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Photo: Unknown author · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
South Korea
South Korea places highest on Government Funding per Primary Student (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on Ecological Footprint (bottom 10%).
South Korea in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
51,748,739
people
since 1950
Land area
97,600
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
55,697
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
84.33
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.937
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
2.683
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About South Korea
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, occupies the southern part of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, with coastlines on seas to the west, south and east. Most of the country is hilly or mountainous, and most people live in the lowlands and along the coasts. It also includes many islands, the largest being Jeju. The climate has four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Seoul is the capital, and Busan, Incheon, Daegu and Daejeon are major cities. Korean is the national language, written in the Hangul alphabet.
The peninsula was ruled for centuries by Korean kingdoms and dynasties, most recently the Joseon dynasty, before a period of Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945. After the Second World War the peninsula was divided, and the Republic of Korea was established in the south in 1948. The country is known for its palaces and temples, its cuisine, and for popular music, film and television that reach audiences worldwide. Its economy is built on advanced manufacturing, including electronics, cars and shipbuilding, together with technology and services.
Key facts about South Korea
- Capital
- Seoul
- Official languages
- Korean, Korean Sign Language
- Currency
- won (KRW)
- ISO code
- KOR · KR
- Domain · dialling
- .kr · +82
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is South Korea’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
1stof 182
From 3 of 4 key statistics
3rdof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
3rdof 147
From 3 of 3 key statistics
7thof 194
From 3 of 3 key statistics
8thof 201
From 4 of 4 key statistics
14thof 193
From 5 of 5 key statistics
joint15thof 150
From 3 of 3 key statistics
35thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
37thof 178
From 3 of 3 key statistics
joint68thof 177
From 3 of 3 key statistics
120thof 191
From 3 of 3 key statistics
128thof 161
From 3 of 3 key statistics
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for South Korea’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for South Korea in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where South Korea stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which South Korea sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where South Korea does best21
In the top third of all countries measured. 21 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1st
Position · derived 1st of 68 · 34.57 · 2022
world median 17.81 (better) · ▲ 6 pts since 2015
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
- 1st
- 1st
Position · derived 104th of 104 · 1 = worst · 2.5 · 2023
world median 5.2 (better) · ▼ 3 pts since 2013
- 1st
Position · derived 1st of 164 · 99.27 · 2025
world median 64.87 (better)
- 2nd
- 2nd
Position · derived 161st of 162 · 1 = worst · 0.852 · 2024
world median 13.8 (better)
- 3rd
- 3rd
Position · derived 119th of 121 · 1 = worst · 0.056 · 2024
world median 3.691 (better) · ▲ 41 pts since 2014
- 3rd
Position · derived 3rd of 84 · 4.944 · 2023
world median 0.814 (better)
- 4th
- 4th
- 4thPISA Reading Performancetop 4%
Position · derived 4th of 79 · 515.42 · 2022
world median 440.35 (better)
- 4thTertiary Enrolment Ratiotop 3%
Position · derived 4th of 95 · 111.85 · 2024
world median 52.77 (better)
- 5th
- 5th
Position · derived 5th of 179 · 44.39 · 2025
world median 19.16 (better)
- 5th
- 5thLife Expectancy at Birthtop 2%
Position · derived 5th of 222 · 84.33 · 2023
world median 74.63 (better) · ▲ 7 pts since 2013
- 5thPISA Science Performancetop 5%
Position · derived 5th of 79 · 527.82 · 2022
world median 446.93 (better) · ▲ 4 pts since 2012
- 6th
Position · derived 6th of 79 · 527.3 · 2022
world median 442.09 (better)
- 7th
Position · derived 7th of 188 · 91.57 · 2024
world median 69.3 (better) · ▲ 18 pts since 2016
Where South Korea struggles most5
In the bottom third of all countries measured.
- Ecological Footprintbottom 10%
Position · derived 14th of 126 · 1 = worst · 5.106 · 2025
world median 2.296 (worse) · ▼ 2 pts since 2015
- Global Militarisation Indexbottom 11%
Rank 17th of 149 · 1 = worst · 189.87 · 2023
world median 100.66 (worse) · ▲ 2 pts since 2013
- Water Stressbottom 11%
Position · derived 21st of 177 · 1 = worst · 85.22 · 2023
world median 10 (worse)
- GDP Growthbottom 15%
Position · derived 159th of 186 · 1.007 · 2025
world median 3.396 (worse) · ▼ 35 pts since 2015
- Crop Production Indexbottom 17%
Position · derived 162nd of 195 · 93.62 · 2022
world median 106.23 (worse) · ▼ 45 pts since 2012
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so South Korea can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
34th
of 141 · 1990
20th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
44th
of 173 · 2012
31st
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
30th
of 79 · 1990
12th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
6th
of 132 · 2022
4th
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
21st
of 140 · 1995
3rd
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
7th
of 172 · 2020
5th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where South Korea has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Livestock Production Index+33 pts since 2012
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary+18 pts since 2014
Losing ground
Where South Korea has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Food Production Index-13 pts since 2012
05In context
South Korea and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 174, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
Across Eastern Asia
Every country in the sub-region, by its position in the world (of 174 placed).
06Places
Landmarks of South Korea
Bulguksa
Buddhist temple in Gyeongju dating from the Silla kingdom.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Seongsan Ilchulbong
Tuff cone rising from the sea on the eastern coast of Jeju Island.
Photo: Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service (Photographer name) · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Hwaseong Fortress
Late eighteenth-century fortress surrounding the centre of Suwon.
Photo: Lance Vanlewen · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Jongmyo
Confucian royal shrine in Seoul dedicated to the kings and queens of the Joseon dynasty.
Photo: João Trindade · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Hahoe Folk Village
Traditional clan village near Andong, set in a bend of the Nakdong River.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
07The evidence
Every statistic we hold for South Korea
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions15
Civic Space Ratings57th of 198position · derived72.93Civic space score (0–100)2025
top 28% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
South Korea 72.93 · world median 50.46 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Corruption Perceptions Index31st of 181rank63CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
top 17% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
South Korea 63 · world median 39 (better)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
General Government Consumption56th of 132position · derived17.65General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
top 42% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
South Korea 17.65 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
▲ +22 percentile points since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index5th of 195rank76.89AI readiness score (0–100)2025
top 2% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
South Korea 76.89 · world median 40.19 (better)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
No real change since 2020
Government Effectiveness21st of 209position · derived1.487Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2024
top 10% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
South Korea 1.487 · world median 0.01 (better)
Best in the world 2.28 (Singapore)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
Government Funding per Primary Student1st of 68position · derived34.57Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)2022
top 1% of 68 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)
South Korea 34.57 · world median 17.81 (better)
Best in the world 34.57 (South Korea)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Open Data Inventory31st of 168rank75ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
top 19% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
South Korea 75 · world median 59 (better)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2016
Regulatory Quality36th of 209position · derived1.014Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
top 17% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
South Korea 1.014 · world median -0.09 (better)
Best in the world 2.132 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Rule of Law31st of 211position · derived1.117Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
top 14% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
South Korea 1.117 · world median -0.1 (better)
Best in the world 2.021 (Finland)
No real change since 2014
Statistical Performance Indicators7th of 188position · derived91.57SPI overall score (0–100)2024
top 3% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
South Korea 91.57 · world median 69.3 (better)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density89th of 139position · derived12.37Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
bottom 36% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
South Korea 12.37 · world median 16.68 (worse)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index24th of 176position · derived0.819Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
top 13% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
South Korea 0.819 · world median 0.497 (better)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2015
Voice and Accountability53rd of 208position · derived0.808Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
top 25% of 208 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
South Korea 0.808 · world median -0.02 (better)
Best in the world 1.929 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
Women, Business and the Law56th of 190position · derived88.13WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
top 30% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
South Korea 88.13 · world median 81.25 (better)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Economy & Innovation31
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution26th of 139position · derived96.89Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 18% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
South Korea 96.89 · world median 72.83 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
No real change since 2014
Adjusted Net Savings23rd of 118position · derived17.71Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)2021
top 19% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)
South Korea 17.71 · world median 8.389 (better)
Best in the world 32.18 (Bangladesh)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2011
Agricultural Land163rd of 209position · derived16.07Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
bottom 22% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
South Korea 16.07 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)139th of 158position · derived1.464Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 12% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
South Korea 1.464 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2015
Cereal Yield19th of 179position · derived6,615Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
top 10% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
South Korea 6,615 · world median 3,072 (better)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
No real change since 2013
Container Port Traffic4th of 103position · derived31,850,924Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)2024
top 3% of 103 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)
South Korea 31,850,924 · world median 1,827,788
Highest 299,703,800 (China)
No real change since 2014
Crop Production Index162nd of 195position · derived93.62Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 17% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
South Korea 93.62 · world median 106.23 (worse)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▼ -45 percentile points since 2012
Economic Complexity Index3rd of 145rank1.6ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
top 1% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
South Korea 1.6 · world median 0.131 (better)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
No real change since 2014
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)46th of 138position · derived45.76Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
top 33% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
South Korea 45.76 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare23rd of 188position · derived262.31Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
top 12% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
South Korea 262.31 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Food Production Index126th of 195position · derived101.21Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 36% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
South Korea 101.21 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2012
GDP Growth159th of 186position · derived1.007GDP growth (annual %)2025
bottom 15% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
South Korea 1.007 · world median 3.396 (worse)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▼ -35 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)26th of 185position · derived55,697GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 14% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
South Korea 55,697 · world median 17,265 (better)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Global Innovation Index4th of 139rank60GII score (0–100)2025
top 2% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
South Korea 60 · world median 28.52 (better)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
No real change since 2022
GNI per Capita (PPP)12th of 102position · derived56,424GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 11% of 102 countries measured
World Bank Group · GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
South Korea 56,424 · world median 14,273 (better)
Best in the world 116,633 (Singapore)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2015
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)28th of 131position · derived29.13Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
top 21% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
South Korea 29.13 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
No real change since 2015
Gross Savings (% of GDP)16th of 146position · derived35.03Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
top 10% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
South Korea 35.03 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
Household Consumption115th of 131position · derived48.02Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
bottom 12% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Household and NPISH final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
South Korea 48.02 · world median 62.04
Highest 133.34 (Somalia)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
ICT Goods Exports5th of 119position · derived28.33ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)2024
top 3% of 120 countries measured · 120 share 119 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT goods exports (% of total goods exports)
South Korea 28.33 · world median 0.975 (better)
Best in the world 61.45 (Hong Kong)
No real change since 2014
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)72nd of 138position · derived40.6Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
bottom 48% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
South Korea 40.6 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2015
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)30th of 158position · derived34.33Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
top 18% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
South Korea 34.33 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index18th of 169position · derived0.857IHDI (0–1)2023
top 10% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
South Korea 0.857 · world median 0.609 (better)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index2nd of 175rank637.15LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
top 1% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
South Korea 637.15 · world median 56.21 (better)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
No real change since 2016
Livestock Density8th of 188position · derived4.63Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
top 4% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
South Korea 4.63 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
No real change since 2013
Livestock Production Index90th of 194position · derived109.28Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 46% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
South Korea 109.28 · world median 107.06 (better)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▲ +33 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index17th of 139rank3.8LPI score (1–5)2023
top 12% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
South Korea 3.8 · world median 2.9 (better)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)5th of 132position · derived27.43Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
top 3% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
South Korea 27.43 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
No real change since 2015
Research and Development Spending3rd of 84position · derived4.944Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)2023
top 2% of 84 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)
South Korea 4.944 · world median 0.814 (better)
Best in the world 6.346 (Israel)
No real change since 2013
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)156th of 180position · derived0.05Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
bottom 21% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
South Korea 0.05 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
No real change since 2011
Trade (% of GDP)63rd of 138position · derived86.36Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
top 45% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
South Korea 86.36 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
World Energy Trilemma Index27th of 99rank73.1Trilemma score (0–100)2023
top 26% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
South Korea 73.1 · world median 63.8 (better)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour17
Average Weekly Hours Worked114th of 182position · derived37.29Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
bottom 38% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
South Korea 37.29 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▼ -42 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture128th of 182position · derived5.104Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
bottom 30% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
South Korea 5.104 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Industry50th of 182position · derived23.38Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
top 27% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
South Korea 23.38 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Services53rd of 182position · derived71.51Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
top 29% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
South Korea 71.51 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
No real change since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio53rd of 182position · derived62.62Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
top 29% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
South Korea 62.62 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Fatal Occupational Injuriesbottom 20%3.93Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers2023
bottom 20% of 52 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers
South Korea 3.93 · world median 2.005 (worse)
Best in the world 0.12 (Belgium)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Female Labour Force Participation Rate65th of 182position · derived56.78Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 35% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
South Korea 56.78 · world median 53.36 (better)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▲ +15 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Female Top Manager5th of 179position · derived44.39Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
top 2% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
South Korea 44.39 · world median 19.16 (better)
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed34th of 168position · derived99,046GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
top 20% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
South Korea 99,046 · world median 47,384 (better)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
No real change since 2015
Informal Employment Rate57th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst29.12Informal employment (% of total employment)2025
top 42% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Informal employment (% of total employment)
South Korea 29.12 · world median 36.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.857 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Labour Force Participation Rate70th of 182position · derived64.35Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 38% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
South Korea 64.35 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked47th of 182position · derived47.93Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
top 25% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
South Korea 47.93 · world median 22.16 (better)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Self-Employment Rate118th of 182position · derived22.67Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
bottom 35% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
South Korea 22.67 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
No real change since 2015
Unemployment Rate154th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst2.683Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
top 15% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
South Korea 2.683 · world median 5.084 (better)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment121st of 182position · derived · 1 = worst17.69Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
top 34% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
South Korea 17.69 · world median 28.67 (better)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
No real change since 2015
Youth Unemployment Rate144th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst6.695Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
top 21% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
South Korea 6.695 · world median 12.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge16
Adult Literacy Rate46th of 172position · derived97.97Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
top 26% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
South Korea 97.97 · world median 93.99 (better)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling34th of 195position · derived16.62Expected years of schooling2023
top 17% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
South Korea 16.62 · world median 13.34 (better)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary39th of 75position · derived5.273Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%)2024
bottom 49% of 76 countries measured · 76 share 75 positions
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Inbound mobility rate, tertiary (%)
South Korea 5.273 · world median 5.494 (worse)
Best in the world 87.12 (San Marino)
▲ +18 percentile points since 2014
Mean Years of Schooling25th of 193position · derived12.72Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
top 13% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
South Korea 12.72 · world median 9.933 (better)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Out-of-School Rate, Primary119th of 121position · derived · 1 = worst0.056Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)2024
top 2% of 121 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)
South Korea 0.056 · world median 3.691 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (United Arab Emirates)
▲ +41 percentile points since 2014
PISA Mathematics Performance6th of 79position · derived527.3Mean mathematics score2022
top 6% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean mathematics score
South Korea 527.3 · world median 442.09 (better)
Best in the world 574.66 (Singapore)
No real change since 2012
PISA Reading Performance4th of 79position · derived515.42Mean reading score2022
top 4% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean reading score
South Korea 515.42 · world median 440.35 (better)
Best in the world 542.55 (Singapore)
No real change since 2012
PISA Science Performance5th of 79position · derived527.82Mean science score2022
top 5% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean science score
South Korea 527.82 · world median 446.93 (better)
Best in the world 561.43 (Singapore)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2012
Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate18th of 120position · derived95.6Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)2024
top 14% of 120 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%)
South Korea 95.6 · world median 65.93 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Moldova)
No real change since 2014
Primary Completion Rate1st of 165position · derived100Primary completion rate (%)2025
top 1% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
South Korea 100 · world median 97.43 (better)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
School Life Expectancy18th of 77position · derived16.85School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years)2024
top 22% of 77 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years)
South Korea 16.85 · world median 14.59 (better)
Best in the world 21.01 (Monaco)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2014
Secondary School Enrolment47th of 109position · derived96.25Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)2024
top 43% of 109 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%)
South Korea 96.25 · world median 93.19 (better)
Best in the world 158.55 (Monaco)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Tertiary Enrolment Ratio4th of 95position · derived111.85Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)2024
top 3% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%)
South Korea 111.85 · world median 52.77 (better)
Best in the world 141.86 (Macau)
No real change since 2014
Upper Secondary Attainment26th of 95position · derived80.86Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)2023
top 27% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)
South Korea 80.86 · world median 65.76 (better)
Best in the world 97.89 (Belarus)
No real change since 2013
Upper Secondary Completion Rate1st of 164position · derived99.27Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
top 1% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
South Korea 99.27 · world median 64.87 (better)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
No real change since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratetop 5%99.9515–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
top 5% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
South Korea 99.95 · world median 98.22 (better)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing12
Dietary Energy Supply32nd of 155position · derived3,419Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
top 20% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
South Korea 3,419 · world median 2,982 (better)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
No real change since 2014
Gender Inequality Index12th of 172rank0.038GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
top 6% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
South Korea 0.038 · world median 0.351 (better)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
No real change since 2013
Global Violent Deaths185th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst0.6Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
top 12% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
South Korea 0.6 · world median 4.02 (better)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
No real change since 2011
Human Capital Index4th of 172position · derived0.799HCI score (0–1)2020
top 2% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
South Korea 0.799 · world median 0.564 (better)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
No real change since 2010
Human Development Index20th of 193rank0.937HDI score (0–1)2023
top 10% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
South Korea 0.937 · world median 0.762 (better)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth5th of 222position · derived84.33Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
top 2% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
South Korea 84.33 · world median 74.63 (better)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio178th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst3.79Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
top 9% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
South Korea 3.79 · world median 46.65 (better)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare24th of 178position · derived13.03Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
top 13% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
South Korea 13.03 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity113th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst1.1Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
top 14% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
South Korea 1.1 · world median 4.7 (better)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2015
Prevalence of Undernourishment104th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst2.5Population undernourished (%)2023
top 19% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
South Korea 2.5 · world median 5.2 (better)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five161st of 162position · derived · 1 = worst0.852Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
top 1% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
South Korea 0.852 · world median 13.8 (better)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate184th of 200position · derived · 1 = worst2.796Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 8% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
South Korea 2.796 · world median 14.54 (better)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
Development & Human Capital9
Access to Electricitytop 28%100Population with electricity access (%)2024
top 28% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
South Korea 100 · world median 100
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Arable Land per Person162nd of 206position · derived0.028Arable land (hectares per person)2023
bottom 21% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
South Korea 0.028 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
No real change since 2013
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiotop 28%78.5Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
top 28% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
South Korea 78.5 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2012
Coefficient of Human Inequality139th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst8.35Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
top 18% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
South Korea 8.35 · world median 17.05 (better)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
No real change since 2013
Gender Development Index106th of 184position · derived0.959Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
bottom 42% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
South Korea 0.959 · world median 0.971 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2013
Land Under Cereal Production87th of 179position · derived776,099Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
top 48% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
South Korea 776,099 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
No real change since 2013
Organic Agricultural Area51st of 150position · derived2.42Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
top 32% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
South Korea 2.42 · world median 0.725 (better)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2014
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI34th of 156position · derived0.745PHDI (0–1)2023
top 21% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
South Korea 0.745 · world median 0.678 (better)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector92nd of 171position · derived58.93Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
bottom 47% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
South Korea 58.93 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
No real change since 2012
Environment & Sustainability8
Agricultural Emissions54th of 193position · derived28,598Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
top 27% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
South Korea 28,598 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Ecological Footprint14th of 126position · derived · 1 = worst5.106Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)2025
bottom 10% of 126 countries measured
Global Footprint Network · Ecological Footprint (global hectares per person)
South Korea 5.106 · world median 2.296 (worse)
Best in the world 0.514 (Yemen)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Forest Area21st of 210position · derived64.11Forest area (% of land area)2023
top 9% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
South Korea 64.11 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
No real change since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster69th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst11,000New displacements by disaster (people)2024
bottom 43% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
South Korea 11,000 · world median 4,750 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2016
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita120th of 181position · derived1,255Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
bottom 34% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
South Korea 1,255 · world median 2,528 (worse)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation149th of 190position · derived9.709Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 23% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
South Korea 9.709 · world median 31.14 (worse)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress21st of 177position · derived · 1 = worst85.22Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
bottom 11% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
South Korea 85.22 · world median 10 (worse)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
No real change since 2013
World Risk Index49th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst11.01WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
bottom 25% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
South Korea 11.01 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Gender & Equality2
Social Institutions and Gender Index87th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst19.8SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
top 38% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
South Korea 19.8 · world median 25.2 (better)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Peace & Security5
Deaths in Organized Violence59th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
top 35% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
South Korea 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Global Militarisation Index17th of 149rank · 1 = worst189.87GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
bottom 11% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
South Korea 189.87 · world median 100.66 (worse)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
INFORM Risk Index173rd of 191position · derived · 1 = worst2INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
top 9% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
South Korea 2 · world median 3.7 (better)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2016
Physical Violence Index28th of 176position · derived0.952Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
top 15% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
South Korea 0.952 · world median 0.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Political Stability and Absence of Violence65th of 211position · derived0.639Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2024
top 30% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
South Korea 0.639 · world median 0.04 (better)
Best in the world 1.582 (Liechtenstein)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2014
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include South Korea. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Agricultural Irrigated Land
- Agriculture Orientation Index · last seen 2023
- Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff · last seen 2015
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Child Marriage
- Children with Functional Difficulties
- Completeness of Birth Registration
- Cost of Sending Remittances
- Country Policy and Institutional Assessment
- Debt Service on External Debt
- Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months
- External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Female Share of Senior and Middle Management
- Gini Index · last seen 2021
- Global Multidimensional Poverty Index
- Global Report on Food Crises
- Government Spending on Education · last seen 2022
- Income Share Held by Lowest 20% · last seen 2021
- INFORM Severity Index
- Net Official Development Assistance Received · last seen 1999
- Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2021
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day · last seen 2021
- Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day · last seen 2021
- Prosperity Gap · last seen 2021
- Public Sector Employment
- Public Sector Wage Bill · last seen 2019
- Violent Discipline of Children
- Working Poverty Rate
- Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training · last seen 2002
08Keep reading
Explore further
09Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why South Korea can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 27 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
All 6 photographs of South Korea on this page come from Wikimedia Commons and are shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). South Korea: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/south-korea