Macroscope
All countries

South Korea

Asia

All indicators of the Macroscope base for South Korea, with sources. Below: what past UN and IMF releases projected and what actually happened.

What the data shows

Computed with the same code as the observations under the main chart and in the API (get_insights). Moving together in time does not prove a cause.

How the indicators changed

  • Fertility (TFR): 6.06 in 1950 → 0.80 in 2025 (−87%). Low: 0.72 in 2023; +11% since then. Thresholds: below 2.1 since 1984, below 1.5 since 1998, below 1.0 since 2018. The trend broke around 1958 and 1985: +0.01 → −0.16 → −0.02 a year.
  • Births: 785k in 1950 → 254k in 2025 (−68%). Peak: 1.1M in 1960; the latest value is 77% lower. The trend broke around 1959: direction reversed (+34.4k → −12.8k a year).
  • Population: 19.8M in 1950 → 51.7M in 2023 (×2.6). The trend broke around 1991: change slowed down (+544k → +252k a year).
  • Internet: 0% in 1990 → 97.9% in 2024 (+98 pp). Thresholds: above 10% since 1999, above 50% since 2001, above 90% since 2016. Fastest growth in 1998–2003: 6.8% → 65.5%.
  • Urban share: 27.7% in 1960 → 81.2% in 2025 (+53 pp). Thresholds: above 50% since 1977, above 75% since 1991. The trend broke around 1993: change slowed down (+1.6 → +0.29 a year).
  • GDP per person (PPP): 14,378 PPP dollars in 1990 → 55,697 PPP dollars in 2025 (×3.9).
  • GDP growth: on average 9.0% in the 1980s, 7.4% in the 1990s, 4.9% in the 2000s, 3.5% in the 2010s, 1.9% in the 2020s. Lowest: −4.9% in 1998; highest: 13.5% in 1983.
  • Inflation: on average 8.4% in the 1980s, 5.7% in the 1990s, 3.1% in the 2000s, 1.7% in the 2010s, 2.7% in the 2020s. Lowest: 0.4% in 2019; highest: 28.7% in 1980.
  • Net migration: on average 144k a year in the 1950s, −54k a year in the 1960s, −40.7k a year in the 1970s, 98.7k a year in the 1980s, −153k a year in the 1990s, −33.8k a year in the 2000s, 193k a year in the 2010s, 68k a year in the 2020s.
  • Life expectancy, men: 17.5 years in 1950 → 81.2 years in 2023 (+64 years). Thresholds: above 70 years since 1996, above 80 years since 2023. The trend broke around 1956: change slowed down (+5.1 → +0.5 a year).

What changed at the same time

  • The fastest decline of "Fertility (TFR)" was in 1968–1978: 4.51 → 2.70. Over the same years: births 958k → 773k; population 31.2M → 37.3M; urban share 36.5% → 53.1%; net migration −16.9k a year → −85.7k a year; life expectancy, men 57.2 years → 60.5 years; no data for the others in those years.
  • Over the last 10 years (2015–2025): fertility (TFR) 1.20 → 0.80; births 425k → 254k; population 51M (2015); internet 89.9% → 97.9%; urban share 81.6% → 81.2%; GDP per person (PPP) 44,849 PPP dollars → 55,697 PPP dollars; GDP growth 2.9% → 1%; inflation 0.7% → 2.1%; net migration 276k a year (2015); life expectancy, men 79 years (2015).

How the indicators relate

  • Fertility (TFR) and internet (1990–2024, 35 years): levels are strongly related, in opposite directions (r = −0.91); year-to-year changes show no reliable link (r = −0.17). This looks like a shared trend: both change over time, but not in step from year to year.
  • Fertility (TFR) and urban share (1960–2025, 66 years): levels are strongly related, in opposite directions (r = −0.98); year-to-year changes show no reliable link (r = 0.20). This looks like a shared trend: both change over time, but not in step from year to year.
  • Fertility (TFR) and GDP per person (PPP) (1990–2025, 36 years): levels are strongly related, in opposite directions (r = −0.94); year-to-year changes show no reliable link (r = 0.15). This looks like a shared trend: both change over time, but not in step from year to year.

Against other countries

  • Fertility (TFR), adjusted for income: countries with the same GDP per person (54,030 PPP dollars) typically have 1.39; here it is 0.72, lower than in 99% of countries at this income (2023, 197 countries).
  • Internet, adjusted for income: countries with the same GDP per person (55,070 PPP dollars) typically have 96.3%; here it is 97.9%, about the same as most countries at this income (2024, 177 countries).
  • Order of events: urban majority: 1977; fertility below 3: 1977; fertility below 2.1: 1984; half the population online: 2001. Fertility fell below 3 after the urban share passed 50% in 69% of 111 countries where the order is known; median gap 9 years. Fertility fell below 2.1 before half the population went online in 88% of 112 countries where the order is known.

Forecasts vs actual

  • Fertility (TFR): past UN projections. The outcome was below the projection in 12 of 12 revisions (1998–2022) and above in none; median gap −45%.
  • Fertility (TFR): UN 2024 projection (medium): 2050 — 1.03 (+28% vs 2025), 2100 — 1.30 (+62% vs 2025); low variant for 2100: 0.80.
  • Births: past UN projections. The outcome was below the projection in 12 of 12 revisions (1998–2022) and above in none; median gap −46%.
  • The UN 2004 projection did not expect today's level (254k, 2025) before its horizon ended (2050).
  • The UN 2017 projection did not expect today's level (254k, 2025) before its horizon ended (2100).
  • National statistics for 2025: 254k, 3% above the UN 2024 medium variant (246k).
  • Births: UN 2024 projection (medium): 2050 — 211k (−17% vs 2025), 2100 — 119k (−53% vs 2025); low variant for 2100: 31.8k.
  • Population: past UN projections. The outcome was below the projection in 4 of 12 revisions (1998–2022) and above in 8; median gap +0.8%.
  • Population: UN 2024 projection (medium): 2050 — 45.1M (−13% vs 2023), 2100 — 21.8M (−58% vs 2023); low variant for 2100: 14M.
  • Why the UN missed the population. The 1998 projection for 2023: 52.3M; the UN's 2024 estimate: 51.7M (−1.1%). Parts of the gap (plus means more people than projected): the starting population +419k, births −5.29M, deaths +2.6M (fewer deaths than expected), migration +1.74M; the largest: births.
  • Why the UN missed the population. The 2010 projection for 2023: 50.1M; the UN's 2024 estimate: 51.7M (+3.3%). Parts of the gap (plus means more people than projected): the starting population +585k, births −1.55M, deaths +443k (fewer deaths than expected), migration +2.21M; the largest: migration.
  • GDP growth: IMF next-year forecasts (36 editions, 2007–2024). On average the outcome was 0.5 pp below the forecast; below it in 75% of cases; typical error ±1.3 pp. The biggest miss was for 2010: IMF, April 2009 expected 1.5%, the outcome was 7%.
  • GDP growth: latest IMF forecast (IMF, April 2026): 2026 — 1.9%, 2028 — 2.2%, 2031 — 1.9%.
  • Inflation: IMF next-year forecasts (36 editions, 2007–2024). On average the outcome was 0.1 pp below the forecast; below it in 58% of cases; typical error ±1.1 pp. The biggest miss was for 2022: IMF, April 2021 expected 0.9%, the outcome was 5.1%.
  • Inflation: latest IMF forecast (IMF, April 2026): 2026 — 2.5%, 2028 — 2%, 2031 — 2%.
  • Net migration: past UN projections. The outcome was above the projection in 12 of 12 revisions (1998–2022) and below in none; median difference +64.5k a year. The biggest miss: the 2000 revision expected −6k a year for 2020–2025; the outcome was 61.5k a year (for the years of the period so far).
  • Net migration: UN 2024 projection (medium): 2030 — 47k a year, 2050 — 15.9k a year, 2100 — −0.55k a year.
  • Life expectancy, men: past UN projections. The outcome was above the projection in 10 of 12 revisions (1998–2022) and below in 2; median difference +2.2 years. The biggest miss: the 1998 revision expected 73.8 years for 2020–2025; the outcome was 80.4 years (for the years of the period so far).
  • Life expectancy, men: UN 2024 projection (medium): 2030 — 82 years, 2050 — 84.4 years, 2100 — 90.2 years.

UN projections vs actual

Solid line: actual data, UN WPP 2024 estimates; births and fertility from national statistics from the last year they matched the UN estimate (the UN's figures for the latest years are partly its own projection). Dashed: medium variants of past UN revisions. The table shows what each revision expected for the latest year (or five-year period) with actual data.

Population

persons, 1 July
South Korea: PopulationActual 2023: 51.7M44M46M48M50M52M54M19902000201020202030
  • Actual
  • UN 1998
  • UN 2000
  • UN 2002
  • UN 2004
  • UN 2006
  • UN 2008
  • UN 2010
  • UN 2012
  • UN 2015
  • UN 2017
  • UN 2019
  • UN 2022
  • UN 2024, medium
ReleaseTarget periodHorizonExpectedActualActual vs expected
UN 1998202325 years52.3M51.7M−1.1%
UN 2000202323 years51.8M51.7M−0.1%
UN 2002202321 years50.1M51.7M+3.2%
UN 2004202319 years49.5M51.7M+4.6%
UN 2006202317 years49.1M51.7M+5.3%
UN 2008202315 years49.5M51.7M+4.5%
UN 2010202313 years50.1M51.7M+3.3%
UN 2012202311 years51.3M51.7M+0.9%
UN 201520238 years51.7M51.7M+0.1%
UN 201720236 years52M51.7M−0.4%
UN 201920234 years51.3M51.7M+0.8%
UN 202220231 year51.8M51.7M−0.1%

Births

births per year
South Korea: BirthsActual 2025: 254k200k400k600k800k19902000201020202030
  • Actual
  • UN 1998
  • UN 2000
  • UN 2002
  • UN 2004
  • UN 2006
  • UN 2008
  • UN 2010
  • UN 2012
  • UN 2015
  • UN 2017
  • UN 2019
  • UN 2022
  • UN 2024, medium
ReleaseTarget periodHorizonExpectedActualActual vs expected
UN 19982020–202524 years593k249k−58%
UN 20002020–202522 years568k249k−56.1%
UN 20022020–202520 years469k249k−46.8%
UN 20042020–202518 years423k249k−41.1%
UN 20062020–202516 years391k249k−36.3%
UN 20082020–202514 years417k249k−40.2%
UN 20102020–202512 years480k249k−48.1%
UN 20122020–202510 years473k249k−47.3%
UN 20152020–20258 years457k249k−45.5%
UN 20172020–20256 years458k249k−45.5%
UN 20192020–20254 years347k249k−28.2%
UN 202220253 years294k254k−13.6%

Total fertility rate

children per woman
South Korea: Total fertility rateActual 2025: 0.800.511.522.519902000201020202030
  • Actual
  • UN 1998
  • UN 2000
  • UN 2002
  • UN 2004
  • UN 2006
  • UN 2008
  • UN 2010
  • UN 2012
  • UN 2015
  • UN 2017
  • UN 2019
  • UN 2022
  • UN 2024, medium
ReleaseTarget periodHorizonExpectedActualActual vs expected
UN 19982020–202524 years1.900.77−59.6%
UN 20002020–202522 years1.870.77−58.9%
UN 20022020–202520 years1.520.77−49.6%
UN 20042020–202518 years1.420.77−45.7%
UN 20062020–202516 years1.290.77−40.3%
UN 20082020–202514 years1.340.77−42.5%
UN 20102020–202512 years1.560.77−50.8%
UN 20122020–202510 years1.460.77−47.3%
UN 20152020–20258 years1.390.77−44.9%
UN 20172020–20256 years1.400.77−45.1%
UN 20192020–20254 years1.080.77−28.6%
UN 202220253 years0.910.80−11.6%

Deaths

thousand deaths per year
South Korea: DeathsActual 2023: 34620030040050060019902000201020202030
  • Actual
  • UN 1998
  • UN 2000
  • UN 2002
  • UN 2004
  • UN 2006
  • UN 2008
  • UN 2010
  • UN 2012
  • UN 2015
  • UN 2017
  • UN 2019
  • UN 2022
  • UN 2024, medium
ReleaseTarget periodHorizonExpectedActualActual vs expected
UN 19982015–202020 years421296−29.6%
UN 20002015–202018 years391296−24.2%
UN 20022015–202016 years394296−24.7%
UN 20042015–202014 years364296−18.5%
UN 20062015–202012 years374296−20.7%
UN 20082015–202010 years358296−17.1%
UN 20102015–20208 years338296−12.5%
UN 20122015–20206 years309296−4.2%
UN 20152015–20202 years308296−3.9%
UN 20172015–20200 years310296−4.4%
UN 202220231 year355346−2.7%

Infant mortality

deaths under age 1 per 1,000 live births
South Korea: Infant mortalityActual 2023: 2.105101519902000201020202030
  • Actual
  • UN 1998
  • UN 2000
  • UN 2002
  • UN 2004
  • UN 2006
  • UN 2008
  • UN 2010
  • UN 2012
  • UN 2015
  • UN 2017
  • UN 2019
  • UN 2022
  • UN 2024, medium
ReleaseTarget periodHorizonExpectedActualActual vs expected
UN 19982015–202020 years7.32.5−65.3%
UN 20002015–202018 years5.22.5−51.6%
UN 20022015–202016 years3.52.5−28.3%
UN 20042015–202014 years3.42.5−25.5%
UN 20062015–202012 years3.92.5−35.1%
UN 20082015–202010 years4.22.5−39.1%
UN 20102015–20208 years3.62.5−29.1%
UN 20122015–20206 years2.62.5−4.4%
UN 20152015–20202 years2.12.5+18.4%
UN 20172015–20200 years2.42.5+7.3%
UN 202220231 year2.22.1−7.4%

Net migration

persons per year
South Korea: Net migrationActual 2023: 87.8k−400k−200k0200k400k19902000201020202030
  • Actual
  • UN 1998
  • UN 2000
  • UN 2002
  • UN 2004
  • UN 2006
  • UN 2008
  • UN 2010
  • UN 2012
  • UN 2015
  • UN 2017
  • UN 2019
  • UN 2022
  • UN 2024, medium
ReleaseTarget periodHorizonExpectedActualActual vs expected
UN 19982020–2025*24 years061.5k+62k a year
UN 20002020–2025*22 years−6k61.5k+68k a year
UN 20022020–2025*20 years−6k61.5k+68k a year
UN 20042020–2025*18 years−6k61.5k+68k a year
UN 20062020–2025*16 years−6k61.5k+68k a year
UN 20082020–2025*14 years−6k61.5k+68k a year
UN 20102020–2025*12 years−6k61.5k+68k a year
UN 20122020–2025*10 years40k61.5k+22k a year
UN 20152020–2025*8 years40k61.5k+22k a year
UN 20172020–2025*6 years40k61.5k+22k a year
UN 20192020–2025*4 years20k61.5k+42k a year
UN 202220231 year30k87.8k+58k a year

Life expectancy at birth, women

years
South Korea: Life expectancy at birth, womenActual 2023: 87.2707580859019902000201020202030
  • Actual
  • UN 1998
  • UN 2000
  • UN 2002
  • UN 2004
  • UN 2006
  • UN 2008
  • UN 2010
  • UN 2012
  • UN 2015
  • UN 2017
  • UN 2019
  • UN 2022
  • UN 2024, medium
ReleaseTarget periodHorizonExpectedActualActual vs expected
UN 19982020–2025*24 years80.486.7+6.3 yrs
UN 20002020–2025*22 years82.586.7+4.1 yrs
UN 20022020–2025*20 years82.786.7+4 yrs
UN 20042020–2025*18 years85.486.7+1.3 yrs
UN 20062020–2025*16 years84.486.7+2.3 yrs
UN 20082020–2025*14 years84.486.7+2.3 yrs
UN 20102020–2025*12 years85.186.7+1.6 yrs
UN 20122020–2025*10 years87.186.7−0.4 yrs
UN 20152020–2025*8 years86.786.7−0.1 yrs
UN 20172020–2025*6 years86.286.7+0.4 yrs
UN 20192020–2025*4 years86.486.7+0.2 yrs
UN 202220231 year87.287.20 yrs

Life expectancy at birth, men

years
South Korea: Life expectancy at birth, menActual 2023: 81.2657075808519902000201020202030
  • Actual
  • UN 1998
  • UN 2000
  • UN 2002
  • UN 2004
  • UN 2006
  • UN 2008
  • UN 2010
  • UN 2012
  • UN 2015
  • UN 2017
  • UN 2019
  • UN 2022
  • UN 2024, medium
ReleaseTarget periodHorizonExpectedActualActual vs expected
UN 19982020–2025*24 years73.880.4+6.6 yrs
UN 20002020–2025*22 years7680.4+4.5 yrs
UN 20022020–2025*20 years75.880.4+4.6 yrs
UN 20042020–2025*18 years77.480.4+3 yrs
UN 20062020–2025*16 years77.280.4+3.2 yrs
UN 20082020–2025*14 years77.880.4+2.6 yrs
UN 20102020–2025*12 years78.580.4+1.9 yrs
UN 20122020–2025*10 years80.380.4+0.1 yrs
UN 20152020–2025*8 years80.680.4−0.2 yrs
UN 20172020–2025*6 years80.480.40 yrs
UN 20192020–2025*4 years80.580.40 yrs
UN 202220231 year80.881.2+0.4 yrs

* The five-year period is not over: the projection is compared with the mean of its years so far (UN facts end in 2023).

IMF forecasts vs actual

Solid line: actual values from the latest IMF edition (data get revised, so we use the newest). Dashed: April editions, current year and five years ahead. The table covers next-year forecasts from all editions: mean error shows bias, mean absolute error shows accuracy.

Real GDP growth

% per year
South Korea: Real GDP growthActual 2025: 1−505102000200520102015202020252030
  • Actual (IMF)
  • WEO, April editions
IndicatorForecastsMean errorMean absolute errorActual below forecast
Real GDP growth36−0.5 pp1.3 pp75%
Inflation36−0.1 pp1.1 pp58%
Unemployment rate36−0.1 pp0.4 pp42%
Government gross debt26+0.2 pp3.2 pp46%
Government budget balance28−0.2 pp1.2 pp54%

All indicators

Demography

Population

51.7M persons, 1 July latest value, 2023

South Korea: Population1950: 19.8M; 2023: 51.7M020M40M60M19501975200020252050

Population on 1 July. UN estimate to 2023, medium variant from 2024; past UN revisions for forecast checks.

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Deaths

346 thousand deaths per year latest value, 2023

South Korea: Deaths1950: 931; 2023: 34602004006008001,00019501975200020252050

Deaths per calendar year (UN estimate to 2023, medium variant from 2024); past UN revisions for forecast checks.

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Natural change

−109.1 thousand persons per year latest value, 2023

South Korea: Natural change1950: −146.2; 2023: −109.1020040060080019501975200020252050

Births minus deaths in the year (UN). Negative: natural decrease, more deaths than births.

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Rate of natural change

−2.1 per 1,000 population per year latest value, 2023

South Korea: Rate of natural change1950: −7.4; 2023: −2.1010203019501975200020252050

Births minus deaths in the year per 1,000 people (UN). With the net migration rate it makes up population growth.

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Life expectancy at 65

21.3 years latest value, 2023

South Korea: Life expectancy at 651950: 7.4; 2023: 21.3051015202519501975200020252050

Years a person aged 65 would still live at the mortality rates of the year; both sexes (UN).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Infant mortality

2.1 deaths under age 1 per 1,000 live births latest value, 2023

South Korea: Infant mortality1950: 178.7; 2023: 2.105010015020019501975200020252050

Children per 1,000 live births who die before their first birthday (UN); past UN revisions for forecast checks.

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Life expectancy at birth, women

87.2 years latest value, 2023

South Korea: Life expectancy at birth, women1950: 34.6; 2023: 87.202040608010019501975200020252050

Years a newborn girl would live at the mortality rates of the year (UN).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Life expectancy at birth, men

81.2 years latest value, 2023

South Korea: Life expectancy at birth, men1950: 17.5; 2023: 81.202040608010019501975200020252050

Years a newborn boy would live at the mortality rates of the year (UN).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Median age

44.5 years latest value, 2023

South Korea: Median age1950: 17.7; 2023: 44.5020406019501975200020252050

Age that divides the population in two halves (UN).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Mean age of mothers at childbirth

33.4 years latest value, 2023

South Korea: Mean age of mothers at childbirth1950: 31.3; 2023: 33.401020304019501975200020252050

Mean age of mothers at the birth of their children of any order (UN).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Sex ratio at birth

105.8 boys per 100 girls latest value, 2023

South Korea: Sex ratio at birth1950: 106.2; 2023: 105.805010015019501975200020252050

Boys born per 100 girls born (UN).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Fertility: first births

0.43 first children per woman latest value, 2023

South Korea: Fertility: first births2000: 0.71; 2023: 0.4300.20.40.60.820002005201020152020

First children a woman would have at the age-specific rates of first births of the year (at most one). With second and later births it adds up to the total fertility rate. Human Fertility Database (July 2025 release, Our World in Data copy).

Source: Human Fertility Database, period fertility by birth order (July 2025 release, Our World in Data copy)

Mean age at first birth

33 years latest value, 2024

South Korea: Mean age at first birth2000: 27.6; 2024: 3301020304020002005201020152020

Mean age of mothers at the birth of their first child (adjusted for the age structure of women). Human Fertility Database, summary indicators.

Source: Human Fertility Database, summary indicators (HFDLite)

First child by age 26

3.4 % of women; year = birth year of women latest value, 1997

South Korea: First child by age 261985: 10.1; 1997: 3.4051015198519901995

Share of women born in a given year who had a first child by the end of the year they turned 26 (26.5 on average): cumulative first births per woman × 100, from birth registers. The year is the birth year of the women; only cohorts already past that age, no projection. Human Fertility Database (ccfrVHbo).

Source: Human Fertility Database, cumulative cohort fertility by age and birth order (ccfrVHbo, OWID download of 22 October 2025)

First child by age 30

14.6 % of women; year = birth year of women latest value, 1993

South Korea: First child by age 301985: 31; 1993: 14.601020304019851990

Share of women born in a given year who had a first child by the end of the year they turned 30 (30.5 on average), from birth registers. The year is the birth year of the women; only cohorts already past that age. Human Fertility Database (ccfrVHbo).

Source: Human Fertility Database, cumulative cohort fertility by age and birth order (ccfrVHbo, OWID download of 22 October 2025)

Excess deaths

18.4 % above the 2015-2019 trend latest value, 2022

South Korea: Excess deaths2020: 0.2; 2022: 18.4051015202020

How many percent more deaths (minus: fewer) the year had than the straight line through 2015-2019 of the same country. Macroscope's calculation from the Human Mortality Database: weekly deaths (Short-Term Mortality Fluctuations, ISO years scaled to 52.18 weeks), annual deaths where those are missing; no ageing adjustment beyond the trend, so the further from 2019, the rougher the estimate.

Source: Human Mortality Database, weekly deaths (Short-Term Mortality Fluctuations, September 2026 release, Our World in Data copy); excess deaths: Macroscope's calculation

Births: long series

230 thousand births per year latest value, 2023

South Korea: Births: long series1975: 825.8; 2023: 23002004006008001,00019801990200020102020

Live births per year from the Human Mortality Database, from the first year it publishes (Sweden 1749, France 1806, Denmark 1835), within the borders of the time. United Kingdom from 1922; Germany before 1990 = East plus West. Where it overlaps the UN series (from 1950) it usually differs by less than 1%.

Source: Human Mortality Database, live births (September 2025 release, Our World in Data copy)

Crude birth rate: long series

4.5 births per 1,000 people a year latest value, 2023

South Korea: Crude birth rate: long series2003: 10.2; 2023: 4.50510152005201020152020

Live births per 1,000 people. Macroscope's calculation from the Human Mortality Database: births divided by the mean of the populations on 1 January of the year and of the next. Starts when HMD publishes the population (Sweden 1751, France 1816). In years of border changes the divisor mixes the old and new territory.

Source: Human Mortality Database: births per 1,000 people, Macroscope's calculation (births: September 2025 release, Our World in Data copy; population: mean of 1 January of the year and the next, HMD summary tables)

Total fertility rate (HFD)

0.75 children per woman latest value, 2024

South Korea: Total fertility rate (HFD)2000: 1.48; 2024: 0.7500.511.520002005201020152020

Children a woman would have at the age-specific fertility rates of the year. Human Fertility Database: official summary tables from 1960; earlier years from the Our World in Data copy of the same database (Sweden 1891, Denmark 1916, USA 1933, France 1946). May differ slightly from the UN estimate.

Source: Human Fertility Database, summary indicators (HFDLite)

Crude marriage rate

4.65 marriages per 1,000 people latest value, 2025

South Korea: Crude marriage rate1970: 9.07; 2025: 4.65051015197019801990200020102020

Marriages in the year per 1,000 people: marriages from national offices (Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, the USA, the UK, Russia, Brazil and others, where they publish more than the international databases), Eurostat and the UN, divided by the UN WPP 2024 population. Where most births are within marriage, marriages come before births.

Source: Statistics Korea (Ministry of Data and Statistics), marriages and divorces

Marriages

240k marriages a year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Marriages1970: 295k; 2025: 240k0100k200k300k400k500k197019801990200020102020

Marriages in the year (couples). National offices (Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, the USA, the UK, Russia, Brazil and others), Eurostat for Europe, the UN for the rest; by year of registration or of occurrence, as each country counts.

Source: Statistics Korea (Ministry of Data and Statistics), marriages and divorces

Adolescent fertility rate

0.5 births per 1,000 women aged 15-19 latest value, 2024

South Korea: Adolescent fertility rate1960: 29; 2024: 0.501020301960197019801990200020102020

Births to women aged 15-19 per 1,000 women of that age (World Bank, from UN World Population Prospects).

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Old-age dependency

23.6 persons 65+ per 100 aged 20-64 latest value, 2020

South Korea: Old-age dependency1950: 6.1; 2020: 23.602040608010019501975200020252050

Persons aged 65+ per 100 aged 20-64, every five years (UN).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Children under 15

5,677 thousand persons, 1 July latest value, 2023

South Korea: Children under 151950: 8,466; 2023: 5,67705,00010,00015,00019501975200020252050

Children aged 0-14 on 1 July: the sum of the five-year groups 0-4, 5-9 and 10-14 (UN; estimate to 2023, medium variant from 2024).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Children under 5

1,358 thousand persons, 1 July latest value, 2023

South Korea: Children under 51950: 3,190; 2023: 1,35801,0002,0003,0004,0005,00019501975200020252050

Children aged 0-4 on 1 July (UN; estimate to 2023, medium variant from 2024).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

People aged 65 and over

9,488 thousand persons, 1 July latest value, 2023

South Korea: People aged 65 and over1950: 542; 2023: 9,48805,00010,00015,00020,00019501975200020252050

People aged 65 and over on 1 July: the sum of the five-year groups from 65-69 to 100+ (UN; estimate to 2023, medium variant from 2024).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

People aged 80 and over

2,338 thousand persons, 1 July latest value, 2023

South Korea: People aged 80 and over1950: 69; 2023: 2,33802,0004,0006,0008,00019501975200020252050

People aged 80 and over on 1 July: the sum of the five-year groups from 80-84 to 100+ (UN; estimate to 2023, medium variant from 2024).

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Migration

Net migration

87.8k persons per year latest value, 2023

South Korea: Net migration1950: 147k; 2023: 87.8k−400k−200k0200k400k19501975200020252050

Immigrants minus emigrants per year (UN estimate and projection). Past UN revisions for forecast checks.

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Net migration rate

1.7 per 1,000 population per year latest value, 2023

South Korea: Net migration rate1950: 7.44; 2023: 1.7−10−5051019501975200020252050

Immigrants minus emigrants per year per 1,000 people: UN net migration divided by the population on 1 July. Comparable across countries of any size.

Source: UN DESA, World Population Prospects 2024

Personal remittances received

0.4 % of GDP latest value, 2025

South Korea: Personal remittances received1976: 0.2; 2025: 0.400.511.519801990200020102020

Money sent home by people working or living abroad, percent of the receiving country's GDP (World Bank, from IMF balance of payments data).

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

International migrants, share

3.5 % of population latest value, 2024

South Korea: International migrants, share1990: 0; 2024: 3.5012341990199520002005201020152020

People born in another country (foreign citizens where birthplace is not recorded) as a share of the population at mid-year (UN, every five years and 2024).

Source: UN DESA, International Migrant Stock 2024

International migrant stock

1.81M persons latest value, 2024

South Korea: International migrant stock1990: 18.5k; 2024: 1.81M0500k1M1.5M2M1990199520002005201020152020

Number of people born in another country (or foreign citizens) living in the country at mid-year (UN).

Source: UN DESA, International Migrant Stock 2024

Emigrants, share

3.9 % of home population latest value, 2024

South Korea: Emigrants, share1990: 4; 2024: 3.90123451990199520002005201020152020

People from the country (born there or its citizens) living in other countries, as a percentage of the population living in the country (UN, International Migrant Stock 2024).

Source: UN DESA, International Migrant Stock 2024

Emigrant stock

2.03M persons latest value, 2024

South Korea: Emigrant stock1990: 1.74M; 2024: 2.03M0500k1M1.5M2M2.5M1990199520002005201020152020

Number of people from the country (born there or its citizens) living in other countries at mid-year (UN).

Source: UN DESA, International Migrant Stock 2024

Refugees hosted

4.41k persons, end of year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Refugees hosted1978: 0.07k; 2025: 4.41k01k2k3k4k5k19801990200020102020

Refugees under UNHCR's mandate (incl. people in refugee-like situations) and other people in need of international protection living in the country; asylum-seekers and internally displaced people are not included.

Source: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder

Refugees hosted per 1,000 people

0.1 per 1,000 population latest value, 2025

South Korea: Refugees hosted per 1,000 people1978: 0; 2025: 0.10000.10.10.119801990200020102020

Refugees under UNHCR's mandate and other people in need of international protection living in the country, per 1,000 people (population: UN WPP 2024).

Source: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder

Refugees from the country

0.12k persons, end of year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Refugees from the country1991: 0.01k; 2025: 0.12k00.5k1k1.5k1995200020052010201520202025

Refugees and other people in need of international protection from the country living abroad (UNHCR). Palestine refugees under UNRWA's mandate are not included, so the figure for Palestine is far too low.

Source: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder

Refugees from the country per 1,000 people

0 per 1,000 population of the country latest value, 2025

South Korea: Refugees from the country per 1,000 people1991: 0; 2025: 000001995200020052010201520202025

Refugees and other people in need of international protection from the country per 1,000 people living in it (UNHCR; population: UN WPP 2024). UNRWA refugees not included.

Source: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder

Citizens under temporary protection in Europe

0 thousand persons, end of year latest value, 2026

South Korea: Citizens under temporary protection in Europe2022: 0; 2026: 00000020202025

Citizens of the country under temporary protection in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland (all 31 report from 2022), end of December. For the running year: the latest month all have published. Granted from March 2022 to people fleeing the war in Ukraine: almost all are Ukrainians; for other countries, their citizens who lived in Ukraine. Eurostat, migr_asytpsm.

Source: Eurostat, beneficiaries of temporary protection at the end of June 2026 (latest month published; the year is not over)

Asylum applications worldwide

0.28 new applications per 1,000 people latest value, 2025

South Korea: Asylum applications worldwide2000: 0; 2025: 0.2800.10.20.30.4200020052010201520202025

New asylum applications lodged in the country in the year per 1,000 people (UNHCR; cases where a country counts cases rather than people; population: UN WPP 2024). All countries; for Europe there is also Eurostat's series of first-time applicants.

Source: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder

Inflows of foreign nationals (OECD)

9.3 per 1,000 people a year latest value, 2023

South Korea: Inflows of foreign nationals (OECD)2000: 3.7; 2023: 9.3024681020002005201020152020

Foreign nationals arriving in the year for permanent or long stays per 1,000 people: OECD International Migration Database (B11, national definitions: new permanent residents in the USA, registrations in Japan and Korea). OECD countries outside Europe.

Source: OECD International Migration Database: inflows of foreign population

Immigration rate

13.3 per 1,000 people a year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Immigration rate2000: 7.9; 2025: 13.305101520200020052010201520202025

Immigrants in the year per 1,000 people (population: UN WPP 2024): Europe by registration data (Eurostat, migr_imm8); Russia (from 2011), Türkiye, Australia, New Zealand, Korea and Kazakhstan from their national offices, each by its own rule (12 of 16 months in Australia and New Zealand, 90 days in Korea, registration for 9 months or more in Russia).

Source: Statistics Korea: arrivals and departures

Emigration rate

11.8 per 1,000 people a year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Emigration rate2000: 7.8; 2025: 11.8051015200020052010201520202025

Emigrants in the year per 1,000 people (population: UN WPP 2024): Europe by registration data (Eurostat, migr_emi2); Russia (from 2011), Türkiye, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Kazakhstan and Canada (from 2016) from their national offices, each by its own rule. Departures are recorded less completely than arrivals.

Source: Statistics Korea: arrivals and departures

Economy

GDP per capita, PPP

55,697 constant 2021 international $ latest value, 2025

South Korea: GDP per capita, PPP1990: 14,378; 2025: 55,697020,00040,00060,00019901995200020052010201520202025

Gross domestic product per person at purchasing power parity, constant 2021 international dollars (World Bank, ICP).

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Real GDP growth

1 % per year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Real GDP growth1980: −1.5; 2025: 1−505101519801990200020102020

Annual change of GDP at constant prices. Actual values and forecasts from IMF WEO editions.

Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2026

Inflation

2.1 % per year, average latest value, 2025

South Korea: Inflation1980: 28.7; 2025: 2.1010203019801990200020102020

Change of the annual average consumer price index (IMF WEO).

Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2026

Government gross debt

49.7 % of GDP latest value, 2024

South Korea: Government gross debt1990: 12.8; 2024: 49.702040601990199520002005201020152020

General government gross debt, percent of GDP (IMF WEO).

Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2026

Unemployment rate

2.8 % of labour force latest value, 2025

South Korea: Unemployment rate1980: 5.2; 2025: 2.80246819801990200020102020

Unemployed as a share of the labour force (IMF WEO; national definitions).

Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2026

Unemployment, ILO estimate

2.7 % of labour force latest value, 2025

South Korea: Unemployment, ILO estimate1991: 2.4; 2025: 2.7024681995200020052010201520202025

Unemployed as a share of the labour force by the ILO's single definition: a modelled estimate for every country, including those without surveys (via the World Bank). Unlike the IMF series, one definition for all, but no projections.

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Youth unemployment, 15-24

6.7 % of labour force aged 15-24 latest value, 2025

South Korea: Youth unemployment, 15-241991: 7.2; 2025: 6.7051015201995200020052010201520202025

Unemployed as a share of the labour force aged 15-24 (ILO modelled estimate, via the World Bank).

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

GDP per capita, US dollars

36,227 current US dollars latest value, 2025

South Korea: GDP per capita, US dollars1980: 1,745; 2025: 36,227010,00020,00030,00040,00019801990200020102020

GDP per person in current US dollars at market exchange rates (IMF WEO).

Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2026

Government budget balance

−0.8 % of GDP latest value, 2024

South Korea: Government budget balance1995: 2.2; 2024: −0.8−4−2024199520002005201020152020

General government net lending (+, surplus) or borrowing (−, deficit), percent of GDP (IMF WEO).

Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2026

Current account balance

6.6 % of GDP latest value, 2025

South Korea: Current account balance1980: −10.4; 2025: 6.6−15−55152519801990200020102020

Balance of trade in goods and services, income and transfers with the rest of the world, percent of GDP: plus means the country earns abroad more than it spends (IMF WEO).

Source: IMF World Economic Outlook, April 2026

Real house prices

105.8 index, 2010 = 100 latest value, 2025

South Korea: Real house prices1975: 66.4; 2025: 105.805010015019801990200020102020

House prices adjusted for consumer price inflation (BIS index from national sources, 2010 = 100, mean of four quarters). Compare the changes, not the levels of different countries.

Source: BIS, selected residential property prices

Society

Urban population

81.2 % of population latest value, 2025

South Korea: Urban population1960: 27.7; 2025: 81.20204060801001960197019801990200020102020

Share of people living in urban areas as defined by national statistical offices (World Bank, from UN World Urbanization Prospects).

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Tertiary enrolment, women

105.2 % gross latest value, 2024

South Korea: Tertiary enrolment, women2000: 54.8; 2024: 105.205010015020002005201020152020

Women enrolled in tertiary education as a share of women in the five-year age group after secondary school; can exceed 100 (UNESCO).

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Women with upper secondary education

76.1 % of women 25+ latest value, 2024

South Korea: Women with upper secondary education1970: 7.3; 2024: 76.1020406080197019801990200020102020

Share of women aged 25+ who completed at least upper secondary education (UNESCO).

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Female labour force participation

56.8 % of women 15+ latest value, 2025

South Korea: Female labour force participation1990: 47.2; 2025: 56.8020406019901995200020052010201520202025

Share of women aged 15+ who work or look for work (ILO modelled estimate, via the World Bank).

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Life expectancy at birth

83.6 years latest value, 2024

South Korea: Life expectancy at birth1960: 53.8; 2024: 83.60204060801001960197019801990200020102020

Life expectancy at birth, both sexes (World Bank, from UN and national statistics).

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Digitalisation

Internet users

97.9 % of population latest value, 2024

South Korea: Internet users1990: 0; 2024: 97.90204060801001990199520002005201020152020

Share of individuals who used the Internet in the last three months from any device. ITU data.

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Mobile cellular subscriptions

172.5 per 100 people latest value, 2024

South Korea: Mobile cellular subscriptions1960: 0; 2024: 172.50501001502001960197019801990200020102020

Active mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people; can exceed 100 when people have several SIM cards. ITU data.

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Fixed broadband subscriptions

47.8 subscriptions per 100 people latest value, 2024

South Korea: Fixed broadband subscriptions1998: 0; 2024: 47.80102030405020002005201020152020

Fixed subscriptions to high-speed Internet (256 kbit/s or more) per 100 people. ITU data.

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Google: search referral share

45.45 % of search referrals latest value, 2025

South Korea: Google: search referral share2009: 73.05; 2025: 45.450204060801002010201520202025

Share of detected search-engine referrals to Statcounter network websites, all device types. Provider annual aggregate, not an average of monthly shares. Not a share of people, queries or time; zero-click searches are unobserved. Selected countries only; differently named provider columns remain separate.

Source: Statcounter GlobalStats: referral shares

bing: search referral share

4.86 % of search referrals latest value, 2025

South Korea: bing: search referral share2009: 1.27; 2025: 4.860123452010201520202025

Share of detected search-engine referrals to Statcounter network websites, all device types. Provider annual aggregate, not an average of monthly shares. Not a share of people, queries or time; zero-click searches are unobserved. Selected countries only; differently named provider columns remain separate.

Source: Statcounter GlobalStats: referral shares

Yahoo!: search referral share

0.42 % of search referrals latest value, 2025

South Korea: Yahoo!: search referral share2009: 12.14; 2025: 0.420510152010201520202025

Share of detected search-engine referrals to Statcounter network websites, all device types. Provider annual aggregate, not an average of monthly shares. Not a share of people, queries or time; zero-click searches are unobserved. Selected countries only; differently named provider columns remain separate.

Source: Statcounter GlobalStats: referral shares

YANDEX: search referral share

0.75 % of search referrals latest value, 2025

South Korea: YANDEX: search referral share2009: 0; 2025: 0.7500.20.40.60.82010201520202025

Share of detected search-engine referrals to Statcounter network websites, all device types. Provider annual aggregate, not an average of monthly shares. Not a share of people, queries or time; zero-click searches are unobserved. Selected countries only; differently named provider columns remain separate.

Source: Statcounter GlobalStats: referral shares

Baidu: search referral share

0.15 % of search referrals latest value, 2025

South Korea: Baidu: search referral share2009: 0.32; 2025: 0.1500.10.20.30.40.52010201520202025

Share of detected search-engine referrals to Statcounter network websites, all device types. Provider annual aggregate, not an average of monthly shares. Not a share of people, queries or time; zero-click searches are unobserved. Selected countries only; differently named provider columns remain separate.

Source: Statcounter GlobalStats: referral shares

DuckDuckGo: search referral share

0.08 % of search referrals latest value, 2025

South Korea: DuckDuckGo: search referral share2009: 0; 2025: 0.0800.10.20.30.42010201520202025

Share of detected search-engine referrals to Statcounter network websites, all device types. Provider annual aggregate, not an average of monthly shares. Not a share of people, queries or time; zero-click searches are unobserved. Selected countries only; differently named provider columns remain separate.

Source: Statcounter GlobalStats: referral shares

YANDEX RU: search referral share

0 % of search referrals latest value, 2025

South Korea: YANDEX RU: search referral share2009: 0.03; 2025: 000.020.040.060.080.10.122010201520202025

Share of detected search-engine referrals to Statcounter network websites, all device types. Provider annual aggregate, not an average of monthly shares. Not a share of people, queries or time; zero-click searches are unobserved. Selected countries only; differently named provider columns remain separate.

Source: Statcounter GlobalStats: referral shares

Energy

Electricity demand per person

12,090 kWh per person a year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Electricity demand per person1985: 1,523; 2025: 12,09005,00010,00015,0001990200020102020

Electricity demand (generation plus net imports, Ember) divided by the UN WPP 2024 population. A physical measure that is hard to dress up.

Source: Ember, Yearly Electricity Data

Electricity demand growth

−0.1 % per year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Electricity demand growth1986: 11.2; 2025: −0.1−5051015201990200020102020

Change in electricity demand from the previous year (Ember). Useful to set against official GDP growth.

Source: Ember, Yearly Electricity Data

Wind and solar share of electricity

6.6 % of generation latest value, 2025

South Korea: Wind and solar share of electricity1985: 0; 2025: 6.6024681990200020102020

Share of wind and solar power in electricity generation (Ember).

Source: Ember, Yearly Electricity Data

Low-carbon share of electricity

40 % of generation latest value, 2025

South Korea: Low-carbon share of electricity1985: 31.8; 2025: 4002040601990200020102020

Share of renewables and nuclear power in electricity generation (Ember).

Source: Ember, Yearly Electricity Data

Coal share of electricity

31.1 % of generation latest value, 2025

South Korea: Coal share of electricity1985: 40; 2025: 31.1010203040501990200020102020

Share of coal power in electricity generation (Ember).

Source: Ember, Yearly Electricity Data

Carbon intensity of electricity

417 g CO2e per kWh latest value, 2025

South Korea: Carbon intensity of electricity1985: 524; 2025: 41702004006001990200020102020

Greenhouse gas emissions of electricity generation per kilowatt-hour (Ember).

Source: Ember, Yearly Electricity Data

Electricity generation

624.7 TWh per year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Electricity generation1985: 62.7; 2025: 624.702004006008001990200020102020

Total electricity generation in the country (Ember). Imports are excluded. A volume, not the share of a fuel.

Source: Ember, Yearly Electricity Data

Electricity generation emissions

260.6 Mt CO2e per year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Electricity generation emissions1985: 32.8; 2025: 260.601002003004001990200020102020

Greenhouse gas emissions of electricity generation (Ember), not of the whole economy.

Source: Ember, Yearly Electricity Data

Security

Military expenditure

2.6 % of GDP latest value, 2024

South Korea: Military expenditure1960: 7.2; 2024: 2.6024681960197019801990200020102020

Government military expenditure, percent of GDP (World Bank, from SIPRI).

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators

Deaths in organised violence

0 persons a year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Deaths in organised violence1989: 0; 2025: 0011990200020102020

Deaths in state-based conflict, non-state conflict and one-sided violence against civilians, by where the events took place (UCDP GED, best estimate). 0 means no organised violence above UCDP thresholds (25 deaths a year in one conflict). Events in Gaza and the West Bank are counted for Palestine.

Source: Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP), GED 26.1

Deaths in organised violence per 100,000

0 per 100,000 people a year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Deaths in organised violence per 100,0001989: 0; 2025: 0011990200020102020

Deaths in organised violence (UCDP GED) per 100,000 people (population: UN WPP 2024).

Source: Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP), GED 26.1

Armed conflict in the country

0 0 none, 1 minor, 2 war latest value, 2025

South Korea: Armed conflict in the country1946: 0; 2025: 001122319501960197019801990200020102020

Strongest armed conflict of the year in which the government or territory of the country is disputed (UCDP/PRIO ACD): 1 = 25-999 battle-related deaths, 2 = war, 1,000 or more. In interstate conflicts every primary party is marked even if the fighting was elsewhere (the USA in Iraq, 2003). Historical states are mapped to present-day countries by territory (USSR, Yugoslavia, South Vietnam and others).

Source: UCDP/PRIO Armed Conflict Dataset 26.1

Battle deaths

0 persons a year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Battle deaths1946: 0; 2025: 0050,000100,000150,000200,000250,00019501960197019801990200020102020

Soldiers and civilians killed in combat in state-based armed conflicts on the territory of the country. 1946-1988: PRIO Battle Deaths (best estimate, else the low one; a conflict of several countries split equally); from 1989: UCDP GED by place of the events. For the same conflicts in 1989-2008 PRIO is 1.6 times UCDP, so the drop in 1989 is partly a change of source. One-sided violence against civilians is not included.

Source: Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP), GED 26.1

Battle deaths per 100,000

0 per 100,000 people a year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Battle deaths per 100,0001950: 1,259; 2025: 005001,0001,50019501960197019801990200020102020

Battle deaths on the territory of the country (PRIO to 1988, UCDP GED from 1989) per 100,000 people (population: UN WPP 2024), from 1950.

Source: Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP), GED 26.1

Intentional homicides (per 100,000 people)

0.5 per 100,000 people latest value, 2023

South Korea: Intentional homicides (per 100,000 people)1990: 0.5; 2023: 0.500.511.51990199520002005201020152020

An intentional homicide is defined as an unlawful death inflicted upon a person with the intent to cause death or serious injury.

Source: Intentional homicides (per 100,000 people)

Purchases and money

Average dietary energy requirement

2,477 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2025

South Korea: Average dietary energy requirement2000: 2,418; 2025: 2,47705001,0001,5002,0002,500200020052010201520202025

FAOSTAT FS, Average dietary energy requirement (kcal/cap/day). Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Commercial bank branches (per 100,000 adults)

12.4 per 100,000 adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Commercial bank branches (per 100,000 adults)2004: 16.9; 2024: 12.4051015202005201020152020

Commercial bank branches are retail locations of resident commercial banks and other resident banks that function as commercial banks that provide financial services to customers and are physically separated from the main office but not organized as legally separated subsidiaries.

Source: Commercial bank branches (per 100,000 adults)

Variation in habitual caloric consumption distribution

0.22 No latest value, 2024

South Korea: Variation in habitual caloric consumption distribution2001: 0.22; 2024: 0.2200.050.10.150.20.252005201020152020

FAOSTAT FS, Coefficient of variation of habitual caloric consumption distribution (real number). Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Account ownership at a financial institution or with a mobile-money-service provider (% of population ages 15+)

96.9 % of people aged 15+ latest value, 2024

South Korea: Account ownership at a financial institution or with a mobile-money-service provider (% of population ages 15+)2011: 93; 2024: 96.902040608010020152020

Account denotes the percentage of respondents who report having an account (by themselves or together with someone else) at a bank or another type of financial institution or report personally using a mobile money service in the past 12 months (% age 15+).

Source: Account ownership at a financial institution or with a mobile-money-service provider (% of population ages 15+)

Account ownership at a financial institution or with a mobile-money-service provider, male (% of population ages 15+)

96.6 % of men aged 15+ latest value, 2024

South Korea: Account ownership at a financial institution or with a mobile-money-service provider, male (% of population ages 15+)2011: 93; 2024: 96.602040608010020152020

Account denotes the percentage of respondents who report having an account (by themselves or together with someone else) at a bank or another type of financial institution or report personally using a mobile money service in the past 12 months (male, % age 15+).

Source: Account ownership at a financial institution or with a mobile-money-service provider, male (% of population ages 15+)

Account ownership at a financial institution or with a mobile-money-service provider, female (% of population ages 15+)

97.1 % of women aged 15+ latest value, 2024

South Korea: Account ownership at a financial institution or with a mobile-money-service provider, female (% of population ages 15+)2011: 93.1; 2024: 97.102040608010020152020

Account denotes the percentage of respondents who report having an account (by themselves or together with someone else) at a bank or another type of financial institution or report personally using a mobile money service in the past 12 months (female, % age 15+).

Source: Account ownership at a financial institution or with a mobile-money-service provider, female (% of population ages 15+)

Alcoholic beverages: energy supply

126.79 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Alcoholic beverages: energy supply2010: 129.15; 2023: 126.79050100150200201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Alcoholic Beverages. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Alcoholic beverages: quantity supply

60.08 kg/cap latest value, 2023

South Korea: Alcoholic beverages: quantity supply2010: 75.33; 2023: 60.08020406080201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Alcoholic Beverages. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Animal products: energy supply

692.77 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Animal products: energy supply2010: 526.44; 2023: 692.770200400600800201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Animal Products. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Animal products: fat supply

44.34 g/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Animal products: fat supply2010: 33.59; 2023: 44.3401020304050201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Animal Products. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Animal products: protein supply

63.28 g/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Animal products: protein supply2010: 49.11; 2023: 63.28020406080201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Animal Products. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Bovine meat: energy supply

82.46 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Bovine meat: energy supply2010: 55.55; 2023: 82.46020406080100201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Bovine Meat. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Bovine meat: quantity supply

18.84 kg/cap latest value, 2023

South Korea: Bovine meat: quantity supply2010: 12.84; 2023: 18.840510152025201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Bovine Meat. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Cereals excluding beer: energy supply

1,098.04 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Cereals excluding beer: energy supply2010: 1,386.99; 2023: 1,098.0405001,0001,500201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Cereals - Excluding Beer. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Cereals excluding beer: quantity supply

154.76 kg/cap latest value, 2023

South Korea: Cereals excluding beer: quantity supply2010: 196.85; 2023: 154.76050100150200201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Cereals - Excluding Beer. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Coffee and products: energy supply

4.1 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Coffee and products: energy supply2010: 2.04; 2023: 4.1012345201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Coffee and products. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Coffee and products: quantity supply

2.58 kg/cap latest value, 2023

South Korea: Coffee and products: quantity supply2010: 1.49; 2023: 2.580123201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Coffee and products. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Eggs: energy supply

45.44 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Eggs: energy supply2010: 36.76; 2023: 45.4401020304050201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Eggs. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Eggs: quantity supply

13 kg/cap latest value, 2023

South Korea: Eggs: quantity supply2010: 10.44; 2023: 13051015201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Eggs. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Fish and seafood: energy supply

92.61 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Fish and seafood: energy supply2010: 95.77; 2023: 92.61050100150201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Fish, Seafood. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Fish and seafood: fat supply

2.96 g/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Fish and seafood: fat supply2010: 3.06; 2023: 2.9601234201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Fish, Seafood. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Fish and seafood: protein supply

15.68 g/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Fish and seafood: protein supply2010: 16.12; 2023: 15.6805101520201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Fish, Seafood. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Fish and seafood: quantity supply

52.82 kg/cap latest value, 2023

South Korea: Fish and seafood: quantity supply2010: 57.59; 2023: 52.820204060201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Fish, Seafood. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Fruits excluding wine: energy supply

61.39 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Fruits excluding wine: energy supply2010: 83.12; 2023: 61.39020406080100201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Fruits - Excluding Wine. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Fruits excluding wine: quantity supply

48.06 kg/cap latest value, 2023

South Korea: Fruits excluding wine: quantity supply2010: 64.69; 2023: 48.06020406080201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Fruits - Excluding Wine. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Meat: energy supply

362.05 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Meat: energy supply2010: 256.79; 2023: 362.050100200300400201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Meat. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Meat: fat supply

24.89 g/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Meat: fat supply2010: 17.89; 2023: 24.890510152025201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Meat. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Meat: protein supply

34.33 g/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Meat: protein supply2010: 23.82; 2023: 34.33010203040201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Meat. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Meat: quantity supply

84 kg/cap latest value, 2023

South Korea: Meat: quantity supply2010: 59.48; 2023: 84020406080100201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Meat. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Milk excluding butter: energy supply

53.17 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Milk excluding butter: energy supply2010: 36.84; 2023: 53.170204060201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Milk - Excluding Butter. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Milk excluding butter: fat supply

2.96 g/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Milk excluding butter: fat supply2010: 1.84; 2023: 2.9601234201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Milk - Excluding Butter. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Milk excluding butter: protein supply

3.54 g/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Milk excluding butter: protein supply2010: 2.48; 2023: 3.5401234201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Milk - Excluding Butter. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Milk excluding butter: quantity supply

28.99 kg/cap latest value, 2023

South Korea: Milk excluding butter: quantity supply2010: 19.52; 2023: 28.99010203040201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Milk - Excluding Butter. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Treenuts: energy supply

34.34 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Treenuts: energy supply2010: 29.55; 2023: 34.3401020304050201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Treenuts. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Treenuts: quantity supply

9.83 kg/cap latest value, 2023

South Korea: Treenuts: quantity supply2010: 7.3; 2023: 9.8305101520201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Treenuts. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Vegetal products: energy supply

2,737.58 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Vegetal products: energy supply2010: 2,804.13; 2023: 2,737.5801,0002,0003,000201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Vegetal Products. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Vegetal products: fat supply

82.01 g/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Vegetal products: fat supply2010: 67.14; 2023: 82.01020406080100201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Vegetal Products. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Vegetal products: protein supply

47.41 g/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Vegetal products: protein supply2010: 52.59; 2023: 47.410204060201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Vegetal Products. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Pigmeat: energy supply

179.84 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Pigmeat: energy supply2010: 139.63; 2023: 179.84050100150200201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Pigmeat. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Pigmeat: quantity supply

39.71 kg/cap latest value, 2023

South Korea: Pigmeat: quantity supply2010: 30.95; 2023: 39.7101020304050201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Pigmeat. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Poultry meat: energy supply

95.26 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Poultry meat: energy supply2010: 59.72; 2023: 95.26020406080100201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Poultry Meat. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Poultry meat: quantity supply

24.58 kg/cap latest value, 2023

South Korea: Poultry meat: quantity supply2010: 15.31; 2023: 24.580510152025201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Poultry Meat. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Pulses: energy supply

14.61 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Pulses: energy supply2010: 10.92; 2023: 14.61051015201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Pulses. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Pulses: quantity supply

1.67 kg/cap latest value, 2023

South Korea: Pulses: quantity supply2010: 1.25; 2023: 1.6700.511.52201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Pulses. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Starchy roots: energy supply

39.39 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Starchy roots: energy supply2010: 36.61; 2023: 39.3901020304050201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Starchy Roots. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Starchy roots: quantity supply

20.27 kg/cap latest value, 2023

South Korea: Starchy roots: quantity supply2010: 17.99; 2023: 20.270510152025201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Starchy Roots. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Sugar and sweeteners: energy supply

489.09 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Sugar and sweeteners: energy supply2010: 386.56; 2023: 489.090100200300400500201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Sugar & Sweeteners. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Sugar and sweeteners: quantity supply

54.48 kg/cap latest value, 2023

South Korea: Sugar and sweeteners: quantity supply2010: 41.54; 2023: 54.480204060201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Sugar & Sweeteners. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Tea including mate: energy supply

0.01 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Tea including mate: energy supply2010: 0.02; 2023: 0.0100.010.020.030.04201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Tea (including mate). Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Tea including mate: quantity supply

0.07 kg/cap latest value, 2023

South Korea: Tea including mate: quantity supply2010: 0.06; 2023: 0.0700.020.040.060.08201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Tea (including mate). Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

All foods: energy supply

3,430.35 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: All foods: energy supply2010: 3,330.57; 2023: 3,430.3501,0002,0003,0004,000201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Grand Total. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

All foods: fat supply

126.35 g/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: All foods: fat supply2010: 100.73; 2023: 126.35050100150201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Grand Total. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

All foods: protein supply

110.69 g/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: All foods: protein supply2010: 101.7; 2023: 110.69050100150201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Grand Total. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Vegetable oils: energy supply

600.44 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Vegetable oils: energy supply2010: 472.82; 2023: 600.440200400600800201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Vegetable Oils. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Vegetable oils: quantity supply

24.03 kg/cap latest value, 2023

South Korea: Vegetable oils: quantity supply2010: 18.99; 2023: 24.030510152025201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Vegetable Oils. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Vegetables: energy supply

155.67 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2023

South Korea: Vegetables: energy supply2010: 163.17; 2023: 155.67050100150200201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Vegetables. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Vegetables: quantity supply

214.62 kg/cap latest value, 2023

South Korea: Vegetables: quantity supply2010: 223.28; 2023: 214.62050100150200250201020152020

FAOSTAT FBS, Vegetables. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Healthy-diet animal-source food cost

1.43 Int$ (PPP) per person per day latest value, 2021

South Korea: Healthy-diet animal-source food cost2021: 1.43; 2021: 1.4300.511.520152020

FAOSTAT CAHD, Cost of animal source foods. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Cost of a healthy diet

7.37 Int$ (PPP) per person per day latest value, 2025

South Korea: Cost of a healthy diet2017: 4.73; 2025: 7.370246820202025

FAOSTAT CAHD, Cost of a healthy diet (CoHD). Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Healthy-diet fruit cost

1.39 Int$ (PPP) per person per day latest value, 2021

South Korea: Healthy-diet fruit cost2021: 1.39; 2021: 1.3900.511.520152020

FAOSTAT CAHD, Cost of fruits. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Healthy-diet legumes and nuts cost

0.5 Int$ (PPP) per person per day latest value, 2021

South Korea: Healthy-diet legumes and nuts cost2021: 0.5; 2021: 0.500.10.20.30.40.50.620152020

FAOSTAT CAHD, Cost of legumes, nuts and seeds. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Healthy-diet oils and fats cost

0.11 Int$ (PPP) per person per day latest value, 2021

South Korea: Healthy-diet oils and fats cost2021: 0.11; 2021: 0.1100.050.10.1520152020

FAOSTAT CAHD, Cost of oils and fats. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Healthy-diet starchy-staple cost

0.49 Int$ (PPP) per person per day latest value, 2021

South Korea: Healthy-diet starchy-staple cost2021: 0.49; 2021: 0.4900.10.20.30.40.520152020

FAOSTAT CAHD, Cost of starchy staples. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Unable to afford a healthy diet

5.3 % latest value, 2025

South Korea: Unable to afford a healthy diet2017: 12.2; 2025: 5.305101520202025

FAOSTAT CAHD, Prevalence of unaffordability (PUA). Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

People unable to afford a healthy diet

2.8 million No latest value, 2025

South Korea: People unable to afford a healthy diet2017: 6.3; 2025: 2.80246820202025

FAOSTAT CAHD, Number of people unable to afford a healthy diet (NUA). Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Healthy-diet vegetable cost

1.62 Int$ (PPP) per person per day latest value, 2021

South Korea: Healthy-diet vegetable cost2021: 1.62; 2021: 1.6200.511.5220152020

FAOSTAT CAHD, Cost of vegetables. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Households and NPISHs final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)

48 % of GDP latest value, 2025

South Korea: Households and NPISHs final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)1960: 84.8; 2025: 480204060801001960197019801990200020102020

This field includes expenditure on goods and services by the Household and NPISH sector for the direct satisfaction of human needs or wants, whether individual or collective. This indicator is expressed as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which is the total income earned through the production of goods and services in an economic territory during an accounting period.

Source: Households and NPISHs final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)

Households and NPISHs Final consumption expenditure per capita (constant 2015 US$)

17,853.4 constant 2015 US dollars latest value, 2025

South Korea: Households and NPISHs Final consumption expenditure per capita (constant 2015 US$)1960: 1,072.9; 2025: 17,853.405,00010,00015,00020,0001960197019801990200020102020

This field includes expenditure on goods and services by the Household and NPISH sector for the direct satisfaction of human needs or wants, whether individual or collective. The core indicator has been divided by the general population to achieve a per capita estimate.This indicator is expressed in constant prices, meaning the series has been adjusted to account for price changes over time. The reference year for this adjustment is 2015. This indicator is expressed in United States dollars.

Source: Households and NPISHs Final consumption expenditure per capita (constant 2015 US$)

Income share held by lowest 20%

7.4 % of income or consumption latest value, 2021

South Korea: Income share held by lowest 20%2006: 7.3; 2021: 7.402468201020152020

Percentage share of income or consumption is the share that accrues to subgroups of population indicated by deciles or quintiles. Percentage shares by quintile may not sum to 100 because of rounding.

Source: Income share held by lowest 20%

Gini index

32.9 index, 0-100 latest value, 2021

South Korea: Gini index2006: 31.7; 2021: 32.9010203040201020152020

Gini index measures the extent to which the distribution of income (or, in some cases, consumption expenditure) among individuals or households within an economy deviates from a perfectly equal distribution. A Lorenz curve plots the cumulative percentages of total income received against the cumulative number of recipients, starting with the poorest individual or household. The Gini index measures the area between the Lorenz curve and a hypothetical line of absolute equality, expressed as a percentage of the maximum area under the line. Thus a Gini index of 0 represents perfect equality, while an index of 100 implies perfect inequality.

Source: Gini index

Income share held by highest 20%

40.3 % of income or consumption latest value, 2021

South Korea: Income share held by highest 20%2006: 39.2; 2021: 40.301020304050201020152020

Percentage share of income or consumption is the share that accrues to subgroups of population indicated by deciles or quintiles. Percentage shares by quintile may not sum to 100 because of rounding.

Source: Income share held by highest 20%

Minimum dietary energy requirement

1,908 kcal/cap/d latest value, 2025

South Korea: Minimum dietary energy requirement2000: 1,867; 2025: 1,90805001,0001,5002,000200020052010201520202025

FAOSTAT FS, Minimum dietary energy requirement (kcal/cap/day). Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Adjusted savings: net national savings (% of GNI)

15.5 % of gross national income latest value, 2021

South Korea: Adjusted savings: net national savings (% of GNI)1976: 18; 2021: 15.5010203019801990200020102020

Net national savings are equal to gross national savings less the value of consumption of fixed capital. This indicator is expressed as a percentage of Gross National Income (GNI) which is the total income earned by all residents within an economic territory during an accounting period. It is equal to gross domestic product plus earned income receivable from abroad minus earned income payable abroad.

Source: Adjusted savings: net national savings (% of GNI)

Poverty headcount ratio at $3.00 a day (2021 PPP) (% of population)

0.1 % of population, 2021 PPP latest value, 2021

South Korea: Poverty headcount ratio at $3.00 a day (2021 PPP) (% of population)2006: 0.5; 2021: 0.100.10.20.30.40.50.6201020152020

Poverty headcount ratio at $3.00 a day is the percentage of the population living on less than $3.00 a day at 2021 purchasing power adjusted prices. As a result of revisions in PPP exchange rates, poverty rates for individual countries cannot be compared with poverty rates reported in earlier editions.

Source: Poverty headcount ratio at $3.00 a day (2021 PPP) (% of population)

Caloric losses at retail distribution

2.27 % latest value, 2025

South Korea: Caloric losses at retail distribution2000: 2.48; 2025: 2.270123200020052010201520202025

FAOSTAT FS, Incidence of caloric losses at retail distribution level (percent). Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Health

Total alcohol consumption per capita (liters of pure alcohol, projected estimates, 15+ years of age)

7.8 litres per person aged 15+ latest value, 2020

South Korea: Total alcohol consumption per capita (liters of pure alcohol, projected estimates, 15+ years of age)2000: 10.9; 2020: 7.805101520002005201020152020

Total alcohol per capita consumption is defined as the total (sum of recorded and unrecorded alcohol) amount of alcohol consumed per person (15 years of age or older) over a calendar year, in litres of pure alcohol, adjusted for tourist consumption.

Source: Total alcohol consumption per capita (liters of pure alcohol, projected estimates, 15+ years of age)

Anaemia among women aged 15–49

15.7 % latest value, 2023

South Korea: Anaemia among women aged 15–492000: 17.4; 2023: 15.70510152020002005201020152020

FAOSTAT FS, Prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) (percent). Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Overweight among children under 5

5.5 % latest value, 2024

South Korea: Overweight among children under 52000: 7.5; 2024: 5.50246820002005201020152020

FAOSTAT FS, Percentage of children under 5 years of age who are overweight (modelled estimates) (percent). Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Prevalence of stunting, height for age (% of children under 5)

0.9 % of children under 5 latest value, 2020

South Korea: Prevalence of stunting, height for age (% of children under 5)2003: 2.5; 2020: 0.900.511.522.532005201020152020

Prevalence of stunting is the percentage of children under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's 2006 Child Growth Standards.

Source: Prevalence of stunting, height for age (% of children under 5)

Wasting among children under 5

0.2 % latest value, 2020

South Korea: Wasting among children under 52003: 0.9; 2020: 0.200.20.40.60.812005201020152020

FAOSTAT FS, Percentage of children under 5 years affected by wasting (percent). Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

COVID economic support index

36 mean index 0–100 latest value, 2022

South Korea: COVID economic support index2020: 38.7; 2022: 360102030402020

Mean daily national OxCGRT index with all days present, archived 2020–2022. Codes policies, not compliance, effectiveness or causal impact. Average follows source treatment of vaccination groups.

Source: Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker

COVID containment and health index

43.8 mean index 0–100 latest value, 2022

South Korea: COVID containment and health index2020: 50.1; 2022: 43.80204060802020

Mean daily national OxCGRT index with all days present, archived 2020–2022. Codes policies, not compliance, effectiveness or causal impact. Average follows source treatment of vaccination groups.

Source: Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker

COVID government response

42.8 mean index 0–100 latest value, 2022

South Korea: COVID government response2020: 48.7; 2022: 42.802040602020

Mean daily national OxCGRT index with all days present, archived 2020–2022. Codes policies, not compliance, effectiveness or causal impact. Average follows source treatment of vaccination groups.

Source: Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker

COVID policy stringency

21.5 mean index 0–100 latest value, 2022

South Korea: COVID policy stringency2020: 49.4; 2022: 21.502040602020

Mean daily national OxCGRT index with all days present, archived 2020–2022. Codes policies, not compliance, effectiveness or causal impact. Average follows source treatment of vaccination groups.

Source: Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker

Reported COVID-19 cases

28,047,388 by report dates in year latest value, 2022

South Korea: Reported COVID-19 cases2020: 56,855; 2022: 28,047,388010,000,00020,000,00030,000,0002020

Sum of WHO weekly reports by report date in a completed year, requiring at least 50 nonmissing values. Reported events, not total infections/deaths. Negative revisions retained; testing and reporting coverage changed.

Source: WHO: reported COVID-19 data

Reported COVID-19 deaths

26,582 by report dates in year latest value, 2022

South Korea: Reported COVID-19 deaths2020: 808; 2022: 26,582010,00020,00030,0002020

Sum of WHO weekly reports by report date in a completed year, requiring at least 50 nonmissing values. Reported events, not total infections/deaths. Negative revisions retained; testing and reporting coverage changed.

Source: WHO: reported COVID-19 data

Diabetes prevalence (% of population ages 20 to 79)

9.6 % of people aged 20-79 latest value, 2024

South Korea: Diabetes prevalence (% of population ages 20 to 79)2011: 7.5; 2024: 9.6024681020152020

Diabetes prevalence refers to the percentage of people ages 20-79 who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is calculated by adjusting to a standard population age-structure.

Source: Diabetes prevalence (% of population ages 20 to 79)

Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in the population (%)

5.4 % of population latest value, 2023

South Korea: Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in the population (%)2015: 4.8; 2023: 5.4024620152020

The percentage of people in the population who live in households classified as moderately or severely food insecure. A household is classified as moderately or severely food insecure when at least one adult in the household has reported to have been exposed, at times during the year, to low quality diets and might have been forced to also reduce the quantity of food they would normally eat because of a lack of money or other resources.

Source: Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in the population (%)

Prevalence of severe food insecurity in the population (%)

1.1 % of population latest value, 2023

South Korea: Prevalence of severe food insecurity in the population (%)2015: 0; 2023: 1.100.511.520152020

The percentage of people in the population who live in households classified as severely food insecure. A household is classified as severely food insecure when at least one adult in the household has reported to have been exposed, at times during the year, to several of the most severe experiences described in the FIES questions, such as to have been forced to reduce the quantity of the food, to have skipped meals, having gone hungry, or having to go for a whole day without eating because of a lack of money or other resources.

Source: Prevalence of severe food insecurity in the population (%)

Out-of-pocket expenditure (% of current health expenditure)

33.7 % of current health expenditure latest value, 2024

South Korea: Out-of-pocket expenditure (% of current health expenditure)2000: 43.3; 2024: 33.70102030405020002005201020152020

Share of out-of-pocket payments of total current health expenditures. Out-of-pocket payments are spending on health directly out-of-pocket by households.

Source: Out-of-pocket expenditure (% of current health expenditure)

Current health expenditure (% of GDP)

8.7 % of GDP latest value, 2024

South Korea: Current health expenditure (% of GDP)2000: 3.7; 2024: 8.7024681020002005201020152020

Level of current health expenditure expressed as a percentage of GDP. Estimates of current health expenditures include healthcare goods and services consumed during each year. This indicator does not include capital health expenditures such as buildings, machinery, IT and stocks of vaccines for emergency or outbreaks.

Source: Current health expenditure (% of GDP)

Current health expenditure per capita (current US$)

3,136.8 current US dollars latest value, 2024

South Korea: Current health expenditure per capita (current US$)2000: 475.3; 2024: 3,136.801,0002,0003,0004,00020002005201020152020

Current expenditures on health per capita in current US dollars. Estimates of current health expenditures include healthcare goods and services consumed during each year.

Source: Current health expenditure per capita (current US$)

Hospital beds (per 1,000 people)

12.8 per 1,000 people latest value, 2022

South Korea: Hospital beds (per 1,000 people)1980: 1.7; 2022: 12.805101519801990200020102020

Hospital beds include inpatient beds available in public, private, general, and specialized hospitals and rehabilitation centers. In most cases beds for both acute and chronic care are included.

Source: Hospital beds (per 1,000 people)

Low birthweight

7.5 % latest value, 2020

South Korea: Low birthweight2000: 5; 2020: 7.50246820002005201020152020

FAOSTAT FS, Prevalence of low birthweight (percent). Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Nurses and midwives (per 1,000 people)

9.1 per 1,000 people latest value, 2022

South Korea: Nurses and midwives (per 1,000 people)1994: 1.1; 2022: 9.10246810199520002005201020152020

Nurses and midwives include professional nurses, professional midwives, auxiliary nurses, auxiliary midwives, enrolled nurses, enrolled midwives and other associated personnel, such as dental nurses and primary care nurses.

Source: Nurses and midwives (per 1,000 people)

Obesity among adults aged 18+

8.4 % latest value, 2024

South Korea: Obesity among adults aged 18+2000: 2.3; 2024: 8.4024681020002005201020152020

FAOSTAT FS, Prevalence of obesity in the adult population (18 years and older) (percent). Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Physicians (per 1,000 people)

2.6 per 1,000 people latest value, 2022

South Korea: Physicians (per 1,000 people)1981: 0.5; 2022: 2.601231990200020102020

Physicians include generalist and specialist medical practitioners.

Source: Physicians (per 1,000 people)

Mortality caused by road traffic injury (per 100,000 population)

8.6 per 100,000 people latest value, 2019

South Korea: Mortality caused by road traffic injury (per 100,000 population)2000: 25.6; 2019: 8.601020302000200520102015

Mortality caused by road traffic injury is estimated road traffic fatal injury deaths per 100,000 population.

Source: Mortality caused by road traffic injury (per 100,000 population)

Suicide mortality rate (per 100,000 population)

27.5 per 100,000 people latest value, 2021

South Korea: Suicide mortality rate (per 100,000 population)2000: 15.1; 2021: 27.501020304020002005201020152020

Suicide mortality rate is the number of suicide deaths in a year per 100,000 population. Crude suicide rate (not age-adjusted).

Source: Suicide mortality rate (per 100,000 population)

Prevalence of current tobacco use (% of adults)

18.6 % of adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Prevalence of current tobacco use (% of adults)2000: 35.5; 2024: 18.601020304020002005201020152020

The percentage of the population ages 15 years and over who currently use any tobacco product (smoked and/or smokeless tobacco) on a daily or non-daily basis. Tobacco products include cigarettes, pipes, cigars, cigarillos, waterpipes (hookah, shisha), bidis, kretek, heated tobacco products, and all forms of smokeless (oral and nasal) tobacco. Tobacco products exclude e-cigarettes (which do not contain tobacco), “e-cigars”, “e-hookahs”, JUUL and “e-pipes”. The rates are age-standardized to the WHO Standard Population.

Source: Prevalence of current tobacco use (% of adults)

Incidence of tuberculosis (per 100,000 people)

35 per 100,000 people latest value, 2024

South Korea: Incidence of tuberculosis (per 100,000 people)2000: 50; 2024: 3505010015020002005201020152020

Incidence of tuberculosis is the estimated number of new and relapse tuberculosis cases arising in a given year, expressed as the rate per 100,000 population. All forms of TB are included, including cases in people living with HIV. Estimates for all years are recalculated as new information becomes available and techniques are refined, so they may differ from those published previously.

Source: Incidence of tuberculosis (per 100,000 people)

Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population)

2.5 % of population latest value, 2023

South Korea: Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population)2001: 2.5; 2023: 2.501232005201020152020

Prevalence of undernourishment is the percentage of the population whose habitual food consumption is insufficient to provide the dietary energy levels that are required to maintain a normal active and healthy life. Data showing as 2.5 may signify a prevalence of undernourishment below 2.5%.

Source: Prevalence of undernourishment (% of population)

Immunization, DPT (% of children ages 12-23 months)

97 % of children aged 12-23 months latest value, 2024

South Korea: Immunization, DPT (% of children ages 12-23 months)1981: 61; 2024: 970204060801001990200020102020

Child immunization, DPT, measures the percentage of children ages 12-23 months who received DPT vaccinations before 12 months or at any time before the survey. A child is considered adequately immunized against diphtheria, pertussis (or whooping cough), and tetanus (DPT) after receiving three doses of vaccine.

Source: Immunization, DPT (% of children ages 12-23 months)

Immunization, measles (% of children ages 12-23 months)

97 % of children aged 12-23 months latest value, 2024

South Korea: Immunization, measles (% of children ages 12-23 months)1980: 4; 2024: 9702040608010019801990200020102020

Child immunization, measles, measures the percentage of children ages 12-23 months who received the measles vaccination before 12 months or at any time before the survey. A child is considered adequately immunized against measles after receiving one dose of vaccine.

Source: Immunization, measles (% of children ages 12-23 months)

Culture and time

International tourism, receipts (current US$)

11,776,000,000 current US dollars latest value, 2020

South Korea: International tourism, receipts (current US$)1995: 6,670,000,000; 2020: 11,776,000,000010,000,000,00020,000,000,00030,000,000,000199520002005201020152020

International tourism receipts are expenditures by international inbound visitors, including payments to national carriers for international transport. These receipts include any other prepayment made for goods or services received in the destination country. They also may include receipts from same-day visitors, except when these are important enough to justify separate classification. For some countries they do not include receipts for passenger transport items. Data are in current U.S. dollars.

Source: International tourism, receipts (current US$)

International tourism, number of arrivals

2,519,000 arrivals per year latest value, 2020

South Korea: International tourism, number of arrivals1995: 3,753,000; 2020: 2,519,00005,000,00010,000,00015,000,00020,000,000199520002005201020152020

International inbound tourists (overnight visitors) are the number of tourists who travel to a country other than that in which they have their usual residence, but outside their usual environment, for a period not exceeding 12 months and whose main purpose in visiting is other than an activity remunerated from within the country visited. When data on number of tourists are not available, the number of visitors, which includes tourists, same-day visitors, cruise passengers, and crew members, is shown instead. Sources and collection methods for arrivals differ across countries. In some cases data are from border statistics (police, immigration, and the like) and supplemented by border surveys. In other cases data are from tourism accommodation establishments. For some countries number of arrivals is limited to arrivals by air and for others to arrivals staying in hotels. Some countries include arrivals of nationals residing abroad while others do not. Caution should thus be used in comparing arrivals across countries. The data on inbound tourists refer to the number of arrivals, not to the number of people traveling. Thus a person who makes several trips to a country during a given period is counted each time as a new arrival.

Source: International tourism, number of arrivals

Land and housing

Agricultural land (% of land area)

16.1 % of land area latest value, 2023

South Korea: Agricultural land (% of land area)1961: 21.9; 2023: 16.10510152025197019801990200020102020

Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable, under permanent crops, and under permanent pastures. Arable land includes land defined by the FAO as land under temporary crops (double-cropped areas are counted once), temporary meadows for mowing or for pasture, land under market or kitchen gardens, and land temporarily fallow. Land abandoned as a result of shifting cultivation is excluded. Land under permanent crops is land cultivated with crops that occupy the land for long periods and need not be replanted after each harvest, such as cocoa, coffee, and rubber. This category includes land under flowering shrubs, fruit trees, nut trees, and vines, but excludes land under trees grown for wood or timber. Permanent pasture is land used for five or more years for forage, including natural and cultivated crops.

Source: Agricultural land (% of land area)

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added per worker (constant 2015 US$)

18,552.4 constant 2015 US dollars latest value, 2025

South Korea: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added per worker (constant 2015 US$)1991: 6,853.8; 2025: 18,552.405,00010,00015,00020,00025,0001995200020052010201520202025

Agriculture, forestry, and fishing corresponds to ISIC (Rev. 4) divisions 01-03 and includes the exploitation of vegetal and animal natural resources, comprising the activities of growing of crops, raising and breeding of animals, harvesting of timber and other plants, animals or animal products from a farm or their natural habitats.Value added is the contribution to the economy by a producer or an industry or an institutional sector, which is estimated by the total value of output produced and deducting the total value of intermediate consumption of goods and services used to produce that output. This indicator is expressed in constant prices, meaning the series has been adjusted to account for price changes over time. The reference year for this adjustment is 2015. This indicator is expressed in United States dollars.

Source: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added per worker (constant 2015 US$)

Arable land (% of land area)

14.9 % of land area latest value, 2023

South Korea: Arable land (% of land area)1961: 21.1; 2023: 14.90510152025197019801990200020102020

Arable land includes land defined by the FAO as land under temporary crops (double-cropped areas are counted once), temporary meadows for mowing or for pasture, land under market or kitchen gardens, and land temporarily fallow. Land abandoned as a result of shifting cultivation is excluded.

Source: Arable land (% of land area)

Cereal yield (kg per hectare)

6,615.2 kg per hectare latest value, 2023

South Korea: Cereal yield (kg per hectare)1961: 3,197.2; 2023: 6,615.202,0004,0006,0008,000197019801990200020102020

Cereal yield, measured as kilograms per hectare of harvested land, includes wheat, rice, maize, barley, oats, rye, millet, sorghum, buckwheat, and mixed grains. Production data on cereals relate to crops harvested for dry grain only. Cereal crops harvested for hay or harvested green for food, feed, or silage and those used for grazing are excluded. The FAO allocates production data to the calendar year in which the bulk of the harvest took place. Most of a crop harvested near the end of a year will be used in the following year.

Source: Cereal yield (kg per hectare)

Certified organic agricultural land

25.5 1000 ha latest value, 2012

South Korea: Certified organic agricultural land2012: 25.5; 2012: 25.501020302010

FAOSTAT RL, Agriculture area certified organic. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Land equipped for irrigation

707.4 1000 ha latest value, 2024

South Korea: Land equipped for irrigation1961: 650; 2024: 707.402004006008001,000197019801990200020102020

FAOSTAT RL, Land area equipped for irrigation. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Planted forest

2,260 1000 ha latest value, 2025

South Korea: Planted forest1990: 1,909; 2025: 2,26005001,0001,5002,0002,50019901995200020052010201520202025

FAOSTAT RL, Planted Forest. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

Everyday environment

Air transport, passengers carried

76,272,453.9 passengers per year latest value, 2023

South Korea: Air transport, passengers carried1970: 1,208,100; 2023: 76,272,453.9020,000,00040,000,00060,000,00080,000,000100,000,000197019801990200020102020

Air carrier data per country refers to passengers carried by airlines registered in that country regardless of the origin or destination of the passengers.

Source: Air transport, passengers carried

Access to electricity (% of population)

100 % of population latest value, 2024

South Korea: Access to electricity (% of population)1990: 99.9; 2024: 1000204060801001201990199520002005201020152020

Access to electricity is the percentage of population with access to electricity. Electrification data are collected from industry, national surveys and international sources.

Source: Access to electricity (% of population)

Fertilizer consumption (kilograms per hectare of arable land)

262.3 kg of nutrients per hectare latest value, 2023

South Korea: Fertilizer consumption (kilograms per hectare of arable land)1961: 155.5; 2023: 262.30200400600197019801990200020102020

Fertilizer consumption measures the quantity of plant nutrients used per unit of arable land. Fertilizer products cover nitrogenous, potash, and phosphate fertilizers (including ground rock phosphate). Traditional nutrients--animal and plant manures--are not included. For the purpose of data dissemination, FAO has adopted the concept of a calendar year (January to December). Some countries compile fertilizer data on a calendar year basis, while others are on a split-year basis. Arable land includes land defined by the FAO as land under temporary crops (double-cropped areas are counted once), temporary meadows for mowing or for pasture, land under market or kitchen gardens, and land temporarily fallow. Land abandoned as a result of shifting cultivation is excluded.

Source: Fertilizer consumption (kilograms per hectare of arable land)

Forest area (% of land area)

64.1 % of land area latest value, 2023

South Korea: Forest area (% of land area)1990: 67.9; 2023: 64.10204060801990199520002005201020152020

Forest area (% of land area) is the share of total land area that is under natural or planted stands of trees of at least 5 meters in situ, whether productive or not, and excludes tree stands in agricultural production systems (for example, in fruit plantations and agroforestry systems) and trees in urban parks and gardens.

Source: Forest area (% of land area)

Land temperature anomaly

1.9 °C latest value, 2025

South Korea: Land temperature anomaly1961: 0.63; 2025: 1.90123197019801990200020102020

FAOSTAT ET, Meteorological year. Published exact annual central values only; missing/suppressed values and inequality bounds are excluded from the annual series. Source flags, units, period and release retained in typed tables. Food supply is availability, not actual intake; land areas are not prices; diet cost uses source PPP definitions; land temperature is relative to 1951–1980.

Source: FAO: FAOSTAT

PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter)

21.9 micrograms/m³, annual mean exposure latest value, 2023

South Korea: PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter)1990: 21.4; 2023: 21.901020301990199520002005201020152020

Population-weighted exposure to ambient PM2.5 pollution is defined as the average level of exposure of a nation's population to concentrations of suspended particles measuring less than 2.5 microns in aerodynamic diameter, which are capable of penetrating deep into the respiratory tract and causing severe health damage. Exposure is calculated by weighting mean annual concentrations of PM2.5 by population in both urban and rural areas.

Source: PM2.5 air pollution, mean annual exposure (micrograms per cubic meter)

Railways, passengers carried (million passenger-km)

100,381 million passenger-km latest value, 2019

South Korea: Railways, passengers carried (million passenger-km)1995: 43,340; 2019: 100,381050,000100,000150,00019952000200520102015

Passengers carried by railway are the number of passengers transported by rail multiplied by kilometers traveled.

Source: Railways, passengers carried (million passenger-km)

People using safely managed drinking water services (% of population)

99.3 % of population latest value, 2024

South Korea: People using safely managed drinking water services (% of population)2002: 97.2; 2024: 99.30204060801002005201020152020

The percentage of people using drinking water from an improved source that is accessible on premises, available when needed and free from fecal and priority chemical contamination. Improved water sources include piped water, boreholes or tubewells, protected dug wells, protected springs, and packaged or delivered water.

Source: People using safely managed drinking water services (% of population)

People using safely managed sanitation services (% of population)

99.3 % of population latest value, 2024

South Korea: People using safely managed sanitation services (% of population)2000: 86.9; 2024: 99.302040608010020002005201020152020

The percentage of people using improved sanitation facilities that are not shared with other households and where excreta are safely disposed of in situ or transported and treated offsite. Improved sanitation facilities include flush/pour flush to piped sewer systems, septic tanks or pit latrines: ventilated improved pit latrines, composting toilets or pit latrines with slabs.

Source: People using safely managed sanitation services (% of population)

Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources

85.2 % of available freshwater resources latest value, 2022

South Korea: Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources1990: 60; 2022: 85.20204060801001990199520002005201020152020

The level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources is the ratio between total freshwater withdrawn by all major sectors and total renewable freshwater resources, after taking into account environmental water requirements. Main sectors, as defined by ISIC standards, include agriculture; forestry and fishing; manufacturing; electricity industry; and services. This indicator is also known as water withdrawal intensity.

Source: Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources

Work and skills

Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above)

98 % of people aged 15+ latest value, 2008

South Korea: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above)2008: 98; 2008: 980204060801002005

Adult literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15 and above who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.

Source: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above)

Children out of school (% of primary school age)

0.1 % of primary-school-age children latest value, 2024

South Korea: Children out of school (% of primary school age)2000: 2.4; 2024: 0.1012320002005201020152020

Children out of school are the percentage of primary-school-age children who are not enrolled in primary or secondary school. Children in the official primary age group that are in preprimary education should be considered out of school.

Source: Children out of school (% of primary school age)

Government expenditure on education, total (% of GDP)

5.4 % of GDP latest value, 2022

South Korea: Government expenditure on education, total (% of GDP)1970: 3.4; 2022: 5.402468197019801990200020102020

General government expenditure on education (current, capital, and transfers) is expressed as a percentage of GDP. It includes expenditure funded by transfers from international sources to government. General government usually refers to local, regional and central governments.

Source: Government expenditure on education, total (% of GDP)

Employment to population ratio, 15+, total (%) (modeled ILO estimate)

62.6 % of population aged 15+ latest value, 2025

South Korea: Employment to population ratio, 15+, total (%) (modeled ILO estimate)1991: 58.7; 2025: 62.60204060801995200020052010201520202025

Employment to population ratio is the proportion of a country's population that is employed.

Source: Employment to population ratio, 15+, total (%) (modeled ILO estimate)

Labor force participation rate, total (% of total population ages 15+) (modeled ILO estimate)

64.4 % of population aged 15+ latest value, 2025

South Korea: Labor force participation rate, total (% of total population ages 15+) (modeled ILO estimate)1990: 59.4; 2025: 64.402040608019901995200020052010201520202025

Labor force participation rate is the proportion of the population ages 15 and older that is economically active: all people who supply labor for the production of goods and services during a specified period.

Source: Labor force participation rate, total (% of total population ages 15+) (modeled ILO estimate)

Learning poverty: Share of Children at the End-of-Primary age below minimum reading proficiency adjusted by Out-of-School Children (%)

3.2 % of children of end-of-primary age latest value, 2019

South Korea: Learning poverty: Share of Children at the End-of-Primary age below minimum reading proficiency adjusted by Out-of-School Children (%)2011: 3; 2019: 3.2012342015

The share of 10-year-olds who cannot read and understand a short passage of age-appropriate material—in other words, those who are below the “minimum proficiency” threshold for reading. This measure is defined as the union of two deprivations: 1) schooling deprivation and 2) learning deprivation. A child is considered schooling-deprived (SD) if he or she is of primary school age and out-of-school. The dimension of learning deprivation (LD) applies only for children in school, and identifies those pupils who are below the minimum proficiency level (MPL) for reading, as defined by the Global Alliance to Monitor Learning (GAML), measured in standard learning assessments, and reported in the context of the SDG 4.1.1b monitoring. This “union approach” to measurement reflects the choice that, as presented in the SDGs, all age 10 children must be both in school and learning. The final learning poverty measure combines the two dimensions in a single indicator using the following formula: LP = SD + [(1-SD) x LD]

Source: Learning poverty: Share of Children at the End-of-Primary age below minimum reading proficiency adjusted by Out-of-School Children (%)

New business density (new registrations per 1,000 people ages 15-64)

3.5 per 1,000 people aged 15-64 latest value, 2023

South Korea: New business density (new registrations per 1,000 people ages 15-64)2006: 1.9; 2023: 3.5012345201020152020

The number of newly registered firms with limited liability per 1,000 working-age people (ages 15-64) per calendar year.

Source: New business density (new registrations per 1,000 people ages 15-64)

Primary completion rate, total (% of relevant age group)

102.9 % of relevant age group latest value, 2024

South Korea: Primary completion rate, total (% of relevant age group)2000: 100.3; 2024: 102.905010015020002005201020152020

Primary completion rate, or gross intake ratio to the last grade of primary education, is the number of new entrants (enrollments minus repeaters) in the last grade of primary education, regardless of age, divided by the population at the entrance age for the last grade of primary education. Data limitations preclude adjusting for students who drop out during the final year of primary education.

Source: Primary completion rate, total (% of relevant age group)

Vulnerable employment, total (% of total employment) (modeled ILO estimate)

17.7 % of employment latest value, 2025

South Korea: Vulnerable employment, total (% of total employment) (modeled ILO estimate)1991: 29; 2025: 17.701020301995200020052010201520202025

Vulnerable employment is contributing family workers and own-account workers as a percentage of total employment.

Source: Vulnerable employment, total (% of total employment) (modeled ILO estimate)

Literacy rate, youth total (% of people ages 15-24)

100 % of people aged 15-24 latest value, 2008

South Korea: Literacy rate, youth total (% of people ages 15-24)2008: 100; 2008: 1000204060801002005

Youth literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15-24 who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life.

Source: Literacy rate, youth total (% of people ages 15-24)

Share of youth not in education, employment or training, total (% of youth population)

10.8 % of youth aged 15-24 latest value, 2002

South Korea: Share of youth not in education, employment or training, total (% of youth population)2000: 11.6; 2002: 10.80510152000

The share of youth not in education, employment or training (also known as “the NEET rate”) conveys the number of young persons not in education, employment or training as a percentage of the total youth population. Youth not in education are those who were neither enrolled in school nor in a formal training program (e.g. vocational training). For the purposes of this indicator, youth is defined as all persons between the ages of 15 and 24 (inclusive).

Source: Share of youth not in education, employment or training, total (% of youth population)

Science, space and technology

GitHub developer accounts at year end

2,900,539 accounts latest value, 2025

South Korea: GitHub developer accounts at year end2020: 985,950; 2025: 2,900,53901,000,0002,000,0003,000,00020202025

Fourth-quarter end snapshot; includes inactive accounts/organizations/repositories. GitHub Innovation Graph: public GitHub activity only. Geography reflects mode location, not nationality. Suppressed small groups are not zeros; not a professional-programmer count.

Source: GitHub Innovation Graph

GitHub git pushes

27,797,586 git pushes latest value, 2025

South Korea: GitHub git pushes2020: 10,470,559; 2025: 27,797,586010,000,00020,000,00030,000,00020202025

Sum of all four published quarters of git pushes. One push may include multiple commits. GitHub Innovation Graph: public GitHub activity only. Geography reflects mode location, not nationality. Suppressed small groups are not zeros; not a professional-programmer count.

Source: GitHub Innovation Graph

GitHub organizations at year end

244,410 organizations latest value, 2025

South Korea: GitHub organizations at year end2020: 77,610; 2025: 244,410050,000100,000150,000200,000250,00020202025

Fourth-quarter end snapshot; includes inactive accounts/organizations/repositories. GitHub Innovation Graph: public GitHub activity only. Geography reflects mode location, not nationality. Suppressed small groups are not zeros; not a professional-programmer count.

Source: GitHub Innovation Graph

GitHub repositories at year end

7,857,865 repositories latest value, 2025

South Korea: GitHub repositories at year end2020: 2,574,834; 2025: 7,857,86502,000,0004,000,0006,000,0008,000,00020202025

Fourth-quarter end snapshot; includes inactive accounts/organizations/repositories. GitHub Innovation Graph: public GitHub activity only. Geography reflects mode location, not nationality. Suppressed small groups are not zeros; not a professional-programmer count.

Source: GitHub Innovation Graph

High-technology exports (% of manufactured exports)

36.3 % of manufactured exports latest value, 2024

South Korea: High-technology exports (% of manufactured exports)2007: 32.4; 2024: 36.3010203040201020152020

High-technology exports are products with high R&D intensity, such as in aerospace, computers, pharmaceuticals, scientific instruments, and electrical machinery.

Source: High-technology exports (% of manufactured exports)

Research and development expenditure (% of GDP)

4.9 % of GDP latest value, 2023

South Korea: Research and development expenditure (% of GDP)1996: 2.1; 2023: 4.901234520002005201020152020

Gross domestic expenditures on research and development (R&D), expressed as a percent of GDP. They include both capital and current expenditures in the four main sectors: Business enterprise, Government, Higher education and Private non-profit. R&D covers basic research, applied research, and experimental development.

Source: Research and development expenditure (% of GDP)

R&D expenditure per inhabitant

1,716.3 euro per inhabitant latest value, 2024

South Korea: R&D expenditure per inhabitant1998: 156.4; 2024: 1,716.305001,0001,5002,00020002005201020152020

Gross domestic R&D expenditure, all sectors, current euro per inhabitant, Eurostat. Exchange-rate and inflation changes remain.

Source: GERD by sector of performance

Researchers in R&D (per million people)

9,471.8 full-time equivalents per million people latest value, 2023

South Korea: Researchers in R&D (per million people)1996: 2,186.1; 2023: 9,471.802,0004,0006,0008,00010,00020002005201020152020

The number of researchers engaged in Research &Development (R&D), expressed as per million. Researchers are professionals who conduct research and improve or develop concepts, theories, models techniques instrumentation, software of operational methods. R&D covers basic research, applied research, and experimental development.

Source: Researchers in R&D (per million people)

Patent applications, residents

186,245 applications per year latest value, 2021

South Korea: Patent applications, residents1980: 1,241; 2021: 186,245050,000100,000150,000200,00019801990200020102020

Patent applications are worldwide patent applications filed through the Patent Cooperation Treaty procedure or with a national patent office for exclusive rights for an invention--a product or process that provides a new way of doing something or offers a new technical solution to a problem. A patent provides protection for the invention to the owner of the patent for a limited period, generally 20 years.

Source: Patent applications, residents

Business R&D, % of GDP

4.17 % of GDP latest value, 2024

South Korea: Business R&D, % of GDP1995: 1.54; 2024: 4.17012345199520002005201020152020

BERD — R&D performed by businesses, as a share of GDP. It is part of GERD; the rest is performed by government institutes, universities and non-profits. Counted by who performs the work, not by who pays for it. OECD, Main Science and Technology Indicators.

Source: OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators (MSTI)

Government-sector R&D, % of GDP

0.42 % of GDP latest value, 2024

South Korea: Government-sector R&D, % of GDP1995: 0.35; 2024: 0.4200.10.20.30.40.5199520002005201020152020

GOVERD — R&D performed by government research bodies (excluding universities), as a share of GDP. Part of GERD; counted by performer, not by source of funds. OECD, Main Science and Technology Indicators.

Source: OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators (MSTI)

University R&D, % of GDP

0.43 % of GDP latest value, 2024

South Korea: University R&D, % of GDP1995: 0.17; 2024: 0.4300.10.20.30.40.5199520002005201020152020

HERD — R&D performed by universities and other higher-education institutions, as a share of GDP. Part of GERD; counted by performer, not by source of funds. OECD, Main Science and Technology Indicators.

Source: OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators (MSTI)

R&D funded by business

78.5 % of GERD latest value, 2024

South Korea: R&D funded by business1995: 76.3; 2024: 78.5020406080199520002005201020152020

Share of all domestic R&D spending (GERD) paid for by businesses, whoever performed the work. GERD is all R&D performed in the country, whoever performs it: businesses, government institutes, universities and non-profits (Frascati Manual). OECD, Main Science and Technology Indicators.

Source: OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators (MSTI)

R&D funded by government

20.5 % of GERD latest value, 2024

South Korea: R&D funded by government1995: 19; 2024: 20.50102030199520002005201020152020

Share of all domestic R&D spending (GERD) paid for by government, including public money for universities. GERD is all R&D performed in the country, whoever performs it: businesses, government institutes, universities and non-profits (Frascati Manual). OECD, Main Science and Technology Indicators.

Source: OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators (MSTI)

R&D funded from abroad

0.3 % of GERD latest value, 2024

South Korea: R&D funded from abroad1995: 0; 2024: 0.300.511.52199520002005201020152020

Share of domestic R&D spending (GERD) paid for from abroad: foreign companies, international organisations, EU programmes. GERD is all R&D performed in the country, whoever performs it: businesses, government institutes, universities and non-profits (Frascati Manual). OECD, Main Science and Technology Indicators.

Source: OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators (MSTI)

R&D spending, billion dollars

141.7 billion USD PPP, 2020 prices latest value, 2024

South Korea: R&D spending, billion dollars1991: 11; 2024: 141.7050100150199520002005201020152020

All domestic R&D spending (GERD) in billions of US dollars at purchasing power parity, constant 2020 prices, so years compare without inflation. GERD is all R&D performed in the country, whoever performs it: businesses, government institutes, universities and non-profits (Frascati Manual). OECD, Main Science and Technology Indicators.

Source: OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators (MSTI)

Researchers per 1,000 employed

17.6 per 1,000 employed, FTE latest value, 2024

South Korea: Researchers per 1,000 employed1995: 4.9; 2024: 17.605101520199520002005201020152020

Researchers in full-time equivalents (FTE: two half-timers count as one) per 1,000 people employed. Researchers only, excluding technicians and support staff; not a headcount. OECD, Main Science and Technology Indicators.

Source: OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators (MSTI)

Researchers, thousands

503.3 thousand full-time equivalents latest value, 2024

South Korea: Researchers, thousands1995: 100.5; 2024: 503.30200400600199520002005201020152020

Researchers in all sectors in full-time equivalents (two half-timers count as one), thousands. Excludes technicians and support staff; the headcount is usually larger. OECD, Main Science and Technology Indicators.

Source: OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators (MSTI)

Government R&D budget, billion dollars

28.7 billion USD PPP, 2020 prices latest value, 2024

South Korea: Government R&D budget, billion dollars1999: 5.9; 2024: 28.701020304020002005201020152020

GBARD — R&D appropriations in the central government budget, billions of US dollars at PPP, 2020 prices. A budget, not GERD spending: it includes money spent abroad and given to international organisations, and excludes business money. OECD, Main Science and Technology Indicators.

Source: OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators (MSTI)

Defence share of government R&D budget

17.1 % of GBARD latest value, 2024

South Korea: Defence share of government R&D budget1999: 22.4; 2024: 17.1051015202520002005201020152020

Share of government R&D appropriations (GBARD) earmarked for defence. GBARD is a budget, not actual spending. OECD, Main Science and Technology Indicators.

Source: OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators (MSTI)

Space share of civil government R&D budget

4 % of civil GBARD latest value, 2024

South Korea: Space share of civil government R&D budget1999: 2.7; 2024: 401234520002005201020152020

Share of civil government R&D appropriations (GBARD excluding defence) for space exploration and exploitation. Military space is not included. OECD, Main Science and Technology Indicators.

Source: OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators (MSTI)

Triadic patent families

4,914 families per year latest value, 2023

South Korea: Triadic patent families1985: 8; 2023: 4,91401,0002,0003,0004,0005,0001990200020102020

Inventions filed at all three of the European, Japanese and US patent offices, by inventors' country and priority year, fractionally counted across co-inventing countries. Applications, not grants; counts inventions, not individual filings. OECD, Main Science and Technology Indicators.

Source: OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators (MSTI)

Government R&D budget, % of GDP

1.04 % of GDP latest value, 2024

South Korea: Government R&D budget, % of GDP1999: 0.53; 2024: 1.0400.511.520002005201020152020

GBARD — central government R&D appropriations as a share of GDP, both in national currency at current prices from the same OECD table. A budget, not GERD spending; business money is not included. OECD, Main Science and Technology Indicators.

Source: OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators (MSTI)

Business R&D per inhabitant

1,397.4 euro per inhabitant latest value, 2024

South Korea: Business R&D per inhabitant1998: 110; 2024: 1,397.405001,0001,50020002005201020152020

R&D performed by businesses (BERD), euros at current prices per inhabitant. Counted by who performs the work, not by who pays. Eurostat, rd_e_gerdtot (sector BES).

Source: Eurostat research and development statistics

Researchers, thousand people

615.1 thousand people latest value, 2024

South Korea: Researchers, thousand people1997: 138.4; 2024: 615.1020040060080020002005201020152020

Number of people working as researchers in all sectors — each person counts once, however many hours they spend on research (headcount). Hence larger than full-time equivalents (researchers_fte). Eurostat, rd_p_persocc.

Source: Eurostat research and development statistics

Women among researchers

23.7 % of researchers latest value, 2023

South Korea: Women among researchers1997: 9.1; 2023: 23.7051015202520002005201020152020

Share of women among researchers in all sectors (business, government, higher education, non-profit), by headcount: each person counts once, however many hours they spend on research. Not the share among paper authors or inventors. UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), indicator FRESP.THC.

Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS): science, technology and innovation

Patent applications by origin, worldwide

296,041 applications per year latest value, 2024

South Korea: Patent applications by origin, worldwide1980: 1,242; 2024: 296,0410100,000200,000300,00019801990200020102020

All applications for patents for inventions filed in a year by applicants from the country at any patent office worldwide — at home and abroad (direct filings and PCT national phase entries). Country = first applicant's address (origin), not the filing office. Applications, not grants; one invention filed in five countries counts five times. Residents' filings at their own office are a separate series, resident_patent_applications. WIPO IP Statistics Data Center (the last update is stated in the export file).

Source: WIPO IP Statistics Data Center

Patent applications abroad by origin

100,255 applications per year latest value, 2024

South Korea: Patent applications abroad by origin1980: 1; 2024: 100,255050,000100,000150,00019801990200020102020

Applications for patents for inventions filed in a year by applicants from the country at foreign and regional offices (such as the European Patent Office): how much the country's inventions seek protection in other markets. Country = first applicant's address; applications, not grants. WIPO IP Statistics Data Center (the last update is stated in the export file).

Source: WIPO IP Statistics Data Center

PCT international patent applications

25,008 applications per year latest value, 2025

South Korea: PCT international patent applications1995: 196; 2025: 25,008010,00020,00030,0001995200020052010201520202025

International applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) by filing date and first applicant's country. One PCT application defers the choice of countries where the invention will be protected; it is neither a patent nor a filing at a particular office. The incomplete current year is excluded. WIPO IP Statistics Data Center (the last update is stated in the export file).

Source: WIPO IP Statistics Data Center

Electric cars: share of new car sales

11 % of new car sales latest value, 2025

South Korea: Electric cars: share of new car sales2010: 0; 2025: 110510152010201520202025

Share of electric cars among all new cars sold in the year. Sales are new cars in the year, not all cars on the road (that is the stock). Electric cars are battery-electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV, a battery charged from the grid plus a petrol engine); ordinary hybrids without a plug and fuel-cell cars are not included. IEA, Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook), CC BY 4.0.

Source: IEA: Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook)

Electric cars: new car sales

220,000 cars a year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Electric cars: new car sales2010: 61; 2025: 220,000050,000100,000150,000200,000250,0002010201520202025

New electric cars sold in the year. Electric cars are battery-electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV, a battery charged from the grid plus a petrol engine); ordinary hybrids without a plug and fuel-cell cars are not included. IEA rounds values to two significant figures. IEA, Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook), CC BY 4.0.

Source: IEA: Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook)

Battery-electric cars (BEV): sales

200,000 cars a year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Battery-electric cars (BEV): sales2010: 61; 2025: 200,000050,000100,000150,000200,000250,0002010201520202025

New battery-electric cars (BEV: battery only, no combustion engine) sold in the year. Plug-in hybrids are not included. IEA rounds values to two significant figures. IEA, Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook), CC BY 4.0.

Source: IEA: Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook)

Plug-in hybrid cars (PHEV): sales

17,000 cars a year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Plug-in hybrid cars (PHEV): sales2015: 250; 2025: 17,00005,00010,00015,00020,000201520202025

New plug-in hybrid cars (PHEV: battery charged from the grid plus a combustion engine) sold in the year. Ordinary hybrids without a plug are not included. IEA rounds values to two significant figures. IEA, Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook), CC BY 4.0.

Source: IEA: Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook)

Electric cars on the road (stock)

840,000 cars latest value, 2025

South Korea: Electric cars on the road (stock)2010: 61; 2025: 840,0000200,000400,000600,000800,0001,000,0002010201520202025

Electric cars on the road at the end of the year: the whole stock, not the sales of the year. Electric cars are battery-electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV, a battery charged from the grid plus a petrol engine); ordinary hybrids without a plug and fuel-cell cars are not included. IEA rounds values to two significant figures. IEA, Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook), CC BY 4.0.

Source: IEA: Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook)

Electric cars: share of all cars on the road

3 % of the car stock latest value, 2025

South Korea: Electric cars: share of all cars on the road2010: 0; 2025: 3012342010201520202025

Share of electric cars among all cars on the road (the stock), not among the sales of the year. Electric cars are battery-electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV, a battery charged from the grid plus a petrol engine); ordinary hybrids without a plug and fuel-cell cars are not included. IEA, Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook), CC BY 4.0.

Source: IEA: Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook)

Electric buses: share of new bus sales

6 % of new bus sales latest value, 2025

South Korea: Electric buses: share of new bus sales2010: 0; 2025: 6024682010201520202025

Share of electric buses (battery-electric and plug-in hybrid) among all new buses sold in the year. IEA, Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook), CC BY 4.0.

Source: IEA: Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook)

Public EV charging points

491,170 charging points latest value, 2025

South Korea: Public EV charging points2011: 350; 2025: 491,1700100,000200,000300,000400,000500,000201520202025

Publicly available charging points (outlets that can each serve one car at a time) at the end of the year, slow and fast together. A point is not a station: one station can have many points. Home and private workplace chargers are not included. IEA rounds values to two significant figures. IEA, Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook), CC BY 4.0.

Source: IEA: Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook)

Fast public charging points (over 22 kW)

51,170 charging points latest value, 2025

South Korea: Fast public charging points (over 22 kW)2012: 120; 2025: 51,170020,00040,00060,000201520202025

Publicly available charging points over 22 kW at the end of the year, including ultra-fast ones (150 kW and more). A point is not a station. IEA rounds values to two significant figures. IEA, Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook), CC BY 4.0.

Source: IEA: Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook)

Slow public charging points (up to 22 kW)

440,000 charging points latest value, 2025

South Korea: Slow public charging points (up to 22 kW)2011: 350; 2025: 440,0000100,000200,000300,000400,000500,000201520202025

Publicly available charging points of up to 22 kW at the end of the year. A point is not a station. IEA rounds values to two significant figures. IEA, Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook), CC BY 4.0.

Source: IEA: Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook)

Electric cars per public charging point

2 vehicles per point latest value, 2025

South Korea: Electric cars per public charging point2011: 1; 2025: 202468201520202025

Light-duty electric vehicles on the road (cars and vans, BEV and PHEV) per publicly available charging point. Higher means fewer public chargers per car; it is high where people charge at home, without a shortage of chargers. IEA, Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook), CC BY 4.0.

Source: IEA: Global EV Data Explorer (Global EV Outlook)

Orbital launches

2 launches a year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Orbital launches2009: 1; 2025: 20112232010201520202025

Orbital launch attempts in the year, successful and failed together. An orbital launch is an attempt to put a payload into Earth orbit or beyond, successful or not; suborbital flights (sounding rockets, missile tests, tourist hops) are excluded. The country is the GCAT launch vehicle state (Falcon 9 is the US, Ariane France, Electron from New Zealand New Zealand), not the satellite's country. Soviet launches (1957-1991) are not assigned to Russia: they are only in the world total. Zero after a country's first launch is a year without launches. Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0.

Source: GCAT — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (J. McDowell)

Failed orbital launches

1 launches a year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Failed orbital launches2009: 1; 2025: 100011112010201520202025

Orbital launches in the year that failed to reach the intended orbit (GCAT code F; partial failures coded F are included). Counted from the country's first launch attempt. An orbital launch is an attempt to put a payload into Earth orbit or beyond, successful or not; suborbital flights (sounding rockets, missile tests, tourist hops) are excluded. The country is the GCAT launch vehicle state (Falcon 9 is the US, Ariane France, Electron from New Zealand New Zealand), not the satellite's country. Soviet launches (1957-1991) are not assigned to Russia: they are only in the world total. Zero after a country's first launch is a year without launches. Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0.

Source: GCAT — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (J. McDowell)

Satellites and spacecraft put into orbit

24 payloads a year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Satellites and spacecraft put into orbit1992: 1; 2025: 2405101520251995200020052010201520202025

Payloads (satellites, crewed and cargo ships, probes; no rocket stages, debris or dummies) put into orbit by successful launches in the year. The country is the payload owner in GCAT, not the rocket's country: a Turkish satellite on a Falcon 9 is Turkey. Thousands of Starlink satellites since 2019 are the US. Data from GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org/space/gcat), CC BY 4.0.

Source: GCAT — General Catalog of Artificial Space Objects (J. McDowell)

Communities and participation

Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments (%)

20.3 % of seats latest value, 2025

South Korea: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments (%)1997: 3; 2025: 20.30510152025200020052010201520202025

Women in parliaments are the percentage of parliamentary seats in a single or lower chamber held by women.

Source: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments (%)

Religion and beliefs

Christians — population share

32 % of population latest value, 2020

South Korea: Christians — population share2010: 32.1; 2020: 32010203040201020152020

Pew estimates for all ages in 2010 and 2020 from the same revised 2025 release. Harmonised census/survey religious identification, not practising believers. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist or without beliefs. Other religions include folk traditions, Sikhs, Jains, Baha’is and others. The 2026 appendix displays shares below 0.1% as <0.1%; the interactive table displays populations below 10,000 as <10,000; these are retained as bounds in dimensions.operator and omitted from exact chart points. Other counts are rounded to 10,000 and shares to 0.1 percentage point. No intervening years are filled. Affiliated is a derived subtotal of the six religious groups and must not be added to them. Regions/world overlap with countries and must not be summed. Diversity ranks describe only the seven broad groups; a larger rank means less diversity, not less freedom.

Source: Pew Research Center: religious composition, 2010 and 2020

Christians — population

16,590 thousand persons latest value, 2020

South Korea: Christians — population2010: 15,670; 2020: 16,59005,00010,00015,00020,000201020152020

Pew estimates for all ages in 2010 and 2020 from the same revised 2025 release. Harmonised census/survey religious identification, not practising believers. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist or without beliefs. Other religions include folk traditions, Sikhs, Jains, Baha’is and others. The 2026 appendix displays shares below 0.1% as <0.1%; the interactive table displays populations below 10,000 as <10,000; these are retained as bounds in dimensions.operator and omitted from exact chart points. Other counts are rounded to 10,000 and shares to 0.1 percentage point. No intervening years are filled. Affiliated is a derived subtotal of the six religious groups and must not be added to them. Regions/world overlap with countries and must not be summed. Diversity ranks describe only the seven broad groups; a larger rank means less diversity, not less freedom.

Source: Pew Research Center: religious composition, 2010 and 2020

Muslims — population share

0.3 % of population latest value, 2020

South Korea: Muslims — population share2010: 0.2; 2020: 0.300.10.20.3201020152020

Pew estimates for all ages in 2010 and 2020 from the same revised 2025 release. Harmonised census/survey religious identification, not practising believers. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist or without beliefs. Other religions include folk traditions, Sikhs, Jains, Baha’is and others. The 2026 appendix displays shares below 0.1% as <0.1%; the interactive table displays populations below 10,000 as <10,000; these are retained as bounds in dimensions.operator and omitted from exact chart points. Other counts are rounded to 10,000 and shares to 0.1 percentage point. No intervening years are filled. Affiliated is a derived subtotal of the six religious groups and must not be added to them. Regions/world overlap with countries and must not be summed. Diversity ranks describe only the seven broad groups; a larger rank means less diversity, not less freedom.

Source: Pew Research Center: religious composition, 2010 and 2020

Muslims — population

160 thousand persons latest value, 2020

South Korea: Muslims — population2010: 100; 2020: 160050100150200201020152020

Pew estimates for all ages in 2010 and 2020 from the same revised 2025 release. Harmonised census/survey religious identification, not practising believers. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist or without beliefs. Other religions include folk traditions, Sikhs, Jains, Baha’is and others. The 2026 appendix displays shares below 0.1% as <0.1%; the interactive table displays populations below 10,000 as <10,000; these are retained as bounds in dimensions.operator and omitted from exact chart points. Other counts are rounded to 10,000 and shares to 0.1 percentage point. No intervening years are filled. Affiliated is a derived subtotal of the six religious groups and must not be added to them. Regions/world overlap with countries and must not be summed. Diversity ranks describe only the seven broad groups; a larger rank means less diversity, not less freedom.

Source: Pew Research Center: religious composition, 2010 and 2020

Religiously unaffiliated — population share

48.3 % of population latest value, 2020

South Korea: Religiously unaffiliated — population share2010: 41.3; 2020: 48.301020304050201020152020

Pew estimates for all ages in 2010 and 2020 from the same revised 2025 release. Harmonised census/survey religious identification, not practising believers. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist or without beliefs. Other religions include folk traditions, Sikhs, Jains, Baha’is and others. The 2026 appendix displays shares below 0.1% as <0.1%; the interactive table displays populations below 10,000 as <10,000; these are retained as bounds in dimensions.operator and omitted from exact chart points. Other counts are rounded to 10,000 and shares to 0.1 percentage point. No intervening years are filled. Affiliated is a derived subtotal of the six religious groups and must not be added to them. Regions/world overlap with countries and must not be summed. Diversity ranks describe only the seven broad groups; a larger rank means less diversity, not less freedom.

Source: Pew Research Center: religious composition, 2010 and 2020

Religiously unaffiliated — population

25,030 thousand persons latest value, 2020

South Korea: Religiously unaffiliated — population2010: 20,160; 2020: 25,030010,00020,00030,000201020152020

Pew estimates for all ages in 2010 and 2020 from the same revised 2025 release. Harmonised census/survey religious identification, not practising believers. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist or without beliefs. Other religions include folk traditions, Sikhs, Jains, Baha’is and others. The 2026 appendix displays shares below 0.1% as <0.1%; the interactive table displays populations below 10,000 as <10,000; these are retained as bounds in dimensions.operator and omitted from exact chart points. Other counts are rounded to 10,000 and shares to 0.1 percentage point. No intervening years are filled. Affiliated is a derived subtotal of the six religious groups and must not be added to them. Regions/world overlap with countries and must not be summed. Diversity ranks describe only the seven broad groups; a larger rank means less diversity, not less freedom.

Source: Pew Research Center: religious composition, 2010 and 2020

Buddhists — population share

19 % of population latest value, 2020

South Korea: Buddhists — population share2010: 25.6; 2020: 190102030201020152020

Pew estimates for all ages in 2010 and 2020 from the same revised 2025 release. Harmonised census/survey religious identification, not practising believers. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist or without beliefs. Other religions include folk traditions, Sikhs, Jains, Baha’is and others. The 2026 appendix displays shares below 0.1% as <0.1%; the interactive table displays populations below 10,000 as <10,000; these are retained as bounds in dimensions.operator and omitted from exact chart points. Other counts are rounded to 10,000 and shares to 0.1 percentage point. No intervening years are filled. Affiliated is a derived subtotal of the six religious groups and must not be added to them. Regions/world overlap with countries and must not be summed. Diversity ranks describe only the seven broad groups; a larger rank means less diversity, not less freedom.

Source: Pew Research Center: religious composition, 2010 and 2020

Buddhists — population

9,850 thousand persons latest value, 2020

South Korea: Buddhists — population2010: 12,470; 2020: 9,85005,00010,00015,000201020152020

Pew estimates for all ages in 2010 and 2020 from the same revised 2025 release. Harmonised census/survey religious identification, not practising believers. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist or without beliefs. Other religions include folk traditions, Sikhs, Jains, Baha’is and others. The 2026 appendix displays shares below 0.1% as <0.1%; the interactive table displays populations below 10,000 as <10,000; these are retained as bounds in dimensions.operator and omitted from exact chart points. Other counts are rounded to 10,000 and shares to 0.1 percentage point. No intervening years are filled. Affiliated is a derived subtotal of the six religious groups and must not be added to them. Regions/world overlap with countries and must not be summed. Diversity ranks describe only the seven broad groups; a larger rank means less diversity, not less freedom.

Source: Pew Research Center: religious composition, 2010 and 2020

Hindus — population

50 thousand persons latest value, 2020

South Korea: Hindus — population2010: 20; 2020: 500102030405060201020152020

Pew estimates for all ages in 2010 and 2020 from the same revised 2025 release. Harmonised census/survey religious identification, not practising believers. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist or without beliefs. Other religions include folk traditions, Sikhs, Jains, Baha’is and others. The 2026 appendix displays shares below 0.1% as <0.1%; the interactive table displays populations below 10,000 as <10,000; these are retained as bounds in dimensions.operator and omitted from exact chart points. Other counts are rounded to 10,000 and shares to 0.1 percentage point. No intervening years are filled. Affiliated is a derived subtotal of the six religious groups and must not be added to them. Regions/world overlap with countries and must not be summed. Diversity ranks describe only the seven broad groups; a larger rank means less diversity, not less freedom.

Source: Pew Research Center: religious composition, 2010 and 2020

Other religions — population share

0.3 % of population latest value, 2020

South Korea: Other religions — population share2010: 0.7; 2020: 0.300.20.40.60.8201020152020

Pew estimates for all ages in 2010 and 2020 from the same revised 2025 release. Harmonised census/survey religious identification, not practising believers. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist or without beliefs. Other religions include folk traditions, Sikhs, Jains, Baha’is and others. The 2026 appendix displays shares below 0.1% as <0.1%; the interactive table displays populations below 10,000 as <10,000; these are retained as bounds in dimensions.operator and omitted from exact chart points. Other counts are rounded to 10,000 and shares to 0.1 percentage point. No intervening years are filled. Affiliated is a derived subtotal of the six religious groups and must not be added to them. Regions/world overlap with countries and must not be summed. Diversity ranks describe only the seven broad groups; a larger rank means less diversity, not less freedom.

Source: Pew Research Center: religious composition, 2010 and 2020

Other religions — population

180 thousand persons latest value, 2020

South Korea: Other religions — population2010: 350; 2020: 1800100200300400201020152020

Pew estimates for all ages in 2010 and 2020 from the same revised 2025 release. Harmonised census/survey religious identification, not practising believers. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist or without beliefs. Other religions include folk traditions, Sikhs, Jains, Baha’is and others. The 2026 appendix displays shares below 0.1% as <0.1%; the interactive table displays populations below 10,000 as <10,000; these are retained as bounds in dimensions.operator and omitted from exact chart points. Other counts are rounded to 10,000 and shares to 0.1 percentage point. No intervening years are filled. Affiliated is a derived subtotal of the six religious groups and must not be added to them. Regions/world overlap with countries and must not be summed. Diversity ranks describe only the seven broad groups; a larger rank means less diversity, not less freedom.

Source: Pew Research Center: religious composition, 2010 and 2020

Religious diversity — country rank

4 rank among 201 latest value, 2020

South Korea: Religious diversity — country rank2010: 2; 2020: 4012345201020152020

Pew estimates for all ages in 2010 and 2020 from the same revised 2025 release. Harmonised census/survey religious identification, not practising believers. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist or without beliefs. Other religions include folk traditions, Sikhs, Jains, Baha’is and others. The 2026 appendix displays shares below 0.1% as <0.1%; the interactive table displays populations below 10,000 as <10,000; these are retained as bounds in dimensions.operator and omitted from exact chart points. Other counts are rounded to 10,000 and shares to 0.1 percentage point. No intervening years are filled. Affiliated is a derived subtotal of the six religious groups and must not be added to them. Regions/world overlap with countries and must not be summed. Diversity ranks describe only the seven broad groups; a larger rank means less diversity, not less freedom.

Source: Pew Research Center: religious composition, 2010 and 2020

Religious diversity index

7.3 index points (0–10) latest value, 2020

South Korea: Religious diversity index2010: 7.7; 2020: 7.302468201020152020

Pew index, 0–10, based on seven broad groups. 10 means seven equal groups; 0 means everyone belongs to one group. Does not measure religious freedom, intensity of belief or conflict. Values below 0.1 are retained as bounds in the table. Pew estimates for all ages in 2010 and 2020 from the same revised 2025 release. Harmonised census/survey religious identification, not practising believers. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist or without beliefs. Other religions include folk traditions, Sikhs, Jains, Baha’is and others. The 2026 appendix displays shares below 0.1% as <0.1%; the interactive table displays populations below 10,000 as <10,000; these are retained as bounds in dimensions.operator and omitted from exact chart points. Other counts are rounded to 10,000 and shares to 0.1 percentage point. No intervening years are filled. Affiliated is a derived subtotal of the six religious groups and must not be added to them. Regions/world overlap with countries and must not be summed. Diversity ranks describe only the seven broad groups; a larger rank means less diversity, not less freedom.

Source: Pew Research Center: religious composition, 2010 and 2020

Religious composition: balance between two groups

8.8 index points (0–10) latest value, 2020

South Korea: Religious composition: balance between two groups2010: 8.8; 2020: 8.80246810201020152020

Pew index, 0–10, based on seven broad groups. 10 means two equal groups, which may be any two religions. It is not an affiliated/unaffiliated index. Does not measure religious freedom, intensity of belief or conflict. Values below 0.1 are retained as bounds in the table. Pew estimates for all ages in 2010 and 2020 from the same revised 2025 release. Harmonised census/survey religious identification, not practising believers. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist or without beliefs. Other religions include folk traditions, Sikhs, Jains, Baha’is and others. The 2026 appendix displays shares below 0.1% as <0.1%; the interactive table displays populations below 10,000 as <10,000; these are retained as bounds in dimensions.operator and omitted from exact chart points. Other counts are rounded to 10,000 and shares to 0.1 percentage point. No intervening years are filled. Affiliated is a derived subtotal of the six religious groups and must not be added to them. Regions/world overlap with countries and must not be summed. Diversity ranks describe only the seven broad groups; a larger rank means less diversity, not less freedom.

Source: Pew Research Center: religious composition, 2010 and 2020

Religiously affiliated — population share

51.7 % of population latest value, 2020

South Korea: Religiously affiliated — population share2010: 58.7; 2020: 51.70204060201020152020

Macroscope calculation: total population minus Unaffiliated. A subtotal of six religious groups, not an eighth group or a count of believers in God. Pew estimates for all ages in 2010 and 2020 from the same revised 2025 release. Harmonised census/survey religious identification, not practising believers. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist or without beliefs. Other religions include folk traditions, Sikhs, Jains, Baha’is and others. The 2026 appendix displays shares below 0.1% as <0.1%; the interactive table displays populations below 10,000 as <10,000; these are retained as bounds in dimensions.operator and omitted from exact chart points. Other counts are rounded to 10,000 and shares to 0.1 percentage point. No intervening years are filled. Affiliated is a derived subtotal of the six religious groups and must not be added to them. Regions/world overlap with countries and must not be summed. Diversity ranks describe only the seven broad groups; a larger rank means less diversity, not less freedom.

Source: Pew Research Center: religious composition, 2010 and 2020

Religiously affiliated — population

26,830 thousand persons latest value, 2020

South Korea: Religiously affiliated — population2010: 28,610; 2020: 26,830010,00020,00030,000201020152020

Macroscope calculation: total population minus Unaffiliated. A subtotal of six religious groups, not an eighth group or a count of believers in God. Pew estimates for all ages in 2010 and 2020 from the same revised 2025 release. Harmonised census/survey religious identification, not practising believers. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist or without beliefs. Other religions include folk traditions, Sikhs, Jains, Baha’is and others. The 2026 appendix displays shares below 0.1% as <0.1%; the interactive table displays populations below 10,000 as <10,000; these are retained as bounds in dimensions.operator and omitted from exact chart points. Other counts are rounded to 10,000 and shares to 0.1 percentage point. No intervening years are filled. Affiliated is a derived subtotal of the six religious groups and must not be added to them. Regions/world overlap with countries and must not be summed. Diversity ranks describe only the seven broad groups; a larger rank means less diversity, not less freedom.

Source: Pew Research Center: religious composition, 2010 and 2020

Religiously affiliated adults

51 % of adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Religiously affiliated adults2024: 51; 2024: 5102040602020

Pew weighted adult survey responses, rounded to integer percentages; surveyed countries are not a representative sample of the world. Most observations are from 2024; US animal/nature/object spirits and afterlife are from 2023, while affiliation, importance, prayer, attendance and spirituality beyond nature use the 2023–2024 RLS. The table retains the full survey period and English response wording. Affiliation, beliefs and practice are different concepts. Do not multiply adult percentages by all-age population; 100 minus affiliation does not identify atheists. Thirteen missing cells remain missing: 12 questions not asked in Tunisia and one Bangladesh response excluded after a translation error. Rounded zero is not evidence of no people; small differences are not declared significant without uncertainty estimates. Russian labels are Macroscope’s and have not been reviewed or endorsed by Pew.

Source: Pew Research Center: beliefs and practices, 2023–2024 surveys

Religion is very important in life

18 % of adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Religion is very important in life2024: 18; 2024: 18051015202020

Pew weighted adult survey responses, rounded to integer percentages; surveyed countries are not a representative sample of the world. Most observations are from 2024; US animal/nature/object spirits and afterlife are from 2023, while affiliation, importance, prayer, attendance and spirituality beyond nature use the 2023–2024 RLS. The table retains the full survey period and English response wording. Affiliation, beliefs and practice are different concepts. Do not multiply adult percentages by all-age population; 100 minus affiliation does not identify atheists. Thirteen missing cells remain missing: 12 questions not asked in Tunisia and one Bangladesh response excluded after a translation error. Rounded zero is not evidence of no people; small differences are not declared significant without uncertainty estimates. Russian labels are Macroscope’s and have not been reviewed or endorsed by Pew.

Source: Pew Research Center: beliefs and practices, 2023–2024 surveys

Belief in God

47 % of adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Belief in God2024: 47; 2024: 47010203040502020

Pew weighted adult survey responses, rounded to integer percentages; surveyed countries are not a representative sample of the world. Most observations are from 2024; US animal/nature/object spirits and afterlife are from 2023, while affiliation, importance, prayer, attendance and spirituality beyond nature use the 2023–2024 RLS. The table retains the full survey period and English response wording. Affiliation, beliefs and practice are different concepts. Do not multiply adult percentages by all-age population; 100 minus affiliation does not identify atheists. Thirteen missing cells remain missing: 12 questions not asked in Tunisia and one Bangladesh response excluded after a translation error. Rounded zero is not evidence of no people; small differences are not declared significant without uncertainty estimates. Russian labels are Macroscope’s and have not been reviewed or endorsed by Pew.

Source: Pew Research Center: beliefs and practices, 2023–2024 surveys

Animals can have spirits or spiritual energies

42 % of adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Animals can have spirits or spiritual energies2024: 42; 2024: 42010203040502020

Pew weighted adult survey responses, rounded to integer percentages; surveyed countries are not a representative sample of the world. Most observations are from 2024; US animal/nature/object spirits and afterlife are from 2023, while affiliation, importance, prayer, attendance and spirituality beyond nature use the 2023–2024 RLS. The table retains the full survey period and English response wording. Affiliation, beliefs and practice are different concepts. Do not multiply adult percentages by all-age population; 100 minus affiliation does not identify atheists. Thirteen missing cells remain missing: 12 questions not asked in Tunisia and one Bangladesh response excluded after a translation error. Rounded zero is not evidence of no people; small differences are not declared significant without uncertainty estimates. Russian labels are Macroscope’s and have not been reviewed or endorsed by Pew.

Source: Pew Research Center: beliefs and practices, 2023–2024 surveys

Nature can have spirits or spiritual energies

36 % of adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Nature can have spirits or spiritual energies2024: 36; 2024: 360102030402020

Pew weighted adult survey responses, rounded to integer percentages; surveyed countries are not a representative sample of the world. Most observations are from 2024; US animal/nature/object spirits and afterlife are from 2023, while affiliation, importance, prayer, attendance and spirituality beyond nature use the 2023–2024 RLS. The table retains the full survey period and English response wording. Affiliation, beliefs and practice are different concepts. Do not multiply adult percentages by all-age population; 100 minus affiliation does not identify atheists. Thirteen missing cells remain missing: 12 questions not asked in Tunisia and one Bangladesh response excluded after a translation error. Rounded zero is not evidence of no people; small differences are not declared significant without uncertainty estimates. Russian labels are Macroscope’s and have not been reviewed or endorsed by Pew.

Source: Pew Research Center: beliefs and practices, 2023–2024 surveys

Objects can have spirits or spiritual energies

14 % of adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Objects can have spirits or spiritual energies2024: 14; 2024: 140510152020

Pew weighted adult survey responses, rounded to integer percentages; surveyed countries are not a representative sample of the world. Most observations are from 2024; US animal/nature/object spirits and afterlife are from 2023, while affiliation, importance, prayer, attendance and spirituality beyond nature use the 2023–2024 RLS. The table retains the full survey period and English response wording. Affiliation, beliefs and practice are different concepts. Do not multiply adult percentages by all-age population; 100 minus affiliation does not identify atheists. Thirteen missing cells remain missing: 12 questions not asked in Tunisia and one Bangladesh response excluded after a translation error. Rounded zero is not evidence of no people; small differences are not declared significant without uncertainty estimates. Russian labels are Macroscope’s and have not been reviewed or endorsed by Pew.

Source: Pew Research Center: beliefs and practices, 2023–2024 surveys

Something spiritual beyond the natural world

43 % of adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Something spiritual beyond the natural world2024: 43; 2024: 43010203040502020

Pew weighted adult survey responses, rounded to integer percentages; surveyed countries are not a representative sample of the world. Most observations are from 2024; US animal/nature/object spirits and afterlife are from 2023, while affiliation, importance, prayer, attendance and spirituality beyond nature use the 2023–2024 RLS. The table retains the full survey period and English response wording. Affiliation, beliefs and practice are different concepts. Do not multiply adult percentages by all-age population; 100 minus affiliation does not identify atheists. Thirteen missing cells remain missing: 12 questions not asked in Tunisia and one Bangladesh response excluded after a translation error. Rounded zero is not evidence of no people; small differences are not declared significant without uncertainty estimates. Russian labels are Macroscope’s and have not been reviewed or endorsed by Pew.

Source: Pew Research Center: beliefs and practices, 2023–2024 surveys

Definitely or probably life after death

52 % of adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Definitely or probably life after death2024: 52; 2024: 5202040602020

Pew weighted adult survey responses, rounded to integer percentages; surveyed countries are not a representative sample of the world. Most observations are from 2024; US animal/nature/object spirits and afterlife are from 2023, while affiliation, importance, prayer, attendance and spirituality beyond nature use the 2023–2024 RLS. The table retains the full survey period and English response wording. Affiliation, beliefs and practice are different concepts. Do not multiply adult percentages by all-age population; 100 minus affiliation does not identify atheists. Thirteen missing cells remain missing: 12 questions not asked in Tunisia and one Bangladesh response excluded after a translation error. Rounded zero is not evidence of no people; small differences are not declared significant without uncertainty estimates. Russian labels are Macroscope’s and have not been reviewed or endorsed by Pew.

Source: Pew Research Center: beliefs and practices, 2023–2024 surveys

Ancestors’ spirits can help or hurt

28 % of adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Ancestors’ spirits can help or hurt2024: 28; 2024: 2801020302020

Pew weighted adult survey responses, rounded to integer percentages; surveyed countries are not a representative sample of the world. Most observations are from 2024; US animal/nature/object spirits and afterlife are from 2023, while affiliation, importance, prayer, attendance and spirituality beyond nature use the 2023–2024 RLS. The table retains the full survey period and English response wording. Affiliation, beliefs and practice are different concepts. Do not multiply adult percentages by all-age population; 100 minus affiliation does not identify atheists. Thirteen missing cells remain missing: 12 questions not asked in Tunisia and one Bangladesh response excluded after a translation error. Rounded zero is not evidence of no people; small differences are not declared significant without uncertainty estimates. Russian labels are Macroscope’s and have not been reviewed or endorsed by Pew.

Source: Pew Research Center: beliefs and practices, 2023–2024 surveys

Belief in reincarnation

24 % of adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Belief in reincarnation2024: 24; 2024: 2405101520252020

Pew weighted adult survey responses, rounded to integer percentages; surveyed countries are not a representative sample of the world. Most observations are from 2024; US animal/nature/object spirits and afterlife are from 2023, while affiliation, importance, prayer, attendance and spirituality beyond nature use the 2023–2024 RLS. The table retains the full survey period and English response wording. Affiliation, beliefs and practice are different concepts. Do not multiply adult percentages by all-age population; 100 minus affiliation does not identify atheists. Thirteen missing cells remain missing: 12 questions not asked in Tunisia and one Bangladesh response excluded after a translation error. Rounded zero is not evidence of no people; small differences are not declared significant without uncertainty estimates. Russian labels are Macroscope’s and have not been reviewed or endorsed by Pew.

Source: Pew Research Center: beliefs and practices, 2023–2024 surveys

Belief that magic and curses affect lives

28 % of adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Belief that magic and curses affect lives2024: 28; 2024: 2801020302020

Pew weighted adult survey responses, rounded to integer percentages; surveyed countries are not a representative sample of the world. Most observations are from 2024; US animal/nature/object spirits and afterlife are from 2023, while affiliation, importance, prayer, attendance and spirituality beyond nature use the 2023–2024 RLS. The table retains the full survey period and English response wording. Affiliation, beliefs and practice are different concepts. Do not multiply adult percentages by all-age population; 100 minus affiliation does not identify atheists. Thirteen missing cells remain missing: 12 questions not asked in Tunisia and one Bangladesh response excluded after a translation error. Rounded zero is not evidence of no people; small differences are not declared significant without uncertainty estimates. Russian labels are Macroscope’s and have not been reviewed or endorsed by Pew.

Source: Pew Research Center: beliefs and practices, 2023–2024 surveys

Prayer at least daily

25 % of adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Prayer at least daily2024: 25; 2024: 250510152025302020

Pew weighted adult survey responses, rounded to integer percentages; surveyed countries are not a representative sample of the world. Most observations are from 2024; US animal/nature/object spirits and afterlife are from 2023, while affiliation, importance, prayer, attendance and spirituality beyond nature use the 2023–2024 RLS. The table retains the full survey period and English response wording. Affiliation, beliefs and practice are different concepts. Do not multiply adult percentages by all-age population; 100 minus affiliation does not identify atheists. Thirteen missing cells remain missing: 12 questions not asked in Tunisia and one Bangladesh response excluded after a translation error. Rounded zero is not evidence of no people; small differences are not declared significant without uncertainty estimates. Russian labels are Macroscope’s and have not been reviewed or endorsed by Pew.

Source: Pew Research Center: beliefs and practices, 2023–2024 surveys

Religious services at least monthly

35 % of adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Religious services at least monthly2024: 35; 2024: 350102030402020

Pew weighted adult survey responses, rounded to integer percentages; surveyed countries are not a representative sample of the world. Most observations are from 2024; US animal/nature/object spirits and afterlife are from 2023, while affiliation, importance, prayer, attendance and spirituality beyond nature use the 2023–2024 RLS. The table retains the full survey period and English response wording. Affiliation, beliefs and practice are different concepts. Do not multiply adult percentages by all-age population; 100 minus affiliation does not identify atheists. Thirteen missing cells remain missing: 12 questions not asked in Tunisia and one Bangladesh response excluded after a translation error. Rounded zero is not evidence of no people; small differences are not declared significant without uncertainty estimates. Russian labels are Macroscope’s and have not been reviewed or endorsed by Pew.

Source: Pew Research Center: beliefs and practices, 2023–2024 surveys

Fasting during holy times

13 % of adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Fasting during holy times2024: 13; 2024: 130510152020

Pew weighted adult survey responses, rounded to integer percentages; surveyed countries are not a representative sample of the world. Most observations are from 2024; US animal/nature/object spirits and afterlife are from 2023, while affiliation, importance, prayer, attendance and spirituality beyond nature use the 2023–2024 RLS. The table retains the full survey period and English response wording. Affiliation, beliefs and practice are different concepts. Do not multiply adult percentages by all-age population; 100 minus affiliation does not identify atheists. Thirteen missing cells remain missing: 12 questions not asked in Tunisia and one Bangladesh response excluded after a translation error. Rounded zero is not evidence of no people; small differences are not declared significant without uncertainty estimates. Russian labels are Macroscope’s and have not been reviewed or endorsed by Pew.

Source: Pew Research Center: beliefs and practices, 2023–2024 surveys

Consulting fortune tellers or horoscopes

20 % of adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Consulting fortune tellers or horoscopes2024: 20; 2024: 2005101520252020

Pew weighted adult survey responses, rounded to integer percentages; surveyed countries are not a representative sample of the world. Most observations are from 2024; US animal/nature/object spirits and afterlife are from 2023, while affiliation, importance, prayer, attendance and spirituality beyond nature use the 2023–2024 RLS. The table retains the full survey period and English response wording. Affiliation, beliefs and practice are different concepts. Do not multiply adult percentages by all-age population; 100 minus affiliation does not identify atheists. Thirteen missing cells remain missing: 12 questions not asked in Tunisia and one Bangladesh response excluded after a translation error. Rounded zero is not evidence of no people; small differences are not declared significant without uncertainty estimates. Russian labels are Macroscope’s and have not been reviewed or endorsed by Pew.

Source: Pew Research Center: beliefs and practices, 2023–2024 surveys

Lighting candles or incense for spiritual reasons

20 % of adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Lighting candles or incense for spiritual reasons2024: 20; 2024: 2005101520252020

Pew weighted adult survey responses, rounded to integer percentages; surveyed countries are not a representative sample of the world. Most observations are from 2024; US animal/nature/object spirits and afterlife are from 2023, while affiliation, importance, prayer, attendance and spirituality beyond nature use the 2023–2024 RLS. The table retains the full survey period and English response wording. Affiliation, beliefs and practice are different concepts. Do not multiply adult percentages by all-age population; 100 minus affiliation does not identify atheists. Thirteen missing cells remain missing: 12 questions not asked in Tunisia and one Bangladesh response excluded after a translation error. Rounded zero is not evidence of no people; small differences are not declared significant without uncertainty estimates. Russian labels are Macroscope’s and have not been reviewed or endorsed by Pew.

Source: Pew Research Center: beliefs and practices, 2023–2024 surveys

Wearing or carrying religious items or symbols

19 % of adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Wearing or carrying religious items or symbols2024: 19; 2024: 19051015202020

Pew weighted adult survey responses, rounded to integer percentages; surveyed countries are not a representative sample of the world. Most observations are from 2024; US animal/nature/object spirits and afterlife are from 2023, while affiliation, importance, prayer, attendance and spirituality beyond nature use the 2023–2024 RLS. The table retains the full survey period and English response wording. Affiliation, beliefs and practice are different concepts. Do not multiply adult percentages by all-age population; 100 minus affiliation does not identify atheists. Thirteen missing cells remain missing: 12 questions not asked in Tunisia and one Bangladesh response excluded after a translation error. Rounded zero is not evidence of no people; small differences are not declared significant without uncertainty estimates. Russian labels are Macroscope’s and have not been reviewed or endorsed by Pew.

Source: Pew Research Center: beliefs and practices, 2023–2024 surveys

Government restrictions on religion

2.5 index points (0–10) latest value, 2023

South Korea: Government restrictions on religion2023: 2.5; 2023: 2.500.511.522.532020

Pew coding of published materials for 2023, 198 countries and territories. Scores from 0 to 10, not population percentages. GRI covers government restrictions; SHI covers hostile acts by private individuals and groups. They measure different things and must not be summed. North Korea is not scored due to insufficient reliable observations; missing is not no restrictions. Released June 15, 2026.

Source: Pew Research Center: religious restrictions and social hostilities

Social hostilities involving religion

2.6 index points (0–10) latest value, 2023

South Korea: Social hostilities involving religion2023: 2.6; 2023: 2.601232020

Pew coding of published materials for 2023, 198 countries and territories. Scores from 0 to 10, not population percentages. GRI covers government restrictions; SHI covers hostile acts by private individuals and groups. They measure different things and must not be summed. North Korea is not scored due to insufficient reliable observations; missing is not no restrictions. Released June 15, 2026.

Source: Pew Research Center: religious restrictions and social hostilities

Catholicism: retained since childhood

3 % of all adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Catholicism: retained since childhood2024: 3; 2024: 3012342020

Percentages of ALL adults in each country, surveyed in 2024 (US 2023–2024), published April 23, 2026. Raised, remained, left and joined compare childhood with current identity, not annual flows. Categories overlap: retained affiliation is included in raised. Rounded numbers must not be added to reconstruct current Catholic/Protestant shares. Rounded zero does not mean no people; differences are not declared statistically significant.

Source: Pew Research Center: Catholic and Protestant switching since childhood

Catholicism: left since childhood

4 % of all adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Catholicism: left since childhood2024: 4; 2024: 40123452020

Percentages of ALL adults in each country, surveyed in 2024 (US 2023–2024), published April 23, 2026. Raised, remained, left and joined compare childhood with current identity, not annual flows. Categories overlap: retained affiliation is included in raised. Rounded numbers must not be added to reconstruct current Catholic/Protestant shares. Rounded zero does not mean no people; differences are not declared statistically significant.

Source: Pew Research Center: Catholic and Protestant switching since childhood

Catholicism: raised in the tradition

7 % of all adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Catholicism: raised in the tradition2024: 7; 2024: 7024682020

Percentages of ALL adults in each country, surveyed in 2024 (US 2023–2024), published April 23, 2026. Raised, remained, left and joined compare childhood with current identity, not annual flows. Categories overlap: retained affiliation is included in raised. Rounded numbers must not be added to reconstruct current Catholic/Protestant shares. Rounded zero does not mean no people; differences are not declared statistically significant.

Source: Pew Research Center: Catholic and Protestant switching since childhood

Catholicism: joined since childhood

5 % of all adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Catholicism: joined since childhood2024: 5; 2024: 501234562020

Percentages of ALL adults in each country, surveyed in 2024 (US 2023–2024), published April 23, 2026. Raised, remained, left and joined compare childhood with current identity, not annual flows. Categories overlap: retained affiliation is included in raised. Rounded numbers must not be added to reconstruct current Catholic/Protestant shares. Rounded zero does not mean no people; differences are not declared statistically significant.

Source: Pew Research Center: Catholic and Protestant switching since childhood

Protestantism: retained since childhood

15 % of all adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Protestantism: retained since childhood2024: 15; 2024: 15051015202020

Percentages of ALL adults in each country, surveyed in 2024 (US 2023–2024), published April 23, 2026. Raised, remained, left and joined compare childhood with current identity, not annual flows. Categories overlap: retained affiliation is included in raised. Rounded numbers must not be added to reconstruct current Catholic/Protestant shares. Rounded zero does not mean no people; differences are not declared statistically significant.

Source: Pew Research Center: Catholic and Protestant switching since childhood

Protestantism: left since childhood

16 % of all adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Protestantism: left since childhood2024: 16; 2024: 16051015202020

Percentages of ALL adults in each country, surveyed in 2024 (US 2023–2024), published April 23, 2026. Raised, remained, left and joined compare childhood with current identity, not annual flows. Categories overlap: retained affiliation is included in raised. Rounded numbers must not be added to reconstruct current Catholic/Protestant shares. Rounded zero does not mean no people; differences are not declared statistically significant.

Source: Pew Research Center: Catholic and Protestant switching since childhood

Protestantism: raised in the tradition

31 % of all adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Protestantism: raised in the tradition2024: 31; 2024: 310102030402020

Percentages of ALL adults in each country, surveyed in 2024 (US 2023–2024), published April 23, 2026. Raised, remained, left and joined compare childhood with current identity, not annual flows. Categories overlap: retained affiliation is included in raised. Rounded numbers must not be added to reconstruct current Catholic/Protestant shares. Rounded zero does not mean no people; differences are not declared statistically significant.

Source: Pew Research Center: Catholic and Protestant switching since childhood

Protestantism: joined since childhood

10 % of all adults latest value, 2024

South Korea: Protestantism: joined since childhood2024: 10; 2024: 100246810122020

Percentages of ALL adults in each country, surveyed in 2024 (US 2023–2024), published April 23, 2026. Raised, remained, left and joined compare childhood with current identity, not annual flows. Categories overlap: retained affiliation is included in raised. Rounded numbers must not be added to reconstruct current Catholic/Protestant shares. Rounded zero does not mean no people; differences are not declared statistically significant.

Source: Pew Research Center: Catholic and Protestant switching since childhood

Christians among immigrants — share

17.8 % of migrants latest value, 2020

South Korea: Christians among immigrants — share1990: 36.6; 2020: 17.80102030401990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Christians among immigrants — population

310 thousand persons latest value, 2020

South Korea: Christians among immigrants — population1990: 20; 2020: 31001002003004001990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Muslims among immigrants — share

8.9 % of migrants latest value, 2020

South Korea: Muslims among immigrants — share1990: 3.3; 2020: 8.9051015201990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Muslims among immigrants — population

150 thousand persons latest value, 2020

South Korea: Muslims among immigrants — population1995: 20; 2020: 150050100150200199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Religiously unaffiliated among immigrants — share

42.3 % of migrants latest value, 2020

South Korea: Religiously unaffiliated among immigrants — share1990: 50.9; 2020: 42.302040601990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Religiously unaffiliated among immigrants — population

730 thousand persons latest value, 2020

South Korea: Religiously unaffiliated among immigrants — population1990: 20; 2020: 73002004006008001990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Buddhists among immigrants — share

22.7 % of migrants latest value, 2020

South Korea: Buddhists among immigrants — share1990: 6.9; 2020: 22.705101520251990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Buddhists among immigrants — population

390 thousand persons latest value, 2020

South Korea: Buddhists among immigrants — population1995: 10; 2020: 3900100200300400199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Hindus among immigrants — share

2.8 % of migrants latest value, 2020

South Korea: Hindus among immigrants — share1990: 0.7; 2020: 2.801231990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Hindus among immigrants — population

50 thousand persons latest value, 2020

South Korea: Hindus among immigrants — population2010: 20; 2020: 500102030405060201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Jews among immigrants — share

0.1 % of migrants latest value, 2020

South Korea: Jews among immigrants — share1990: 0.6; 2020: 0.100.20.40.61990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Other religions among immigrants — share

5.5 % of migrants latest value, 2020

South Korea: Other religions among immigrants — share1990: 1.1; 2020: 5.502461990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Other religions among immigrants — population

90 thousand persons latest value, 2020

South Korea: Other religions among immigrants — population2005: 20; 2020: 900204060801002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Christians among emigrants — share

52.5 % of migrants latest value, 2020

South Korea: Christians among emigrants — share1990: 42.8; 2020: 52.502040601990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Christians among emigrants — population

1,250 thousand persons latest value, 2020

South Korea: Christians among emigrants — population1990: 690; 2020: 1,25005001,0001,5001990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Muslims among emigrants — share

0.2 % of migrants latest value, 2020

South Korea: Muslims among emigrants — share1990: 0.2; 2020: 0.200.10.10.20.20.31990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Religiously unaffiliated among emigrants — share

37.8 % of migrants latest value, 2020

South Korea: Religiously unaffiliated among emigrants — share1990: 46.3; 2020: 37.8010203040501990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Religiously unaffiliated among emigrants — population

900 thousand persons latest value, 2020

South Korea: Religiously unaffiliated among emigrants — population1990: 750; 2020: 90002004006008001,0001990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Buddhists among emigrants — share

8.8 % of migrants latest value, 2020

South Korea: Buddhists among emigrants — share1990: 9.9; 2020: 8.802468101990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Buddhists among emigrants — population

210 thousand persons latest value, 2020

South Korea: Buddhists among emigrants — population1990: 160; 2020: 2100501001502002501990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Hindus among emigrants — share

0 % of migrants latest value, 2020

South Korea: Hindus among emigrants — share1990: 0; 2020: 0011990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Jews among emigrants — share

0.1 % of migrants latest value, 2020

South Korea: Jews among emigrants — share1990: 0.1; 2020: 0.10000.10.10.10.11990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Other religions among emigrants — share

0.5 % of migrants latest value, 2020

South Korea: Other religions among emigrants — share1990: 0.7; 2020: 0.500.20.40.60.81990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Other religions among emigrants — population

10 thousand persons latest value, 2020

South Korea: Other religions among emigrants — population1990: 10; 2020: 100246810121990199520002005201020152020

Pew 2024 estimates of international migrant stocks at seven dates, 1990–2020. Incoming means migrants living in a country; Outgoing means people from that country living abroad. These are not annual flows or shares of all residents. Based on international migrant data and estimates of religious composition, not a census of practising believers. Incoming and Outgoing overlap; world totals must not be added to countries. Counts are rounded to 10,000; smaller counts remain <10,000 bounds and are omitted from exact chart points. Shares use migrants in the same direction as denominator, rounded to 0.1 percentage point; 0.0% does not establish absence. Shares for 22 Incoming records with zero total are undefined and omitted. Vatican City Incoming is missing. Unaffiliated does not mean atheist. This release is not spliced with the revised 2025 all-population estimates.

Source: Pew Research Center: religion of international migrants

Religion very important: WVS

10.3 % of all weighted respondents latest value, 2018

South Korea: Religion very important: WVS2018: 10.3; 2018: 10.30510152015

WVS7 published tables of Joint EVS/WVS v5.0.0, 66 country/territory samples, 2017–2023. Separate EVS samples are excluded to avoid duplication. Percentages use the full weighted sample, including do-not-know, refusal and other missing responses in the denominator; this differs from EVS valid percentages. gwght retains the original national WVS weights, not population-size country weights. The weighted TOTAL is retained and is not the actual interview count. F034/Q173 distinguishes a religious person, a non-religious person and an atheist; the original WVS response does not say “convinced” although the joint harmonized heading does. Affiliation, self-description and belief are distinct questions; there is no separate agnostic category. The year is the survey reference year from the year variable, not the publication year; India is 2023. Great Britain and Northern Ireland remain separate regions. Published dashes remain unprinted cells, not exact zeros. No confidence intervals or representative global aggregate are available in these tables. Source: EVS/WVS (2024), Joint EVS/WVS 2017–2022 Dataset v5.0.0, doi:10.4232/1.14320; tables dated 2024-06-30; WVS7 v6.0, doi:10.14281/18241.24. Selected published aggregates for non-commercial analysis; original microdata are not redistributed.

Source: WVS7: public EVS/WVS tables

Religion not at all important: WVS

16.4 % of all weighted respondents latest value, 2018

South Korea: Religion not at all important: WVS2018: 16.4; 2018: 16.4051015202015

WVS7 published tables of Joint EVS/WVS v5.0.0, 66 country/territory samples, 2017–2023. Separate EVS samples are excluded to avoid duplication. Percentages use the full weighted sample, including do-not-know, refusal and other missing responses in the denominator; this differs from EVS valid percentages. gwght retains the original national WVS weights, not population-size country weights. The weighted TOTAL is retained and is not the actual interview count. F034/Q173 distinguishes a religious person, a non-religious person and an atheist; the original WVS response does not say “convinced” although the joint harmonized heading does. Affiliation, self-description and belief are distinct questions; there is no separate agnostic category. The year is the survey reference year from the year variable, not the publication year; India is 2023. Great Britain and Northern Ireland remain separate regions. Published dashes remain unprinted cells, not exact zeros. No confidence intervals or representative global aggregate are available in these tables. Source: EVS/WVS (2024), Joint EVS/WVS 2017–2022 Dataset v5.0.0, doi:10.4232/1.14320; tables dated 2024-06-30; WVS7 v6.0, doi:10.14281/18241.24. Selected published aggregates for non-commercial analysis; original microdata are not redistributed.

Source: WVS7: public EVS/WVS tables

Never attend services: WVS

52.2 % of all weighted respondents latest value, 2018

South Korea: Never attend services: WVS2018: 52.2; 2018: 52.202040602015

WVS7 published tables of Joint EVS/WVS v5.0.0, 66 country/territory samples, 2017–2023. Separate EVS samples are excluded to avoid duplication. Percentages use the full weighted sample, including do-not-know, refusal and other missing responses in the denominator; this differs from EVS valid percentages. gwght retains the original national WVS weights, not population-size country weights. The weighted TOTAL is retained and is not the actual interview count. F034/Q173 distinguishes a religious person, a non-religious person and an atheist; the original WVS response does not say “convinced” although the joint harmonized heading does. Affiliation, self-description and belief are distinct questions; there is no separate agnostic category. The year is the survey reference year from the year variable, not the publication year; India is 2023. Great Britain and Northern Ireland remain separate regions. Published dashes remain unprinted cells, not exact zeros. No confidence intervals or representative global aggregate are available in these tables. Source: EVS/WVS (2024), Joint EVS/WVS 2017–2022 Dataset v5.0.0, doi:10.4232/1.14320; tables dated 2024-06-30; WVS7 v6.0, doi:10.14281/18241.24. Selected published aggregates for non-commercial analysis; original microdata are not redistributed.

Source: WVS7: public EVS/WVS tables

Never pray: WVS

47.7 % of all weighted respondents latest value, 2018

South Korea: Never pray: WVS2018: 47.7; 2018: 47.7010203040502015

WVS7 published tables of Joint EVS/WVS v5.0.0, 66 country/territory samples, 2017–2023. Separate EVS samples are excluded to avoid duplication. Percentages use the full weighted sample, including do-not-know, refusal and other missing responses in the denominator; this differs from EVS valid percentages. gwght retains the original national WVS weights, not population-size country weights. The weighted TOTAL is retained and is not the actual interview count. F034/Q173 distinguishes a religious person, a non-religious person and an atheist; the original WVS response does not say “convinced” although the joint harmonized heading does. Affiliation, self-description and belief are distinct questions; there is no separate agnostic category. The year is the survey reference year from the year variable, not the publication year; India is 2023. Great Britain and Northern Ireland remain separate regions. Published dashes remain unprinted cells, not exact zeros. No confidence intervals or representative global aggregate are available in these tables. Source: EVS/WVS (2024), Joint EVS/WVS 2017–2022 Dataset v5.0.0, doi:10.4232/1.14320; tables dated 2024-06-30; WVS7 v6.0, doi:10.14281/18241.24. Selected published aggregates for non-commercial analysis; original microdata are not redistributed.

Source: WVS7: public EVS/WVS tables

Identify as religious: WVS

16.1 % of all weighted respondents latest value, 2018

South Korea: Identify as religious: WVS2018: 16.1; 2018: 16.1051015202015

WVS7 published tables of Joint EVS/WVS v5.0.0, 66 country/territory samples, 2017–2023. Separate EVS samples are excluded to avoid duplication. Percentages use the full weighted sample, including do-not-know, refusal and other missing responses in the denominator; this differs from EVS valid percentages. gwght retains the original national WVS weights, not population-size country weights. The weighted TOTAL is retained and is not the actual interview count. F034/Q173 distinguishes a religious person, a non-religious person and an atheist; the original WVS response does not say “convinced” although the joint harmonized heading does. Affiliation, self-description and belief are distinct questions; there is no separate agnostic category. The year is the survey reference year from the year variable, not the publication year; India is 2023. Great Britain and Northern Ireland remain separate regions. Published dashes remain unprinted cells, not exact zeros. No confidence intervals or representative global aggregate are available in these tables. Source: EVS/WVS (2024), Joint EVS/WVS 2017–2022 Dataset v5.0.0, doi:10.4232/1.14320; tables dated 2024-06-30; WVS7 v6.0, doi:10.14281/18241.24. Selected published aggregates for non-commercial analysis; original microdata are not redistributed.

Source: WVS7: public EVS/WVS tables

Identify as non-religious: WVS

29 % of all weighted respondents latest value, 2018

South Korea: Identify as non-religious: WVS2018: 29; 2018: 2901020302015

WVS7 published tables of Joint EVS/WVS v5.0.0, 66 country/territory samples, 2017–2023. Separate EVS samples are excluded to avoid duplication. Percentages use the full weighted sample, including do-not-know, refusal and other missing responses in the denominator; this differs from EVS valid percentages. gwght retains the original national WVS weights, not population-size country weights. The weighted TOTAL is retained and is not the actual interview count. F034/Q173 distinguishes a religious person, a non-religious person and an atheist; the original WVS response does not say “convinced” although the joint harmonized heading does. Affiliation, self-description and belief are distinct questions; there is no separate agnostic category. The year is the survey reference year from the year variable, not the publication year; India is 2023. Great Britain and Northern Ireland remain separate regions. Published dashes remain unprinted cells, not exact zeros. No confidence intervals or representative global aggregate are available in these tables. Source: EVS/WVS (2024), Joint EVS/WVS 2017–2022 Dataset v5.0.0, doi:10.4232/1.14320; tables dated 2024-06-30; WVS7 v6.0, doi:10.14281/18241.24. Selected published aggregates for non-commercial analysis; original microdata are not redistributed.

Source: WVS7: public EVS/WVS tables

Identify as atheists: WVS

54.9 % of all weighted respondents latest value, 2018

South Korea: Identify as atheists: WVS2018: 54.9; 2018: 54.902040602015

WVS7 published tables of Joint EVS/WVS v5.0.0, 66 country/territory samples, 2017–2023. Separate EVS samples are excluded to avoid duplication. Percentages use the full weighted sample, including do-not-know, refusal and other missing responses in the denominator; this differs from EVS valid percentages. gwght retains the original national WVS weights, not population-size country weights. The weighted TOTAL is retained and is not the actual interview count. F034/Q173 distinguishes a religious person, a non-religious person and an atheist; the original WVS response does not say “convinced” although the joint harmonized heading does. Affiliation, self-description and belief are distinct questions; there is no separate agnostic category. The year is the survey reference year from the year variable, not the publication year; India is 2023. Great Britain and Northern Ireland remain separate regions. Published dashes remain unprinted cells, not exact zeros. No confidence intervals or representative global aggregate are available in these tables. Source: EVS/WVS (2024), Joint EVS/WVS 2017–2022 Dataset v5.0.0, doi:10.4232/1.14320; tables dated 2024-06-30; WVS7 v6.0, doi:10.14281/18241.24. Selected published aggregates for non-commercial analysis; original microdata are not redistributed.

Source: WVS7: public EVS/WVS tables

Do not believe in God: WVS

59.4 % of all weighted respondents latest value, 2018

South Korea: Do not believe in God: WVS2018: 59.4; 2018: 59.402040602015

WVS7 published tables of Joint EVS/WVS v5.0.0, 66 country/territory samples, 2017–2023. Separate EVS samples are excluded to avoid duplication. Percentages use the full weighted sample, including do-not-know, refusal and other missing responses in the denominator; this differs from EVS valid percentages. gwght retains the original national WVS weights, not population-size country weights. The weighted TOTAL is retained and is not the actual interview count. F034/Q173 distinguishes a religious person, a non-religious person and an atheist; the original WVS response does not say “convinced” although the joint harmonized heading does. Affiliation, self-description and belief are distinct questions; there is no separate agnostic category. The year is the survey reference year from the year variable, not the publication year; India is 2023. Great Britain and Northern Ireland remain separate regions. Published dashes remain unprinted cells, not exact zeros. No confidence intervals or representative global aggregate are available in these tables. Source: EVS/WVS (2024), Joint EVS/WVS 2017–2022 Dataset v5.0.0, doi:10.4232/1.14320; tables dated 2024-06-30; WVS7 v6.0, doi:10.14281/18241.24. Selected published aggregates for non-commercial analysis; original microdata are not redistributed.

Source: WVS7: public EVS/WVS tables

Believe in God: WVS

40.6 % of all weighted respondents latest value, 2018

South Korea: Believe in God: WVS2018: 40.6; 2018: 40.6010203040502015

WVS7 published tables of Joint EVS/WVS v5.0.0, 66 country/territory samples, 2017–2023. Separate EVS samples are excluded to avoid duplication. Percentages use the full weighted sample, including do-not-know, refusal and other missing responses in the denominator; this differs from EVS valid percentages. gwght retains the original national WVS weights, not population-size country weights. The weighted TOTAL is retained and is not the actual interview count. F034/Q173 distinguishes a religious person, a non-religious person and an atheist; the original WVS response does not say “convinced” although the joint harmonized heading does. Affiliation, self-description and belief are distinct questions; there is no separate agnostic category. The year is the survey reference year from the year variable, not the publication year; India is 2023. Great Britain and Northern Ireland remain separate regions. Published dashes remain unprinted cells, not exact zeros. No confidence intervals or representative global aggregate are available in these tables. Source: EVS/WVS (2024), Joint EVS/WVS 2017–2022 Dataset v5.0.0, doi:10.4232/1.14320; tables dated 2024-06-30; WVS7 v6.0, doi:10.14281/18241.24. Selected published aggregates for non-commercial analysis; original microdata are not redistributed.

Source: WVS7: public EVS/WVS tables

Believe in life after death: WVS

33.7 % of all weighted respondents latest value, 2018

South Korea: Believe in life after death: WVS2018: 33.7; 2018: 33.70102030402015

WVS7 published tables of Joint EVS/WVS v5.0.0, 66 country/territory samples, 2017–2023. Separate EVS samples are excluded to avoid duplication. Percentages use the full weighted sample, including do-not-know, refusal and other missing responses in the denominator; this differs from EVS valid percentages. gwght retains the original national WVS weights, not population-size country weights. The weighted TOTAL is retained and is not the actual interview count. F034/Q173 distinguishes a religious person, a non-religious person and an atheist; the original WVS response does not say “convinced” although the joint harmonized heading does. Affiliation, self-description and belief are distinct questions; there is no separate agnostic category. The year is the survey reference year from the year variable, not the publication year; India is 2023. Great Britain and Northern Ireland remain separate regions. Published dashes remain unprinted cells, not exact zeros. No confidence intervals or representative global aggregate are available in these tables. Source: EVS/WVS (2024), Joint EVS/WVS 2017–2022 Dataset v5.0.0, doi:10.4232/1.14320; tables dated 2024-06-30; WVS7 v6.0, doi:10.14281/18241.24. Selected published aggregates for non-commercial analysis; original microdata are not redistributed.

Source: WVS7: public EVS/WVS tables

Believe in hell: WVS

31.6 % of all weighted respondents latest value, 2018

South Korea: Believe in hell: WVS2018: 31.6; 2018: 31.60102030402015

WVS7 published tables of Joint EVS/WVS v5.0.0, 66 country/territory samples, 2017–2023. Separate EVS samples are excluded to avoid duplication. Percentages use the full weighted sample, including do-not-know, refusal and other missing responses in the denominator; this differs from EVS valid percentages. gwght retains the original national WVS weights, not population-size country weights. The weighted TOTAL is retained and is not the actual interview count. F034/Q173 distinguishes a religious person, a non-religious person and an atheist; the original WVS response does not say “convinced” although the joint harmonized heading does. Affiliation, self-description and belief are distinct questions; there is no separate agnostic category. The year is the survey reference year from the year variable, not the publication year; India is 2023. Great Britain and Northern Ireland remain separate regions. Published dashes remain unprinted cells, not exact zeros. No confidence intervals or representative global aggregate are available in these tables. Source: EVS/WVS (2024), Joint EVS/WVS 2017–2022 Dataset v5.0.0, doi:10.4232/1.14320; tables dated 2024-06-30; WVS7 v6.0, doi:10.14281/18241.24. Selected published aggregates for non-commercial analysis; original microdata are not redistributed.

Source: WVS7: public EVS/WVS tables

Believe in heaven: WVS

32.2 % of all weighted respondents latest value, 2018

South Korea: Believe in heaven: WVS2018: 32.2; 2018: 32.20102030402015

WVS7 published tables of Joint EVS/WVS v5.0.0, 66 country/territory samples, 2017–2023. Separate EVS samples are excluded to avoid duplication. Percentages use the full weighted sample, including do-not-know, refusal and other missing responses in the denominator; this differs from EVS valid percentages. gwght retains the original national WVS weights, not population-size country weights. The weighted TOTAL is retained and is not the actual interview count. F034/Q173 distinguishes a religious person, a non-religious person and an atheist; the original WVS response does not say “convinced” although the joint harmonized heading does. Affiliation, self-description and belief are distinct questions; there is no separate agnostic category. The year is the survey reference year from the year variable, not the publication year; India is 2023. Great Britain and Northern Ireland remain separate regions. Published dashes remain unprinted cells, not exact zeros. No confidence intervals or representative global aggregate are available in these tables. Source: EVS/WVS (2024), Joint EVS/WVS 2017–2022 Dataset v5.0.0, doi:10.4232/1.14320; tables dated 2024-06-30; WVS7 v6.0, doi:10.14281/18241.24. Selected published aggregates for non-commercial analysis; original microdata are not redistributed.

Source: WVS7: public EVS/WVS tables

Catholics — population, 2010 estimate

5,270 thousand persons latest value, 2010

South Korea: Catholics — population, 2010 estimate2010: 5,270; 2010: 5,27002,0004,0006,00020052010

Historical all-age estimates for 2010 from Pew’s 2011 release, 232 countries/territories. Pew’s 2025 revision does not update this detailed split: do not splice into the revised Christian total series. Affiliation, not practice. Protestant includes Anglicans and independent churches; Orthodox includes Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches. Other Christians include, among others, Latter-day Saints and Jehovah’s Witnesses under the source classification. Counts of at least 10,000 are rounded to 10,000; <1,000 and <10,000 remain bounds in the typed table only. The source states that <10,000 means 1,000–9,999, not zero. World is the sum of the five regions in the same release. Netherlands Antilles and Channel Islands are not assigned to a single present-day country. Geography follows the 2011 release; South Sudan is separate. Macroscope analysis. Pew Research Center bears no responsibility for the analyses or interpretations of the data presented here. The opinions expressed herein, including any implications for policy, are those of the author and not of Pew Research Center. Pew Research Center has published the original content in English but has not reviewed or approved this translation.

Source: Pew: Christian traditions, 2010 estimates (2011 release)

Protestants — population, 2010 estimate

8,560 thousand persons latest value, 2010

South Korea: Protestants — population, 2010 estimate2010: 8,560; 2010: 8,56002,0004,0006,0008,00010,00020052010

Historical all-age estimates for 2010 from Pew’s 2011 release, 232 countries/territories. Pew’s 2025 revision does not update this detailed split: do not splice into the revised Christian total series. Affiliation, not practice. Protestant includes Anglicans and independent churches; Orthodox includes Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches. Other Christians include, among others, Latter-day Saints and Jehovah’s Witnesses under the source classification. Counts of at least 10,000 are rounded to 10,000; <1,000 and <10,000 remain bounds in the typed table only. The source states that <10,000 means 1,000–9,999, not zero. World is the sum of the five regions in the same release. Netherlands Antilles and Channel Islands are not assigned to a single present-day country. Geography follows the 2011 release; South Sudan is separate. Macroscope analysis. Pew Research Center bears no responsibility for the analyses or interpretations of the data presented here. The opinions expressed herein, including any implications for policy, are those of the author and not of Pew Research Center. Pew Research Center has published the original content in English but has not reviewed or approved this translation.

Source: Pew: Christian traditions, 2010 estimates (2011 release)

Other Christians — population, 2010 estimate

260 thousand persons latest value, 2010

South Korea: Other Christians — population, 2010 estimate2010: 260; 2010: 260010020030020052010

Historical all-age estimates for 2010 from Pew’s 2011 release, 232 countries/territories. Pew’s 2025 revision does not update this detailed split: do not splice into the revised Christian total series. Affiliation, not practice. Protestant includes Anglicans and independent churches; Orthodox includes Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches. Other Christians include, among others, Latter-day Saints and Jehovah’s Witnesses under the source classification. Counts of at least 10,000 are rounded to 10,000; <1,000 and <10,000 remain bounds in the typed table only. The source states that <10,000 means 1,000–9,999, not zero. World is the sum of the five regions in the same release. Netherlands Antilles and Channel Islands are not assigned to a single present-day country. Geography follows the 2011 release; South Sudan is separate. Macroscope analysis. Pew Research Center bears no responsibility for the analyses or interpretations of the data presented here. The opinions expressed herein, including any implications for policy, are those of the author and not of Pew Research Center. Pew Research Center has published the original content in English but has not reviewed or approved this translation.

Source: Pew: Christian traditions, 2010 estimates (2011 release)

Internet and communication freedom

Communication restrictions: documented cases

1 documented cases a year latest value, 2018

South Korea: Communication restrictions: documented cases2018: 1; 2018: 100011112015

Cases documented by Access Now / #KeepItOn in the reporting calendar year. Ongoing restrictions count in each year they persist, not only when they begin. Country denotes the affected location, not necessarily the imposing actor. Detection coverage varies; missing country-years are not filled with zero. Counts do not measure affected people, disconnected hours or censorship severity. Subcategories overlap. A subcategory zero means no explicit positive flags among the country-year records; unknown attributes remain in the detailed data.

Source: Access Now / #KeepItOn: STOP tracker

Full-network restrictions

1 documented cases a year latest value, 2018

South Korea: Full-network restrictions2018: 1; 2018: 100011112015

Cases documented by Access Now / #KeepItOn in the reporting calendar year. Ongoing restrictions count in each year they persist, not only when they begin. Country denotes the affected location, not necessarily the imposing actor. Detection coverage varies; missing country-years are not filled with zero. Counts do not measure affected people, disconnected hours or censorship severity. Subcategories overlap. A subcategory zero means no explicit positive flags among the country-year records; unknown attributes remain in the detailed data.

Source: Access Now / #KeepItOn: STOP tracker

Service-based restrictions

0 documented cases a year latest value, 2018

South Korea: Service-based restrictions2018: 0; 2018: 0012015

Cases documented by Access Now / #KeepItOn in the reporting calendar year. Ongoing restrictions count in each year they persist, not only when they begin. Country denotes the affected location, not necessarily the imposing actor. Detection coverage varies; missing country-years are not filled with zero. Counts do not measure affected people, disconnected hours or censorship severity. Subcategories overlap. A subcategory zero means no explicit positive flags among the country-year records; unknown attributes remain in the detailed data.

Source: Access Now / #KeepItOn: STOP tracker

Intentional throttling

0 documented cases a year latest value, 2018

South Korea: Intentional throttling2018: 0; 2018: 0012015

Cases documented by Access Now / #KeepItOn in the reporting calendar year. Ongoing restrictions count in each year they persist, not only when they begin. Country denotes the affected location, not necessarily the imposing actor. Detection coverage varies; missing country-years are not filled with zero. Counts do not measure affected people, disconnected hours or censorship severity. Subcategories overlap. A subcategory zero means no explicit positive flags among the country-year records; unknown attributes remain in the detailed data.

Source: Access Now / #KeepItOn: STOP tracker

Mobile internet restrictions

1 documented cases a year latest value, 2018

South Korea: Mobile internet restrictions2018: 1; 2018: 100011112015

Cases documented by Access Now / #KeepItOn in the reporting calendar year. Ongoing restrictions count in each year they persist, not only when they begin. Country denotes the affected location, not necessarily the imposing actor. Detection coverage varies; missing country-years are not filled with zero. Counts do not measure affected people, disconnected hours or censorship severity. Subcategories overlap. A subcategory zero means no explicit positive flags among the country-year records; unknown attributes remain in the detailed data.

Source: Access Now / #KeepItOn: STOP tracker

Broadband internet restrictions

1 documented cases a year latest value, 2018

South Korea: Broadband internet restrictions2018: 1; 2018: 100011112015

Cases documented by Access Now / #KeepItOn in the reporting calendar year. Ongoing restrictions count in each year they persist, not only when they begin. Country denotes the affected location, not necessarily the imposing actor. Detection coverage varies; missing country-years are not filled with zero. Counts do not measure affected people, disconnected hours or censorship severity. Subcategories overlap. A subcategory zero means no explicit positive flags among the country-year records; unknown attributes remain in the detailed data.

Source: Access Now / #KeepItOn: STOP tracker

Restrictions linked to protests

0 documented cases a year latest value, 2018

South Korea: Restrictions linked to protests2018: 0; 2018: 0012015

Cases documented by Access Now / #KeepItOn in the reporting calendar year. Ongoing restrictions count in each year they persist, not only when they begin. Country denotes the affected location, not necessarily the imposing actor. Detection coverage varies; missing country-years are not filled with zero. Counts do not measure affected people, disconnected hours or censorship severity. Subcategories overlap. A subcategory zero means no explicit positive flags among the country-year records; unknown attributes remain in the detailed data.

Source: Access Now / #KeepItOn: STOP tracker

Restrictions linked to elections

0 documented cases a year latest value, 2018

South Korea: Restrictions linked to elections2018: 0; 2018: 0012015

Cases documented by Access Now / #KeepItOn in the reporting calendar year. Ongoing restrictions count in each year they persist, not only when they begin. Country denotes the affected location, not necessarily the imposing actor. Detection coverage varies; missing country-years are not filled with zero. Counts do not measure affected people, disconnected hours or censorship severity. Subcategories overlap. A subcategory zero means no explicit positive flags among the country-year records; unknown attributes remain in the detailed data.

Source: Access Now / #KeepItOn: STOP tracker

Restrictions linked to conflict

0 documented cases a year latest value, 2018

South Korea: Restrictions linked to conflict2018: 0; 2018: 0012015

Cases documented by Access Now / #KeepItOn in the reporting calendar year. Ongoing restrictions count in each year they persist, not only when they begin. Country denotes the affected location, not necessarily the imposing actor. Detection coverage varies; missing country-years are not filled with zero. Counts do not measure affected people, disconnected hours or censorship severity. Subcategories overlap. A subcategory zero means no explicit positive flags among the country-year records; unknown attributes remain in the detailed data.

Source: Access Now / #KeepItOn: STOP tracker

Restrictions linked to exams

0 documented cases a year latest value, 2018

South Korea: Restrictions linked to exams2018: 0; 2018: 0012015

Cases documented by Access Now / #KeepItOn in the reporting calendar year. Ongoing restrictions count in each year they persist, not only when they begin. Country denotes the affected location, not necessarily the imposing actor. Detection coverage varies; missing country-years are not filled with zero. Counts do not measure affected people, disconnected hours or censorship severity. Subcategories overlap. A subcategory zero means no explicit positive flags among the country-year records; unknown attributes remain in the detailed data.

Source: Access Now / #KeepItOn: STOP tracker

Internet freedom: overall score

65 points out of 100 latest value, 2025

South Korea: Internet freedom: overall score2019: 64; 2025: 6502040608020202025

Freedom House expert assessment; higher scores mean more freedom, not a percentage of people or sites. Year denotes the edition, assessing June 1 of the previous year through May 31 of that year. Total is access (0–25) plus content (0–35) plus user rights (0–40). Country coverage is neither a random sample nor the entire world. History starts in 2019, when the source reversed its scale; the 2025 production process was reduced due to budget constraints. Detailed questions cover 2025 only; gaps remain missing.

Source: Freedom House: Freedom on the Net

Internet freedom: access score

21 points out of 25 latest value, 2025

South Korea: Internet freedom: access score2019: 22; 2025: 21051015202520202025

Freedom House expert assessment; higher scores mean more freedom, not a percentage of people or sites. Year denotes the edition, assessing June 1 of the previous year through May 31 of that year. Total is access (0–25) plus content (0–35) plus user rights (0–40). Country coverage is neither a random sample nor the entire world. History starts in 2019, when the source reversed its scale; the 2025 production process was reduced due to budget constraints. Detailed questions cover 2025 only; gaps remain missing.

Source: Freedom House: Freedom on the Net

Internet freedom: content score

23 points out of 35 latest value, 2025

South Korea: Internet freedom: content score2019: 23; 2025: 23051015202520202025

Freedom House expert assessment; higher scores mean more freedom, not a percentage of people or sites. Year denotes the edition, assessing June 1 of the previous year through May 31 of that year. Total is access (0–25) plus content (0–35) plus user rights (0–40). Country coverage is neither a random sample nor the entire world. History starts in 2019, when the source reversed its scale; the 2025 production process was reduced due to budget constraints. Detailed questions cover 2025 only; gaps remain missing.

Source: Freedom House: Freedom on the Net

Internet freedom: user-rights score

21 points out of 40 latest value, 2025

South Korea: Internet freedom: user-rights score2019: 19; 2025: 21051015202520202025

Freedom House expert assessment; higher scores mean more freedom, not a percentage of people or sites. Year denotes the edition, assessing June 1 of the previous year through May 31 of that year. Total is access (0–25) plus content (0–35) plus user rights (0–40). Country coverage is neither a random sample nor the entire world. History starts in 2019, when the source reversed its scale; the 2025 production process was reduced due to budget constraints. Detailed questions cover 2025 only; gaps remain missing.

Source: Freedom House: Freedom on the Net

Connectivity freedom: infrastructure control

6 points out of 6 latest value, 2025

South Korea: Connectivity freedom: infrastructure control2025: 6; 2025: 60246820202025

Freedom House expert assessment; higher scores mean more freedom, not a percentage of people or sites. Year denotes the edition, assessing June 1 of the previous year through May 31 of that year. Total is access (0–25) plus content (0–35) plus user rights (0–40). Country coverage is neither a random sample nor the entire world. History starts in 2019, when the source reversed its scale; the 2025 production process was reduced due to budget constraints. Detailed questions cover 2025 only; gaps remain missing.

Source: Freedom House: Freedom on the Net

Content freedom: website and VPN blocking

3 points out of 6 latest value, 2025

South Korea: Content freedom: website and VPN blocking2025: 3; 2025: 30123420202025

Freedom House expert assessment; higher scores mean more freedom, not a percentage of people or sites. Year denotes the edition, assessing June 1 of the previous year through May 31 of that year. Total is access (0–25) plus content (0–35) plus user rights (0–40). Country coverage is neither a random sample nor the entire world. History starts in 2019, when the source reversed its scale; the 2025 production process was reduced due to budget constraints. Detailed questions cover 2025 only; gaps remain missing.

Source: Freedom House: Freedom on the Net

Content freedom: forced removal

2 points out of 4 latest value, 2025

South Korea: Content freedom: forced removal2025: 2; 2025: 201122320202025

Freedom House expert assessment; higher scores mean more freedom, not a percentage of people or sites. Year denotes the edition, assessing June 1 of the previous year through May 31 of that year. Total is access (0–25) plus content (0–35) plus user rights (0–40). Country coverage is neither a random sample nor the entire world. History starts in 2019, when the source reversed its scale; the 2025 production process was reduced due to budget constraints. Detailed questions cover 2025 only; gaps remain missing.

Source: Freedom House: Freedom on the Net

Online rights: punishment for online activity

3 points out of 6 latest value, 2025

South Korea: Online rights: punishment for online activity2025: 3; 2025: 30123420202025

Freedom House expert assessment; higher scores mean more freedom, not a percentage of people or sites. Year denotes the edition, assessing June 1 of the previous year through May 31 of that year. Total is access (0–25) plus content (0–35) plus user rights (0–40). Country coverage is neither a random sample nor the entire world. History starts in 2019, when the source reversed its scale; the 2025 production process was reduced due to budget constraints. Detailed questions cover 2025 only; gaps remain missing.

Source: Freedom House: Freedom on the Net

Online rights: anonymity and encryption

3 points out of 4 latest value, 2025

South Korea: Online rights: anonymity and encryption2025: 3; 2025: 30123420202025

Freedom House expert assessment; higher scores mean more freedom, not a percentage of people or sites. Year denotes the edition, assessing June 1 of the previous year through May 31 of that year. Total is access (0–25) plus content (0–35) plus user rights (0–40). Country coverage is neither a random sample nor the entire world. History starts in 2019, when the source reversed its scale; the 2025 production process was reduced due to budget constraints. Detailed questions cover 2025 only; gaps remain missing.

Source: Freedom House: Freedom on the Net

Online rights: state surveillance

2 points out of 6 latest value, 2025

South Korea: Online rights: state surveillance2025: 2; 2025: 201122320202025

Freedom House expert assessment; higher scores mean more freedom, not a percentage of people or sites. Year denotes the edition, assessing June 1 of the previous year through May 31 of that year. Total is access (0–25) plus content (0–35) plus user rights (0–40). Country coverage is neither a random sample nor the entire world. History starts in 2019, when the source reversed its scale; the 2025 production process was reduced due to budget constraints. Detailed questions cover 2025 only; gaps remain missing.

Source: Freedom House: Freedom on the Net

Markets and valuations

Equity price change (WDI)

−31.38 % per year latest value, 2022

South Korea: Equity price change (WDI)1996: −38.7; 2022: −31.3805010015020002005201020152020

Annual equity index price change, without adding dividends. WDI describes USD S&P BMI indices but separately specifies local prices and CAC40, DAX, Nikkei, FTSE and S&P500 for France, Germany, Japan, the UK and US. Do not treat all countries as one USD portfolio. Coverage and currency bases differ; a historical sample, not live quotes. Source definition: S&P Global Equity Indices measure the U.S. dollar price change in the stock markets covered by the S&P BMI country indices.

Source: World Bank WDI: financial markets (WFE, IMF)

Stock market capitalisation / GDP

147.23 % of GDP latest value, 2025

South Korea: Stock market capitalisation / GDP1979: 7.92; 2025: 147.2305010015019801990200020102020

Year-end market value of listed domestic equities divided by annual GDP: a stock/flow ratio, not P/E or a bubble diagnosis. Foreign revenues and the share of business outside exchanges vary across countries. India, 2025: WDI reports USD 10.56 trillion of capitalisation, while NSE Market Pulse January 2026 reports about USD 5.3 trillion for India. The reason is unresolved. That year’s capitalisation and capitalisation/GDP are retained in the typed dataset with quality=source_discrepancy but excluded from annual charts and automatic analysis pending review. Source definition: Market capitalization (also known as market value) is the share price times the number of shares outstanding (including their several classes) for listed domestic companies. Investment funds, unit trusts, and companies whose only business goal is to hold shares of other listed companies are excluded. Data are end of year values.

Source: World Bank WDI: financial markets (WFE, IMF)

Listed domestic equity capitalisation

2,756.67 US$ bn latest value, 2025

South Korea: Listed domestic equity capitalisation1979: 5.39; 2025: 2,756.6701,0002,0003,00019801990200020102020

Price times outstanding shares at year end, in current US dollars. Funds and companies that only hold other companies’ shares are excluded. Changes include repricing, listings, delistings and exchange rates; this is not portfolio return. India, 2025: WDI reports USD 10.56 trillion of capitalisation, while NSE Market Pulse January 2026 reports about USD 5.3 trillion for India. The reason is unresolved. That year’s capitalisation and capitalisation/GDP are retained in the typed dataset with quality=source_discrepancy but excluded from annual charts and automatic analysis pending review. Source definition: Market capitalization (also known as market value) is the share price times the number of shares outstanding (including their several classes) for listed domestic companies. Investment funds, unit trusts, and companies whose only business goal is to hold shares of other listed companies are excluded. Data are end of year values converted to U.S. dollars using corresponding year-end foreign exchange rates.

Source: World Bank WDI: financial markets (WFE, IMF)

Equity trading value / GDP

176.34 % of GDP latest value, 2025

South Korea: Equity trading value / GDP1979: 3.97; 2025: 176.34010020030019801990200020102020

Annual value of domestic and foreign shares traded divided by GDP, counting one side of each transaction. Trading volume is neither market capitalisation nor invested savings. Source definition: The value of shares traded is the total number of shares traded, both domestic and foreign, multiplied by their respective matching prices. Figures are single counted (only one side of the transaction is considered). Companies admitted to listing and admitted to trading are included in the data. Data are end of year values.

Source: World Bank WDI: financial markets (WFE, IMF)

Domestic equity turnover ratio

200.76 % per year latest value, 2024

South Korea: Domestic equity turnover ratio1979: 50.08; 2024: 200.76010020030040050019801990200020102020

Domestic shares traded relative to their capitalisation; WDI annualises the monthly average by multiplying by 12. High turnover measures trading activity, not investment return. Source definition: Turnover ratio is the value of domestic shares traded divided by their market capitalization. The value is annualized by multiplying the monthly average by 12.

Source: World Bank WDI: financial markets (WFE, IMF)

Listed domestic companies

2,653 companies latest value, 2025

South Korea: Listed domestic companies1979: 355; 2025: 2,65301,0002,0003,00019801990200020102020

Companies with listed shares at year end, including foreign companies exclusively listed locally. Multiple share classes count as one company; investment funds are excluded. Source definition: Listed domestic companies, including foreign companies which are exclusively listed, are those which have shares listed on an exchange at the end of the year. Investment funds, unit trusts, and companies whose only business goal is to hold shares of other listed companies, such as holding companies and investment companies, regardless of their legal status, are excluded. A company with several classes of shares is counted once. Only companies admitted to listing on the exchange are included.

Source: World Bank WDI: financial markets (WFE, IMF)

Private-sector credit / GDP

160.35 % of GDP latest value, 2024

South Korea: Private-sector credit / GDP1960: 5.72; 2024: 160.350501001502001960197019801990200020102020

Financial resources supplied to the private sector by financial corporations relative to GDP. Includes loans and other debt claims; country coverage differs. Neither government debt nor mortgages alone. Source definition: Domestic credit to private sector refers to financial resources provided to the private sector by financial corporations, such as through loans, purchases of nonequity securities, and trade credits and other accounts receivable, that establish a claim for repayment. For some countries these claims include credit to public enterprises. The financial corporations include monetary authorities and deposit money banks, as well as other financial corporations where data are available (including corporations that do not accept transferable deposits but do incur such liabilities as time and savings deposits). Examples of other financial corporations are finance and leasing companies, money lenders, insurance corporations, pension funds, and foreign exchange companies. This indicator is expressed as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which is the total income earned through the production of goods and services in an economic territory during an accounting period.

Source: World Bank WDI: financial markets (WFE, IMF)

Bank nonperforming loans

0.26 % of gross loans latest value, 2023

South Korea: Bank nonperforming loans2009: 0.58; 2023: 0.2600.20.40.6201020152020

Loans 90+ days overdue or unlikely to be repaid in full divided by gross loans, before provisions and collateral deductions. National rules and coverage can differ. Source definition: The indicator measures the proportion of a deposit taker’s loan portfolio that is impaired or at risk of default. It is calculated as the ratio of non-performing loans (NPLs) to total gross loans, where NPLs are defined as loans that are past due by 90 days or more or are otherwise considered unlikely to be repaid in full without the realization of collateral. Both non-performing loans and total gross loans should be reported at their gross book value, without deducting for loan-loss provisions or collateral. This indicator provides a key measure of asset quality and potential credit risk in the banking system.

Source: World Bank WDI: financial markets (WFE, IMF)

Equities: latest month (OECD)

341.54 2015 = 100 latest value, 2026

South Korea: Equities: latest month (OECD)1981: 6.45; 2026: 341.5401002003004001990200020102020

The annual axis selects the last published month of each year, labelled with its actual date. The current year is incomplete; this is neither a full-year mean nor a live quote. OECD national indices, normally monthly means of daily closes, 2015 = 100. Index composition differs across countries; dividends are not added. Index changes are not total-market capitalisation growth. Monthly averages smooth intramonth falls.

Source: OECD: monthly financial markets, national sources

Long-term yields: latest month (OECD)

4.45 % per year latest value, 2026

South Korea: Long-term yields: latest month (OECD)2000: 7.18; 2026: 4.4502468200020052010201520202025

The annual axis selects the last published month of each year, labelled with its actual date. The current year is incomplete; this is neither a full-year mean nor a live quote. National-currency long-term government bond rates, normally around ten years, monthly national-source observations. Maturity, coverage and methodology vary by country. A quoted yield is not investor total return.

Source: OECD: monthly financial markets, national sources

Nominal residential property prices

142.82 index, 2010 = 100 latest value, 2025

South Korea: Nominal residential property prices1975: 7.3; 2025: 142.8205010015020019801990200020102020

BIS residential property prices in local currency, without inflation adjustment. Mean of four quarters; incomplete years omitted. Housing coverage and methods differ across countries. Compare with BIS real prices; excludes rental income and does not establish a bubble.

Source: BIS: nominal and real residential property prices

Industry and waste

Municipal waste per person

433 kg per person a year latest value, 2023

South Korea: Municipal waste per person1985: 510; 2023: 43302004006008001990200020102020

Municipal waste generated in the year per inhabitant. Municipal waste is collected by or on behalf of municipalities: household waste and similar waste of shops, offices and institutions. Industrial, construction and mining waste are outside it; national scopes differ. OECD, MUNW.

Source: OECD, Municipal waste: generation and treatment (MUNW)

Municipal waste landfilled

10.7 % of treated latest value, 2023

South Korea: Municipal waste landfilled1985: 98.2; 2023: 10.70204060801001990200020102020

Landfill as a share of municipal waste treated in the year. Municipal waste is collected by or on behalf of municipalities: household waste and similar waste of shops, offices and institutions. Industrial, construction and mining waste are outside it; national scopes differ. OECD, MUNW.

Source: OECD, Municipal waste: generation and treatment (MUNW)

Municipal waste recycled

44.6 % of treated latest value, 2023

South Korea: Municipal waste recycled1985: 1.8; 2023: 44.60204060801990200020102020

Material recycling (composting excluded) as a share of municipal waste treated in the year, as reported by the country; not the secondary material finally produced. Municipal waste is collected by or on behalf of municipalities: household waste and similar waste of shops, offices and institutions. Industrial, construction and mining waste are outside it; national scopes differ. OECD, MUNW.

Source: OECD, Municipal waste: generation and treatment (MUNW)

Municipal waste composted

2.4 % of treated latest value, 2023

South Korea: Municipal waste composted1995: 0.7; 2023: 2.401234199520002005201020152020

Composting and digestion as a share of municipal waste treated in the year. Municipal waste is collected by or on behalf of municipalities: household waste and similar waste of shops, offices and institutions. Industrial, construction and mining waste are outside it; national scopes differ. OECD, MUNW.

Source: OECD, Municipal waste: generation and treatment (MUNW)

Municipal waste incinerated

36.5 % of treated latest value, 2023

South Korea: Municipal waste incinerated1985: 0; 2023: 36.50102030401990200020102020

Incineration, with and without energy recovery, as a share of municipal waste treated in the year. Municipal waste is collected by or on behalf of municipalities: household waste and similar waste of shops, offices and institutions. Industrial, construction and mining waste are outside it; national scopes differ. OECD, MUNW.

Source: OECD, Municipal waste: generation and treatment (MUNW)

Industrial production (OECD index)

121.7 index, 2015 = 100 latest value, 2025

South Korea: Industrial production (OECD index)1990: 21.1; 2025: 121.705010015019901995200020052010201520202025

Industrial output volume — mining, manufacturing, electricity, gas and water (ISIC B-E), annual average, 2015 = 100. It tracks physical volume, not revenue; compare countries by their change, not by their level. OECD short-term statistics (production volume, not seasonally adjusted).

Source: OECD short-term statistics: industrial production index

Manufacturing, share of GDP

27.4 % of GDP latest value, 2025

South Korea: Manufacturing, share of GDP1960: 11.4; 2025: 27.401020301960197019801990200020102020

Manufacturing value added (ISIC section C: factories, excluding mining, utilities and construction) as a percentage of GDP. The share can fall while output grows if the rest of the economy grows faster. World Bank, WDI. Source note: Manufacturing includes industries classified in ISIC (Rev. 3) major division C and is defined as the physical or chemical transformation of materials or components into new products. Value added is the contribution to the economy by a producer or an industry or an institutional sector, which is estimated by the total value of output produced and deducting the total value of intermediate consumption of goods and services used to produce that output. This indicator is expressed as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which is the total income earned through the production of goods and services in an economic territory during an accounting period.

Source: World Bank WDI: national accounts (industry)

Industry incl. construction, share of GDP

34.3 % of GDP latest value, 2025

South Korea: Industry incl. construction, share of GDP1960: 17.3; 2025: 34.30102030401960197019801990200020102020

Value added of industry in the broad sense (mining, manufacturing, utilities and construction; ISIC B-F) as a percentage of GDP. World Bank, WDI. Source note: Industry (including construction) corresponds to ISIC (Rev.4) divisions 05-43. It is comprised of mining, manufacturing, construction, electricity, water, and gas industries. Value added is the contribution to the economy by a producer or an industry or an institutional sector, which is estimated by the total value of output produced and deducting the total value of intermediate consumption of goods and services used to produce that output. This indicator is expressed as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which is the total income earned through the production of goods and services in an economic territory during an accounting period.

Source: World Bank WDI: national accounts (industry)

Manufacturing value added per person

10,581 constant 2015 US$ per person latest value, 2025

South Korea: Manufacturing value added per person1960: 47; 2025: 10,58105,00010,00015,0001960197019801990200020102020

Manufacturing value added at constant 2015 US dollars divided by population (UN WPP 2024): factory output net of inputs, not revenue. World Bank, WDI. Source note: Manufacturing includes industries classified in ISIC (Rev. 3) major division C and is defined as the physical or chemical transformation of materials or components into new products. Value added is the contribution to the economy by a producer or an industry or an institutional sector, which is estimated by the total value of output produced and deducting the total value of intermediate consumption of goods and services used to produce that output. This indicator is expressed in constant prices, meaning the series has been adjusted to account for price changes over time. The reference year for this adjustment is 2015. This indicator is expressed in United States dollars.

Source: World Bank WDI: national accounts (industry)

Manufacturing value added per person (UNIDO)

10,025 constant 2020 US$ per person latest value, 2025

South Korea: Manufacturing value added per person (UNIDO)2000: 4,140; 2025: 10,02505,00010,00015,000200020052010201520202025

Manufacturing value added (ISIC section C) per person at constant 2020 US dollars. UNIDO National Accounts Database via the UN SDG database (indicator 9.2.1). Differs from the World Bank series by its base year (2020 rather than 2015) and UNIDO estimates for countries without recent accounts. Series: Manufacturing value added per capita (constant 2020 United States dollars).

Source: UNIDO via the UN SDG database: manufacturing value added

Manufacturing, share of GDP (UNIDO)

26.4 % of GDP latest value, 2025

South Korea: Manufacturing, share of GDP (UNIDO)2000: 22.9; 2025: 26.40102030200020052010201520202025

Manufacturing value added as a percentage of GDP, constant prices. UNIDO via the UN SDG database (indicator 9.2.1). Series: Manufacturing value added (constant 2020 United States dollars) as a proportion of GDP (%).

Source: UNIDO via the UN SDG database: manufacturing value added

Coal production

0.4 million tonnes a year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Coal production1981: 19.9; 2025: 0.405101520251990200020102020

Hard coal and lignite in physical tonnes (not adjusted for energy content), million tonnes a year. Source: Energy Institute, Statistical Review of World Energy 2026 (via the Our World in Data copy).

Source: Energy Institute: Statistical Review of World Energy 2026

Crude steel production

62.2 million tonnes a year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Crude steel production2017: 71; 2025: 62.202040608020202025

Crude steel output by all processes (basic oxygen and electric arc furnaces), million tonnes a year. The 20 largest producers of the latest year and the world; each year from the newest World Steel in Figures edition. Source: World Steel Association.

Source: World Steel Association: World Steel in Figures and Short Range Outlook

Cement production

37,000 thousand tonnes a year latest value, 2025

South Korea: Cement production2018: 57,500; 2025: 37,000020,00040,00060,00020202025

Portland and other hydraulic cement, thousand tonnes a year. USGS rounds large values (China to 100 million tonnes); the latest year of each edition is an estimate. US Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries.

Source: US Geological Survey: Mineral Commodity Summaries 2020–2026

E-waste generated

18.5 kg per person a year latest value, 2023

South Korea: E-waste generated2000: 5.3; 2023: 18.50510152020002005201020152020

Discarded electrical and electronic equipment — from phones and lamps to fridges and solar panels — kg per person a year. A UNITAR model estimate from sales and lifetimes, not weighed waste. UNITAR (Global E-waste Monitor) via the UN SDG database.

Source: UNITAR Global E-waste Monitor via the UN SDG database

Municipal waste per person (World Bank)

445 kg per person a year latest value, 2022

South Korea: Municipal waste per person (World Bank)2022: 445; 2022: 44501002003004005002020

Municipal solid waste generation, kg per person a year (kg a day × 365). Municipal solid waste: households plus similar waste from shops, institutions and streets — excluding industrial, construction and mining waste. One reported year a country, the years differ. World Bank, What a Waste 3.0 (2026).

Source: World Bank: What a Waste 3.0 (2026)

Municipal waste sent to recycling

38 % of municipal waste latest value, 2022

South Korea: Municipal waste sent to recycling2022: 38; 2022: 380102030402020

Share of municipal waste sent to recycling, as reported by the country. Sent is not the same as recycled: sorting rejects and exports are included; composting and incineration are not. Municipal solid waste: households plus similar waste from shops, institutions and streets — excluding industrial, construction and mining waste. One reported year a country, the years differ. World Bank, What a Waste 3.0 (2026).

Source: World Bank: What a Waste 3.0 (2026)

Education and skills

PISA: reading, mean score of 15-year-olds

515 PISA points latest value, 2022

South Korea: PISA: reading, mean score of 15-year-olds2000: 525; 2022: 515020040060020002005201020152020

Mean score in the OECD PISA test of reading literacy. Tested: 15-year-old students (aged 15y3m-16y2m, grade 7 or above), a sample in each country; every three years, the 2021 cycle postponed to 2022 because of COVID. PISA scale: in the cycle when the domain was first the major one (2000) the OECD mean = 500, standard deviation = 100; the series is comparable from 2000. A 10-15 point change between cycles is often within the error (standard errors and significance are in the education_pisa dataset). In 2015 the test moved from paper to computer and to a new scaling model: the link to earlier cycles holds, with a link error of a few points. In 2022 several countries (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, Ireland, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand and others) missed sampling standards — compare with caution. Values come from the trend tables of the latest OECD report listing the country (PISA 2022, else 2018, 2015, 2012, 2009 Vol. V). China took part only as provinces (B-S-J-G/Z, Shanghai), not shown here; Russia took part 2000-2018, not in 2022; Argentina, Kazakhstan and Malaysia 2015 are not comparable and not shown, nor is Viet Nam reading 2022. Source: OECD, PISA 2022 Results, Vol. I.

Source: OECD, PISA — Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA 2009-2022 results, StatLink tables)

PISA: mathematics, mean score of 15-year-olds

527 PISA points latest value, 2022

South Korea: PISA: mathematics, mean score of 15-year-olds2003: 542; 2022: 52702004006002005201020152020

Mean score in the OECD PISA test of mathematical literacy. Tested: 15-year-old students (aged 15y3m-16y2m, grade 7 or above), a sample in each country; every three years, the 2021 cycle postponed to 2022 because of COVID. PISA scale: in the cycle when the domain was first the major one (2003) the OECD mean = 500, standard deviation = 100; the series is comparable from 2003. A 10-15 point change between cycles is often within the error (standard errors and significance are in the education_pisa dataset). In 2015 the test moved from paper to computer and to a new scaling model: the link to earlier cycles holds, with a link error of a few points. In 2022 several countries (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, Ireland, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand and others) missed sampling standards — compare with caution. Values come from the trend tables of the latest OECD report listing the country (PISA 2022, else 2018, 2015, 2012, 2009 Vol. V). China took part only as provinces (B-S-J-G/Z, Shanghai), not shown here; Russia took part 2000-2018, not in 2022; Argentina, Kazakhstan and Malaysia 2015 are not comparable and not shown, nor is Viet Nam reading 2022. Source: OECD, PISA 2022 Results, Vol. I.

Source: OECD, PISA — Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA 2009-2022 results, StatLink tables)

PISA: science, mean score of 15-year-olds

528 PISA points latest value, 2022

South Korea: PISA: science, mean score of 15-year-olds2006: 522; 2022: 5280200400600201020152020

Mean score in the OECD PISA test of scientific literacy. Tested: 15-year-old students (aged 15y3m-16y2m, grade 7 or above), a sample in each country; every three years, the 2021 cycle postponed to 2022 because of COVID. PISA scale: in the cycle when the domain was first the major one (2006) the OECD mean = 500, standard deviation = 100; the series is comparable from 2006. A 10-15 point change between cycles is often within the error (standard errors and significance are in the education_pisa dataset). In 2015 the test moved from paper to computer and to a new scaling model: the link to earlier cycles holds, with a link error of a few points. In 2022 several countries (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, Ireland, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand and others) missed sampling standards — compare with caution. Values come from the trend tables of the latest OECD report listing the country (PISA 2022, else 2018, 2015, 2012, 2009 Vol. V). China took part only as provinces (B-S-J-G/Z, Shanghai), not shown here; Russia took part 2000-2018, not in 2022; Argentina, Kazakhstan and Malaysia 2015 are not comparable and not shown, nor is Viet Nam reading 2022. Source: OECD, PISA 2022 Results, Vol. I.

Source: OECD, PISA — Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA 2009-2022 results, StatLink tables)

PISA: reading, share of 15-year-olds below baseline

14.7 % of students latest value, 2022

South Korea: PISA: reading, share of 15-year-olds below baseline2009: 5.8; 2022: 14.705101520201020152020

Share of 15-year-olds who did not reach Level 2 in the PISA reading literacy test (below 407 points) — the level the OECD treats as the baseline for full participation in life and learning. Tested: 15-year-old students (aged 15y3m-16y2m, grade 7 or above), a sample in each country; every three years, the 2021 cycle postponed to 2022 because of COVID. Shares are comparable from 2009 (for reading, the latest OECD reports give shares only from 2009). In 2015 the test moved from paper to computer and to a new scaling model: the link to earlier cycles holds, with a link error of a few points. In 2022 several countries (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, Ireland, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand and others) missed sampling standards — compare with caution. Values come from the trend tables of the latest OECD report listing the country (PISA 2022, else 2018, 2015, 2012, 2009 Vol. V). China took part only as provinces (B-S-J-G/Z, Shanghai), not shown here; Russia took part 2000-2018, not in 2022; Argentina, Kazakhstan and Malaysia 2015 are not comparable and not shown, nor is Viet Nam reading 2022. Source: OECD, PISA 2022 Results, Vol. I.

Source: OECD, PISA — Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA 2009-2022 results, StatLink tables)

PISA: mathematics, share of 15-year-olds below baseline

16.2 % of students latest value, 2022

South Korea: PISA: mathematics, share of 15-year-olds below baseline2003: 9.5; 2022: 16.2051015202005201020152020

Share of 15-year-olds who did not reach Level 2 in the PISA mathematical literacy test (below 420 points) — the level the OECD treats as the baseline for full participation in life and learning. Tested: 15-year-old students (aged 15y3m-16y2m, grade 7 or above), a sample in each country; every three years, the 2021 cycle postponed to 2022 because of COVID. Shares are comparable from 2003 (for reading, the latest OECD reports give shares only from 2009). In 2015 the test moved from paper to computer and to a new scaling model: the link to earlier cycles holds, with a link error of a few points. In 2022 several countries (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, Ireland, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand and others) missed sampling standards — compare with caution. Values come from the trend tables of the latest OECD report listing the country (PISA 2022, else 2018, 2015, 2012, 2009 Vol. V). China took part only as provinces (B-S-J-G/Z, Shanghai), not shown here; Russia took part 2000-2018, not in 2022; Argentina, Kazakhstan and Malaysia 2015 are not comparable and not shown, nor is Viet Nam reading 2022. Source: OECD, PISA 2022 Results, Vol. I.

Source: OECD, PISA — Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA 2009-2022 results, StatLink tables)

PISA: science, share of 15-year-olds below baseline

13.7 % of students latest value, 2022

South Korea: PISA: science, share of 15-year-olds below baseline2006: 11.2; 2022: 13.7051015201020152020

Share of 15-year-olds who did not reach Level 2 in the PISA scientific literacy test (below 410 points) — the level the OECD treats as the baseline for full participation in life and learning. Tested: 15-year-old students (aged 15y3m-16y2m, grade 7 or above), a sample in each country; every three years, the 2021 cycle postponed to 2022 because of COVID. Shares are comparable from 2006 (for reading, the latest OECD reports give shares only from 2009). In 2015 the test moved from paper to computer and to a new scaling model: the link to earlier cycles holds, with a link error of a few points. In 2022 several countries (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, Ireland, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand and others) missed sampling standards — compare with caution. Values come from the trend tables of the latest OECD report listing the country (PISA 2022, else 2018, 2015, 2012, 2009 Vol. V). China took part only as provinces (B-S-J-G/Z, Shanghai), not shown here; Russia took part 2000-2018, not in 2022; Argentina, Kazakhstan and Malaysia 2015 are not comparable and not shown, nor is Viet Nam reading 2022. Source: OECD, PISA 2022 Results, Vol. I.

Source: OECD, PISA — Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA 2009-2022 results, StatLink tables)

PISA: mathematics, share of top performers (Levels 5-6)

22.9 % of students latest value, 2022

South Korea: PISA: mathematics, share of top performers (Levels 5-6)2003: 24.8; 2022: 22.90102030402005201020152020

Share of 15-year-olds reaching Level 5 or 6 in the PISA mathematics test (607 points or more): they solve complex modelling and reasoning tasks. Tested: 15-year-old students (aged 15y3m-16y2m, grade 7 or above), a sample in each country; every three years, the 2021 cycle postponed to 2022 because of COVID. Shares are comparable from 2003. In 2015 the test moved from paper to computer and to a new scaling model: the link to earlier cycles holds, with a link error of a few points. In 2022 several countries (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, Ireland, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand and others) missed sampling standards — compare with caution. Values come from the trend tables of the latest OECD report listing the country (PISA 2022, else 2018, 2015, 2012, 2009 Vol. V). China took part only as provinces (B-S-J-G/Z, Shanghai), not shown here; Russia took part 2000-2018, not in 2022; Argentina, Kazakhstan and Malaysia 2015 are not comparable and not shown, nor is Viet Nam reading 2022. Source: OECD, PISA 2022 Results, Vol. I.

Source: OECD, PISA — Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA 2009-2022 results, StatLink tables)

TIMSS: mathematics, grade 4

594 TIMSS score latest value, 2023

South Korea: TIMSS: mathematics, grade 41995: 581; 2023: 5940200400600800199520002005201020152020

Average score of students in their fourth year of school (usually grade 4, about 10 years old) in the international TIMSS mathematics test. The TIMSS scale was set in 1995: 500 is the mean of that cycle's countries and 100 points is one standard deviation; the test is repeated every 4 years, and a country's scores from different cycles are comparable when IEA includes them in its trend table. Year is the test year. In 2019 about half the countries tested on computer (eTIMSS), linked to paper through a bridge sample; in 2023 almost all did. Some countries test the next grade up (Norway, South Africa, Turkey) to keep the average age above the IEA minimum. Values IEA flags as not reliably measured (more than 25% of students too low to estimate) are left out. Russia took part until 2019 and is not in TIMSS 2023. Figures come from the TIMSS 2023 trend tables; for countries absent in 2023, from the TIMSS 2019 report. Source: IEA, TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center.

Source: IEA Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)

TIMSS: mathematics, grade 8

596 TIMSS score latest value, 2023

South Korea: TIMSS: mathematics, grade 81995: 581; 2023: 5960200400600800199520002005201020152020

Average score of students in their eighth year of school (usually grade 8, about 14 years old) in the international TIMSS mathematics test. The TIMSS scale was set in 1995: 500 is the mean of that cycle's countries and 100 points is one standard deviation; the test is repeated every 4 years, and a country's scores from different cycles are comparable when IEA includes them in its trend table. Year is the test year. In 2019 about half the countries tested on computer (eTIMSS), linked to paper through a bridge sample; in 2023 almost all did. Some countries test the next grade up (Norway, South Africa, Turkey) to keep the average age above the IEA minimum. Values IEA flags as not reliably measured (more than 25% of students too low to estimate) are left out. Russia took part until 2019 and is not in TIMSS 2023. Figures come from the TIMSS 2023 trend tables; for countries absent in 2023, from the TIMSS 2019 report. Source: IEA, TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center.

Source: IEA Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)

TIMSS: grade 8 students below the Low benchmark in mathematics

3 % of students latest value, 2023

South Korea: TIMSS: grade 8 students below the Low benchmark in mathematics1995: 3; 2023: 301234199520002005201020152020

Share of students in their eighth year of school (about 14) who score below 400 TIMSS points in mathematics, the Low International Benchmark: basic whole-number operations and reading simple graphs. Computed as 100 minus the IEA-published percentage reaching 400 (whole percentages). The TIMSS scale was set in 1995: 500 is the mean of that cycle's countries and 100 points is one standard deviation; the test is repeated every 4 years, and a country's scores from different cycles are comparable when IEA includes them in its trend table. Year is the test year. In 2019 about half the countries tested on computer (eTIMSS), linked to paper through a bridge sample; in 2023 almost all did. Some countries test the next grade up (Norway, South Africa, Turkey) to keep the average age above the IEA minimum. Values IEA flags as not reliably measured (more than 25% of students too low to estimate) are left out. Russia took part until 2019 and is not in TIMSS 2023. Figures come from the TIMSS 2023 trend tables; for countries absent in 2023, from the TIMSS 2019 report. Source: IEA, TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center.

Source: IEA Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)

TIMSS: science, grade 4

583 TIMSS score latest value, 2023

South Korea: TIMSS: science, grade 41995: 576; 2023: 5830200400600199520002005201020152020

Average score of students in their fourth year of school (usually grade 4, about 10 years old) in the international TIMSS science test. The TIMSS scale was set in 1995: 500 is the mean of that cycle's countries and 100 points is one standard deviation; the test is repeated every 4 years, and a country's scores from different cycles are comparable when IEA includes them in its trend table. Year is the test year. In 2019 about half the countries tested on computer (eTIMSS), linked to paper through a bridge sample; in 2023 almost all did. Some countries test the next grade up (Norway, South Africa, Turkey) to keep the average age above the IEA minimum. Values IEA flags as not reliably measured (more than 25% of students too low to estimate) are left out. Russia took part until 2019 and is not in TIMSS 2023. Figures come from the TIMSS 2023 trend tables; for countries absent in 2023, from the TIMSS 2019 report. Source: IEA, TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center.

Source: IEA Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)

TIMSS: science, grade 8

545 TIMSS score latest value, 2023

South Korea: TIMSS: science, grade 81995: 546; 2023: 5450200400600199520002005201020152020

Average score of students in their eighth year of school (usually grade 8, about 14 years old) in the international TIMSS science test. The TIMSS scale was set in 1995: 500 is the mean of that cycle's countries and 100 points is one standard deviation; the test is repeated every 4 years, and a country's scores from different cycles are comparable when IEA includes them in its trend table. Year is the test year. In 2019 about half the countries tested on computer (eTIMSS), linked to paper through a bridge sample; in 2023 almost all did. Some countries test the next grade up (Norway, South Africa, Turkey) to keep the average age above the IEA minimum. Values IEA flags as not reliably measured (more than 25% of students too low to estimate) are left out. Russia took part until 2019 and is not in TIMSS 2023. Figures come from the TIMSS 2023 trend tables; for countries absent in 2023, from the TIMSS 2019 report. Source: IEA, TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center.

Source: IEA Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)

Adult literacy (PIAAC)

250 PIAAC score points latest value, 2023

South Korea: Adult literacy (PIAAC)2012: 273; 2023: 250010020030020152020

Mean literacy score of adults aged 16-65 in the OECD PIAAC test (reading and understanding texts). Adults aged 16-65, PIAAC scale 0-500. Year = year of data collection: cycle 1 - 2012 (Russia, Japan, Finland, US, ...), 2015 (Chile, Greece, Israel, Lithuania, New Zealand, Singapore, Slovenia, Turkey), 2017 (Hungary, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Kazakhstan and a separate US sample); cycle 2 - 2023 (fieldwork 2022-23, tablets only). The OECD treats literacy and numeracy as comparable across cycles (linked scales); the linking error is about 3 points. Cycle 1 values are as originally published (the 2023 report did not re-estimate them). For countries in both cycles 2023 excludes adults who only did the doorstep interview because of a language barrier, as in the OECD trend tables; for cycle-2-only countries (Latvia, Portugal, Switzerland, Croatia) the headline values are used. Belgium (only Flanders took part) and the UK (England, Northern Ireland) are not in the catalog. Russia: 2012, sample without Moscow; Russia did not take part in cycle 2.

Source: OECD, PIAAC - Survey of Adult Skills

Adult numeracy (PIAAC)

253 PIAAC score points latest value, 2023

South Korea: Adult numeracy (PIAAC)2012: 263; 2023: 253010020030020152020

Mean numeracy score of adults aged 16-65 in the OECD PIAAC test. Adults aged 16-65, PIAAC scale 0-500. Year = year of data collection: cycle 1 - 2012 (Russia, Japan, Finland, US, ...), 2015 (Chile, Greece, Israel, Lithuania, New Zealand, Singapore, Slovenia, Turkey), 2017 (Hungary, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Kazakhstan and a separate US sample); cycle 2 - 2023 (fieldwork 2022-23, tablets only). The OECD treats literacy and numeracy as comparable across cycles (linked scales); the linking error is about 3 points. Cycle 1 values are as originally published (the 2023 report did not re-estimate them). For countries in both cycles 2023 excludes adults who only did the doorstep interview because of a language barrier, as in the OECD trend tables; for cycle-2-only countries (Latvia, Portugal, Switzerland, Croatia) the headline values are used. Belgium (only Flanders took part) and the UK (England, Northern Ireland) are not in the catalog. Russia: 2012, sample without Moscow; Russia did not take part in cycle 2.

Source: OECD, PIAAC - Survey of Adult Skills

Literacy of young adults aged 16-24 (PIAAC)

276 PIAAC score points latest value, 2023

South Korea: Literacy of young adults aged 16-24 (PIAAC)2012: 293; 2023: 276010020030020152020

Mean literacy score of 16-24 year-olds. Adults aged 16-65, PIAAC scale 0-500. Year = year of data collection: cycle 1 - 2012 (Russia, Japan, Finland, US, ...), 2015 (Chile, Greece, Israel, Lithuania, New Zealand, Singapore, Slovenia, Turkey), 2017 (Hungary, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Kazakhstan and a separate US sample); cycle 2 - 2023 (fieldwork 2022-23, tablets only). The OECD treats literacy and numeracy as comparable across cycles (linked scales); the linking error is about 3 points. Cycle 1 values are as originally published (the 2023 report did not re-estimate them). For countries in both cycles 2023 excludes adults who only did the doorstep interview because of a language barrier, as in the OECD trend tables; for cycle-2-only countries (Latvia, Portugal, Switzerland, Croatia) the headline values are used. Belgium (only Flanders took part) and the UK (England, Northern Ireland) are not in the catalog. Russia: 2012, sample without Moscow; Russia did not take part in cycle 2.

Source: OECD, PIAAC - Survey of Adult Skills

Literacy of adults aged 55-65 (PIAAC)

217 PIAAC score points latest value, 2023

South Korea: Literacy of adults aged 55-65 (PIAAC)2012: 244; 2023: 21705010015020025020152020

Mean literacy score of 55-65 year-olds. Adults aged 16-65, PIAAC scale 0-500. Year = year of data collection: cycle 1 - 2012 (Russia, Japan, Finland, US, ...), 2015 (Chile, Greece, Israel, Lithuania, New Zealand, Singapore, Slovenia, Turkey), 2017 (Hungary, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Kazakhstan and a separate US sample); cycle 2 - 2023 (fieldwork 2022-23, tablets only). The OECD treats literacy and numeracy as comparable across cycles (linked scales); the linking error is about 3 points. Cycle 1 values are as originally published (the 2023 report did not re-estimate them). For countries in both cycles 2023 excludes adults who only did the doorstep interview because of a language barrier, as in the OECD trend tables; for cycle-2-only countries (Latvia, Portugal, Switzerland, Croatia) the headline values are used. Belgium (only Flanders took part) and the UK (England, Northern Ireland) are not in the catalog. Russia: 2012, sample without Moscow; Russia did not take part in cycle 2.

Source: OECD, PIAAC - Survey of Adult Skills

Numeracy of young adults aged 16-24 (PIAAC)

273 PIAAC score points latest value, 2023

South Korea: Numeracy of young adults aged 16-24 (PIAAC)2012: 281; 2023: 273010020030020152020

Mean numeracy score of 16-24 year-olds. Adults aged 16-65, PIAAC scale 0-500. Year = year of data collection: cycle 1 - 2012 (Russia, Japan, Finland, US, ...), 2015 (Chile, Greece, Israel, Lithuania, New Zealand, Singapore, Slovenia, Turkey), 2017 (Hungary, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Kazakhstan and a separate US sample); cycle 2 - 2023 (fieldwork 2022-23, tablets only). The OECD treats literacy and numeracy as comparable across cycles (linked scales); the linking error is about 3 points. Cycle 1 values are as originally published (the 2023 report did not re-estimate them). For countries in both cycles 2023 excludes adults who only did the doorstep interview because of a language barrier, as in the OECD trend tables; for cycle-2-only countries (Latvia, Portugal, Switzerland, Croatia) the headline values are used. Belgium (only Flanders took part) and the UK (England, Northern Ireland) are not in the catalog. Russia: 2012, sample without Moscow; Russia did not take part in cycle 2.

Source: OECD, PIAAC - Survey of Adult Skills

Numeracy of adults aged 55-65 (PIAAC)

226 PIAAC score points latest value, 2023

South Korea: Numeracy of adults aged 55-65 (PIAAC)2012: 232; 2023: 22605010015020025020152020

Mean numeracy score of 55-65 year-olds. Adults aged 16-65, PIAAC scale 0-500. Year = year of data collection: cycle 1 - 2012 (Russia, Japan, Finland, US, ...), 2015 (Chile, Greece, Israel, Lithuania, New Zealand, Singapore, Slovenia, Turkey), 2017 (Hungary, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Kazakhstan and a separate US sample); cycle 2 - 2023 (fieldwork 2022-23, tablets only). The OECD treats literacy and numeracy as comparable across cycles (linked scales); the linking error is about 3 points. Cycle 1 values are as originally published (the 2023 report did not re-estimate them). For countries in both cycles 2023 excludes adults who only did the doorstep interview because of a language barrier, as in the OECD trend tables; for cycle-2-only countries (Latvia, Portugal, Switzerland, Croatia) the headline values are used. Belgium (only Flanders took part) and the UK (England, Northern Ireland) are not in the catalog. Russia: 2012, sample without Moscow; Russia did not take part in cycle 2.

Source: OECD, PIAAC - Survey of Adult Skills

Adults with low literacy (PIAAC)

30.4 % of adults 16-65 latest value, 2023

South Korea: Adults with low literacy (PIAAC)2012: 12.9; 2023: 30.401020304020152020

Share of adults aged 16-65 at Level 1 or below in PIAAC literacy: they can handle only short, simple texts. In cycle 1 the share is of adults with a score (missing cases for language or reading difficulties excluded), as in the OECD 2023 trend tables. Adults aged 16-65, PIAAC scale 0-500. Year = year of data collection: cycle 1 - 2012 (Russia, Japan, Finland, US, ...), 2015 (Chile, Greece, Israel, Lithuania, New Zealand, Singapore, Slovenia, Turkey), 2017 (Hungary, Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Kazakhstan and a separate US sample); cycle 2 - 2023 (fieldwork 2022-23, tablets only). The OECD treats literacy and numeracy as comparable across cycles (linked scales); the linking error is about 3 points. Cycle 1 values are as originally published (the 2023 report did not re-estimate them). For countries in both cycles 2023 excludes adults who only did the doorstep interview because of a language barrier, as in the OECD trend tables; for cycle-2-only countries (Latvia, Portugal, Switzerland, Croatia) the headline values are used. Belgium (only Flanders took part) and the UK (England, Northern Ireland) are not in the catalog. Russia: 2012, sample without Moscow; Russia did not take part in cycle 2.

Source: OECD, PIAAC - Survey of Adult Skills

Adaptive problem solving of adults (PIAAC)

238 PIAAC score points latest value, 2023

South Korea: Adaptive problem solving of adults (PIAAC)2023: 238; 2023: 2380501001502002502020

Mean adaptive problem solving score of adults aged 16-65 - a new domain of PIAAC cycle 2 (2023): solving problems whose conditions change along the way. 2023 only: cycle 1 problem solving in technology-rich environments is a different domain with no common items, and the OECD says the two are not comparable. Values include adults who only did the doorstep interview (headline values of the report). Belgium and the UK are not included (only Flanders and England took part).

Source: OECD, PIAAC - Survey of Adult Skills

Education and work

Unemployment aged 25-34: below upper secondary (ISCED 0-2) (OECD)

4.9 % of labour force latest value, 2025

South Korea: Unemployment aged 25-34: below upper secondary (ISCED 0-2) (OECD)1995: 1.7; 2025: 4.90510151995200020052010201520202025

Unemployed as a share of the labour force, people aged 25-34 with below upper secondary (ISCED 0-2) education. OECD Education at a Glance, from national labour force surveys. Standard errors (mostly from 2015) and break flags are in the labour_education_oecd dataset. The OECD age band 25-34 differs from Eurostat's 25-29.

Source: OECD — Education at a Glance database, labour market outcomes by educational attainment

Unemployment aged 25-34: upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary (ISCED 3-4) (OECD)

4.8 % of labour force latest value, 2025

South Korea: Unemployment aged 25-34: upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary (ISCED 3-4) (OECD)1995: 2.1; 2025: 4.802468101995200020052010201520202025

Unemployed as a share of the labour force, people aged 25-34 with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary (ISCED 3-4) education. OECD Education at a Glance, from national labour force surveys. Standard errors (mostly from 2015) and break flags are in the labour_education_oecd dataset. The OECD age band 25-34 differs from Eurostat's 25-29.

Source: OECD — Education at a Glance database, labour market outcomes by educational attainment

Unemployment aged 25-34: tertiary (ISCED 5-8) (OECD)

4.4 % of labour force latest value, 2025

South Korea: Unemployment aged 25-34: tertiary (ISCED 5-8) (OECD)1995: 2.6; 2025: 4.4024681995200020052010201520202025

Unemployed as a share of the labour force, people aged 25-34 with tertiary (ISCED 5-8) education. OECD Education at a Glance, from national labour force surveys. Standard errors (mostly from 2015) and break flags are in the labour_education_oecd dataset. The OECD age band 25-34 differs from Eurostat's 25-29.

Source: OECD — Education at a Glance database, labour market outcomes by educational attainment

Employment aged 25-34: below upper secondary (ISCED 0-2) (OECD)

65.7 % of population latest value, 2025

South Korea: Employment aged 25-34: below upper secondary (ISCED 0-2) (OECD)1995: 67.5; 2025: 65.70204060801995200020052010201520202025

Employed as a share of the whole population, people aged 25-34 with below upper secondary (ISCED 0-2) education. OECD Education at a Glance, from national labour force surveys. Standard errors (mostly from 2015) and break flags are in the labour_education_oecd dataset. The OECD age band 25-34 differs from Eurostat's 25-29.

Source: OECD — Education at a Glance database, labour market outcomes by educational attainment

Employment aged 25-34: upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary (ISCED 3-4) (OECD)

69 % of population latest value, 2025

South Korea: Employment aged 25-34: upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary (ISCED 3-4) (OECD)1995: 66; 2025: 690204060801995200020052010201520202025

Employed as a share of the whole population, people aged 25-34 with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary (ISCED 3-4) education. OECD Education at a Glance, from national labour force surveys. Standard errors (mostly from 2015) and break flags are in the labour_education_oecd dataset. The OECD age band 25-34 differs from Eurostat's 25-29.

Source: OECD — Education at a Glance database, labour market outcomes by educational attainment

Employment aged 25-34: tertiary (ISCED 5-8) (OECD)

79.5 % of population latest value, 2025

South Korea: Employment aged 25-34: tertiary (ISCED 5-8) (OECD)1995: 77.5; 2025: 79.50204060801995200020052010201520202025

Employed as a share of the whole population, people aged 25-34 with tertiary (ISCED 5-8) education. OECD Education at a Glance, from national labour force surveys. Standard errors (mostly from 2015) and break flags are in the labour_education_oecd dataset. The OECD age band 25-34 differs from Eurostat's 25-29.

Source: OECD — Education at a Glance database, labour market outcomes by educational attainment

Earnings aged 25-64, tertiary (ISCED 5-8) relative to upper secondary (OECD)

130 % (upper secondary = 100) latest value, 2024

South Korea: Earnings aged 25-64, tertiary (ISCED 5-8) relative to upper secondary (OECD)2005: 146; 2024: 1300501001502002005201020152020

Earnings of full-time full-year workers aged 25-64 with tertiary (ISCED 5-8) education as a percentage of the earnings of similar workers with upper secondary education (= 100). OECD Education at a Glance; earnings come from surveys or tax and register data, the reference year lags by one or two years in some countries. All earners (not only full-time) are in the labour_education_oecd dataset.

Source: OECD — Education at a Glance database, labour market outcomes by educational attainment

Earnings aged 25-64, below upper secondary (ISCED 0-2) relative to upper secondary (OECD)

83 % (upper secondary = 100) latest value, 2024

South Korea: Earnings aged 25-64, below upper secondary (ISCED 0-2) relative to upper secondary (OECD)2005: 70; 2024: 830204060801002005201020152020

Earnings of full-time full-year workers aged 25-64 with below upper secondary (ISCED 0-2) education as a percentage of the earnings of similar workers with upper secondary education (= 100). OECD Education at a Glance; earnings come from surveys or tax and register data, the reference year lags by one or two years in some countries. All earners (not only full-time) are in the labour_education_oecd dataset.

Source: OECD — Education at a Glance database, labour market outcomes by educational attainment

Earnings aged 25-34, tertiary (ISCED 5-8) relative to upper secondary (OECD)

114 % (upper secondary = 100) latest value, 2024

South Korea: Earnings aged 25-34, tertiary (ISCED 5-8) relative to upper secondary (OECD)2005: 127; 2024: 1140501001502005201020152020

Earnings of full-time full-year workers aged 25-34 with tertiary (ISCED 5-8) education as a percentage of the earnings of similar workers with upper secondary education (= 100). OECD Education at a Glance; earnings come from surveys or tax and register data, the reference year lags by one or two years in some countries. All earners (not only full-time) are in the labour_education_oecd dataset.

Source: OECD — Education at a Glance database, labour market outcomes by educational attainment

Unemployment aged 25 and over: basic education (ILO)

3.4 % of labour force latest value, 2025

South Korea: Unemployment aged 25 and over: basic education (ILO)2000: 3.7; 2025: 3.401234200020052010201520202025

Unemployed as a share of the labour force, people aged 25 and over with basic education. ILO (ILOSTAT) from national labour force and other surveys: a country appears only in years with a survey; these are not ILO modelled estimates. Levels are the ILO aggregate of national classifications (by ISCED): basic up to lower secondary, intermediate upper secondary and post-secondary, advanced tertiary. Unreliable flags and survey type are in the labour_education_ilostat dataset. Source: ILO, UNE_DEAP_SEX_AGE_EDU_RT_A.

Source: ILO, ILOSTAT — unemployment and employment by level of education (national surveys)

Unemployment aged 25 and over: intermediate education (ILO)

2.6 % of labour force latest value, 2025

South Korea: Unemployment aged 25 and over: intermediate education (ILO)2000: 4; 2025: 2.6012345200020052010201520202025

Unemployed as a share of the labour force, people aged 25 and over with intermediate education. ILO (ILOSTAT) from national labour force and other surveys: a country appears only in years with a survey; these are not ILO modelled estimates. Levels are the ILO aggregate of national classifications (by ISCED): basic up to lower secondary, intermediate upper secondary and post-secondary, advanced tertiary. Unreliable flags and survey type are in the labour_education_ilostat dataset. Source: ILO, UNE_DEAP_SEX_AGE_EDU_RT_A.

Source: ILO, ILOSTAT — unemployment and employment by level of education (national surveys)

Unemployment aged 25 and over: advanced (tertiary) education (ILO)

2.6 % of labour force latest value, 2025

South Korea: Unemployment aged 25 and over: advanced (tertiary) education (ILO)2000: 3.2; 2025: 2.601234200020052010201520202025

Unemployed as a share of the labour force, people aged 25 and over with advanced (tertiary) education. ILO (ILOSTAT) from national labour force and other surveys: a country appears only in years with a survey; these are not ILO modelled estimates. Levels are the ILO aggregate of national classifications (by ISCED): basic up to lower secondary, intermediate upper secondary and post-secondary, advanced tertiary. Unreliable flags and survey type are in the labour_education_ilostat dataset. Source: ILO, UNE_DEAP_SEX_AGE_EDU_RT_A.

Source: ILO, ILOSTAT — unemployment and employment by level of education (national surveys)

Unemployment aged 15-24: basic education (ILO)

5.5 % of labour force latest value, 2025

South Korea: Unemployment aged 15-24: basic education (ILO)2000: 13.3; 2025: 5.505101520200020052010201520202025

Unemployed as a share of the labour force, people aged 15-24 with basic education. ILO (ILOSTAT) from national labour force and other surveys: a country appears only in years with a survey; these are not ILO modelled estimates. Levels are the ILO aggregate of national classifications (by ISCED): basic up to lower secondary, intermediate upper secondary and post-secondary, advanced tertiary. Unreliable flags and survey type are in the labour_education_ilostat dataset. Source: ILO, UNE_DEAP_SEX_AGE_EDU_RT_A.

Source: ILO, ILOSTAT — unemployment and employment by level of education (national surveys)

Unemployment aged 15-24: advanced (tertiary) education (ILO)

5.6 % of labour force latest value, 2025

South Korea: Unemployment aged 15-24: advanced (tertiary) education (ILO)2000: 9.1; 2025: 5.6051015200020052010201520202025

Unemployed as a share of the labour force, people aged 15-24 with advanced (tertiary) education. ILO (ILOSTAT) from national labour force and other surveys: a country appears only in years with a survey; these are not ILO modelled estimates. Levels are the ILO aggregate of national classifications (by ISCED): basic up to lower secondary, intermediate upper secondary and post-secondary, advanced tertiary. Unreliable flags and survey type are in the labour_education_ilostat dataset. Source: ILO, UNE_DEAP_SEX_AGE_EDU_RT_A.

Source: ILO, ILOSTAT — unemployment and employment by level of education (national surveys)

Employment aged 25 and over: basic education (ILO)

44.6 % of population latest value, 2025

South Korea: Employment aged 25 and over: basic education (ILO)2000: 68.6; 2025: 44.6020406080200020052010201520202025

Employed as a share of the population, people aged 25 and over with basic education. ILO (ILOSTAT) from national labour force and other surveys: a country appears only in years with a survey; these are not ILO modelled estimates. Levels are the ILO aggregate of national classifications (by ISCED): basic up to lower secondary, intermediate upper secondary and post-secondary, advanced tertiary. Unreliable flags and survey type are in the labour_education_ilostat dataset. Source: ILO, EMP_DWAP_SEX_AGE_EDU_RT_A.

Source: ILO, ILOSTAT — unemployment and employment by level of education (national surveys)

Employment aged 25 and over: advanced (tertiary) education (ILO)

76.1 % of population latest value, 2025

South Korea: Employment aged 25 and over: advanced (tertiary) education (ILO)2000: 72.4; 2025: 76.1020406080200020052010201520202025

Employed as a share of the population, people aged 25 and over with advanced (tertiary) education. ILO (ILOSTAT) from national labour force and other surveys: a country appears only in years with a survey; these are not ILO modelled estimates. Levels are the ILO aggregate of national classifications (by ISCED): basic up to lower secondary, intermediate upper secondary and post-secondary, advanced tertiary. Unreliable flags and survey type are in the labour_education_ilostat dataset. Source: ILO, EMP_DWAP_SEX_AGE_EDU_RT_A.

Source: ILO, ILOSTAT — unemployment and employment by level of education (national surveys)

In-depth checks

This country has in-depth checks against archives of national projections:

Same region: Asia