This statistic presents the results of a survey on South Korea's perceived and actual economic ranking among the world's top 200 countries as of October 2018. According to data published by Ipsos, South Korean respondents underestimated their country's global economic ranking. On average, the respondents thought that South Korea's GDP ranked 20th among top 200 countries, when South Korea was the ******** largest economy in the world.

The statistic shows gross domestic product (GDP) of South Korea from 1987 to 2024, with projections up until 2030. GDP or gross domestic product is the sum of all goods and services produced in a country in a year; it is a strong indicator of economic strength. In 2024, South Korea's GDP was around 1.9 trillion U.S. dollars. See global GDP for a global comparison. South Korea’s economy South Korea is doing quite well economically. It is among the leading export countries worldwide, it mainly exports electronics, automobiles and machinery. South Korea is also one of the leading import countries worldwide. Additionally, it is one of the leading countries with the largest proportion of global domestic product / GDP based on Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). Its GDP has been increasing for the last few years, while the gross domestic product / GDP growth in South Korea has not been steady but increasing since 2009. South Korea is an OECD member and a member of the G20 states. Among the latter, its GDP growth was higher than that of the United States or the European Union in 2013. South Korea is one of the fastest-growing economies worldwide. Its standard of living is also considered to be quite high, the unemployment rate, which is one key factor, has been at around 3 percent, give or take a few percentage points, for the past decade. As a comparison, the United States’ unemployment rate was almost twice, sometimes three times as high as in South Korea during the same period. As for employment, South Korea’s rate is almost the same as that of the United States or France, with more than 60 percent of employed persons in the population.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in North Korea was worth 18 billion US dollars in 2019, according to official data from the World Bank. The GDP value of North Korea represents 0.02 percent of the world economy. This dataset provides - North Korea GDP - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

In 2023, South Korea's nominal gross domestic product (GDP) reached approximately ***** trillion South Korean won, while North Korea's amounted to about **** trillion South Korean won. Consequently, South Korea's nominal GDP was approximately ** times larger than that of North Korea during that year. Moreover, North Korea's GDP growth has been notably slower than that of South Korea.North Korea's economic development North Korea's economy is centered around its capital city and military, with particular emphasis on the expansion of its nuclear capabilities in recent decades. Roughly ** percent of foreign trade has been with China in the past decade, from which it imports mainly intermediate goods and raw materials. Food shortages, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, are a recurring issue for North Korea, as poor harvests, international sanctions, and a downturn in inter-Korean trade have created sourcing problems. The full extent of this issue remains unknown, but it is estimated that almost **** the population is undernourished. Kaesong Industrial ComplexThe Kaesong Industrial Complex project began in 2000 and was a crucial part of South Korea's efforts to improve relations with North Korea. It aimed to foster cooperation between the two Koreas and promote stability in the region. The industrial park, located in Kaesong, North Korea, was intended to provide a platform for small and medium-sized South Korean companies. South Korea would provide the necessary capital and infrastructure, while North Korean workers would be tasked with manufacturing products, aiming to stimulate economic growth on both sides of the border. Unfortunately, the complex was affected by tensions between the two Koreas and shut down in 2016. It has not been reopened since.

The gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in South Korea stood at 36,240 U.S. dollars in 2024. From 1980 to 2024, the GDP per capita rose by 34,500 U.S. dollars, though the increase followed an uneven trajectory rather than a consistent upward trend. Between 2024 and 2030, the GDP per capita will rise by 8,020 U.S. dollars, showing an overall upward trend with periodic ups and downs.This indicator describes the gross domestic product per capita at current prices. Thereby, the gross domestic product was first converted from national currency to U.S. dollars at current exchange rates and then divided by the total population. The gross domestic product is a measure of a country's productivity. It refers to the total value of goods and service produced during a given time period (here a year).

Korea Ease of Doing Business Index: 1=Most Business-friendly Regulations data was reported at 4.000 NA in 2017. Korea Ease of Doing Business Index: 1=Most Business-friendly Regulations data is updated yearly, averaging 4.000 NA from Dec 2017 (Median) to 2017, with 1 observations. Korea Ease of Doing Business Index: 1=Most Business-friendly Regulations data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Korea – Table KR.World Bank: Business Environment. Ease of doing business ranks economies from 1 to 190, with first place being the best. A high ranking (a low numerical rank) means that the regulatory environment is conducive to business operation. The index averages the country's percentile rankings on 10 topics covered in the World Bank's Doing Business. The ranking on each topic is the simple average of the percentile rankings on its component indicators.; ; World Bank, Doing Business project (http://www.doingbusiness.org/).; ; Data are presented for the survey year instead of publication year. Data before 2013 are not comparable with data from 2013 onward due to methodological changes.

Key information about South Korea Gross National Product (GNP)

• South Korea Gross National Product (GNP) was reported at 476.417 USD bn in Jun 2025.
• This records an increase from the previous number of 437.513 USD bn for Mar 2025.
• South Korea Gross National Product (GNP) data is updated quarterly, averaging 92.329 USD bn from Mar 1960 to Jun 2025, with 262 observations.
• The data reached an all-time high of 504.355 USD bn in Dec 2021 and a record low of 554.231 USD mn in Sep 1961.

• South Korea Gross National Product (GNP) data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data.
• CEIC converts quarterly Gross National Product into USD. The Bank of Korea provides Gross National Product in local currency. Federal Reserve Board average market exchange rate is used for currency conversions.

South Korea GOI: Total Rank data was reported at 22.000 NA in 2023. This stayed constant from the previous number of 22.000 NA for 2022. South Korea GOI: Total Rank data is updated yearly, averaging 19.500 NA from Dec 2016 (Median) to 2023, with 8 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 23.000 NA in 2018 and a record low of 6.000 NA in 2016. South Korea GOI: Total Rank data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Milken Institute. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Korea – Table KR.Milken: Global Opportunity Index.

GDP (current US$) in South Korea was reported at 1712792854202 USD in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Korea - GDP - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on October of 2025.

Time series data for the statistic Total Credit To General Government (% of GDP) and country Korea, Rep.. Indicator Definition:Total Credit To General Government (% of GDP)The indicator "Total Credit To General Government (% of GDP)" stands at 47.20 as of 3/31/2025, the highest value at least since 3/31/1991, the period currently displayed. Regarding the One-Year-Change of the series, the current value constitutes an increase of 4.42 percent compared to the value the year prior.The 1 year change in percent is 4.42.The 3 year change in percent is 7.76.The 5 year change in percent is 17.12.The 10 year change in percent is 27.22.The Serie's long term average value is 22.58. It's latest available value, on 3/31/2025, is 109.03 percent higher, compared to it's long term average value.The Serie's change in percent from it's minimum value, on 12/31/1996, to it's latest available value, on 3/31/2025, is +972.73%.The Serie's change in percent from it's maximum value, on 3/31/2025, to it's latest available value, on 3/31/2025, is 0.0%.

The Gross Domestic Product per capita in South Korea was last recorded at 49995.49 US dollars in 2023, when adjusted by purchasing power parity (PPP). The GDP per Capita, in South Korea, when adjusted by Purchasing Power Parity is equivalent to 281 percent of the world's average. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - South Korea GDP per capita PPP - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

South Korea is ranked 5 among 190 economies in the ease of doing business, according to the latest World Bank annual ratings. The rank of South Korea remained unchanged at 5 in 2019 from 5 in 2018. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for Ease of Doing Business in South Korea.

Time series data for the statistic Foreign_Direct_Investment_Net_Inflows_$ and country Korea, Rep.. Indicator Definition:Foreign direct investment refers to direct investment equity flows in the reporting economy. It is the sum of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings, and other capital. Direct investment is a category of cross-border investment associated with a resident in one economy having control or a significant degree of influence on the management of an enterprise that is resident in another economy. Ownership of 10 percent or more of the ordinary shares of voting stock is the criterion for determining the existence of a direct investment relationship. Data are in current U.S. dollars.The statistic "Foreign Direct Investment Net Inflows $" stands at 15,225,800,000.00 South Korean Wons as of 12/31/2024, the lowest value since 12/31/2021. Regarding the One-Year-Change of the series, the current value constitutes a decrease of -20.04 percent compared to the value the year prior.The 1 year change in percent is -20.04.The 3 year change in percent is -30.98.The 5 year change in percent is 58.04.The 10 year change in percent is 64.18.The Serie's long term average value is 5,993,360,000.00 South Korean Wons. It's latest available value, on 12/31/2024, is 154.04 percent higher, compared to it's long term average value.The Serie's change in percent from it's minimum value, on 12/31/1974, to it's latest available value, on 12/31/2024, is +761,190.00%.The Serie's change in percent from it's maximum value, on 12/31/2022, to it's latest available value, on 12/31/2024, is -39.21%.

Time series data for the statistic Foreign direct investment, net outflows (BoP, current US$) and country Korea, Rep.. Indicator Definition:Foreign direct investment refers to direct investment equity flows in an economy. It is the sum of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings, and other capital. Direct investment is a category of cross-border investment associated with a resident in one economy having control or a significant degree of influence on the management of an enterprise that is resident in another economy. Ownership of 10 percent or more of the ordinary shares of voting stock is the criterion for determining the existence of a direct investment relationship. This series shows net outflows of investment from the reporting economy to the rest of the world. Data are in current U.S. dollars.The indicator "Foreign direct investment, net outflows (BoP, current US$)" stands at 48.59 Billion usd as of 12/31/2024. Regarding the One-Year-Change of the series, the current value constitutes an increase of 51.03 percent compared to the value the year prior.The 1 year change in percent is 51.03.The 3 year change in percent is -26.38.The 5 year change in percent is 37.88.The 10 year change in percent is 73.54.The Serie's long term average value is 12.78 Billion usd. It's latest available value, on 12/31/2024, is 280.12 percent higher, compared to it's long term average value.The Serie's change in percent from it's minimum value, on 12/31/1972, to it's latest available value, on 12/31/2024, is +4,858,780.00%.The Serie's change in percent from it's maximum value, on 12/31/2021, to it's latest available value, on 12/31/2024, is -26.38%.

South Korea's total Exports in 2024 were valued at US$683.13 Billion, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. South Korea's main export partners were: China, the United States and Vietnam. The top three export commodities were: Electrical, electronic equipment; Vehicles other than railway, tramway and Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers. Total Imports were valued at US$631.73 Billion. In 2024, South Korea had a trade surplus of US$51.40 Billion.

As of September 2025, the executive chairman of Meritz Financial Group Cho Jung-ho was the wealthiest person in South Korea, with a net worth of about *** billion U.S. dollars. His net worth increased from *** billion U.S. dollars from the previous year when he rose from seventh to first place. Lee Jae-yong, the chairman of Samsung Electronics, followed with about *** billion dollars. Turbulent times for the wealthy Despite the country's economic recovery from the impact of COVID-19, South Korea’s wealthiest people lost a significant amount of their net worth because of the poorly performing stock market and a weakened currency. Lee Jae-yong overcame the shrinking demand for tech goods and ranked as the wealthiest South Korean, although his net worth the year before was more than *** billion dollars higher. The founder of Kakao, Kim Beom-su, had the same net worth as Lee Jae-yong in 2022. However, he only placed fourth in 2023, losing more than **** billion dollars in net worth within the year. In October 2022, Kakao faced public outrage and criticism because of a service outage. Conglomerates’ dominating position in the South Korean economy   Although the collective wealth of the ** wealthiest people in South Korea fell by about ** percent, conglomerates dominated the market. Samsung Electronics had the highest market capitalization among business groups listed in South Korea, amounting to about *** trillion South Korean won. The position of the largest businesses represented a significant hurdle for start-ups. South Korea had a low survival rate for new companies compared to the OECD average, discouraging the emergence of new businesses. When asked about the most critical challenges, small- and medium-sized business owners answered that increasing revenue and attracting customers were the most difficult.

Japan RS: South Korea: Food: Unique data was reported at 27.000 Person in Dec 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 20.000 Person for Sep 2017. Japan RS: South Korea: Food: Unique data is updated quarterly, averaging 25.000 Person from Mar 2015 (Median) to Dec 2017, with 12 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 41.000 Person in Sep 2015 and a record low of 19.000 Person in Dec 2015. Japan RS: South Korea: Food: Unique data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.Q032: Tourism and Leisure: Satisfaction Rating Visiting to Japan.

North Korea: Happiness Index, 0 (unhappy) - 10 (happy): The latest value from is points, unavailable from points in . In comparison, the world average is 0.00 points, based on data from countries. Historically, the average for North Korea from to is points. The minimum value, points, was reached in while the maximum of points was recorded in .

South Korea is the 30 least corrupt nation out of 180 countries, according to the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index reported by Transparency International. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - South Korea Corruption Rank - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Japan RS: South Korea: Food: Famous data was reported at 290.000 Person in Jun 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 382.000 Person for Mar 2018. Japan RS: South Korea: Food: Famous data is updated quarterly, averaging 13.500 Person from Mar 2015 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 14 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 382.000 Person in Mar 2018 and a record low of 5.000 Person in Dec 2015. Japan RS: South Korea: Food: Famous data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.Q032: Tourism and Leisure: Satisfaction Rating Visiting to Japan.