. The metaverse is only getting started – but already has so much to offer everyone.

Introducing ifland

In June last year, SKT launched its metaverse platform, ifland. The platform has since evolved into a virtual space tailored to meet the virtual demands of all sorts of sectors: from academia to the music industry. Universities have used it to create virtual campuses to offer special events and lectures for their students, while musicians have used it to hold virtual concerts. Movie production firms have even used it to host film screenings.

In the corporate world, companies have been using ifland to do everything from conducting media conferences to hosting job fairs and making virtual product launches. By October 2022, cumulative app downloads had almost reached the 13 million mark. With all this domestic experience under its belt, it was time for ifland to go global.

ifland’s International Journey Begins

In November, ifland launched in 49 countries and regions, with iOS and Android versions in English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese and Japanese. This sparked a flurry of activity – and exciting partnerships.

SKT has already signed MOU agreements with NTT DOCOMO, the largest mobile operator in Japan, as well as the Middle Eastern telecoms heavyweight e& and the Singaporean giant Singtel
. These deals will help SKT deepen its understanding of overseas markets and better meet the various needs and preferences of customers in a range of regions. Partnership discussions with other major telecoms providers are also underway.

SKT has met the rising demand for metaverse fashion by teaming up with Birger Christensen, a Copenhagen-based fashion firm with over 150 years of history. Together, the companies have launched a series of digital skins for ifland avatars.

ifland-based explorers will soon be able to explore traditional Middle Eastern costumes, thanks to the e& partnership. They will also be able to gather around and marvel at the iconic landmarks of countries like the UAE and Singapore, with virtual building now in progress.

SKT is also leveraging the global popularity of K-pop to attract more users. It will provide a wide range of K-pop inspired content in ifland, which includes exciting weekly K-pop-themed events and auditions for would-be K-pop trainees.

Students and teachers will benefit from a deal between Thailand’s Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University and Korea’s Dong-ah Institute of Media and Arts. The two colleges are now co-creating an ifland-based “global metaverse campus.” This campus will bridge vast physical distances with seamless, IT-powered solutions.

The Metaverse’s Ever-expanding Horizons

Big businesses and IT visionaries are in agreement: The metaverse is here to stay. And while we are still in the very early days of this exciting new digital paradigm, the metaverse is no longer a buzzword. It is a bona fide tool of business and a platform for learning, entertainment, culture and social activity.

SKT’s vision of the metaverse is as expansive as ifland itself. ifland has already proved a success in Korea. But the company now wants the rest of the world to enjoy the same variety of experiences. For the first time in human history, what was once an artistic pipe dream is set to become a life-enriching digital reality.