South Korea GDP (2026)
South Korea is one of Asiaβs most advanced economies and a global leader in technology, manufacturing, and innovation. The country has built a highly competitive export-driven economy supported by electronics, semiconductors, automobiles, shipbuilding, and advanced engineering. Strong investment in research, education, and digital infrastructure has helped South Korea become one of the world’s largest developed economies. This page provides the latest South Korea GDP data, historical trends, and economic outlook for 2026.
π°π· South Korea Live GDP
- Live GDP is estimated using annual 2026 GDP projections.
- The counter updates smoothly using a time-based yearly distribution.
- Sources include IMF World Economic Outlook, World Bank DataBank, and UN National Accounts.
- The current GDP of South Korea is estimated at approximately $1,134,071,371,973 as of August 3, 2026, based on the latest 2026 projections.
- South Korea's 2026 GDP is estimated at approximately $1,931,008,000,000 for the full year.
- South Korea's GDP is equivalent to approximately 1.53% of total world GDP.
- South Korea ranks #15 by GDP.
- South Korea's GDP per capita is estimated at approximately $37,412 in 2026.
- South Korea's GDP growth rate is projected at approximately 1.86% in 2026.
South Korea GDP Growth (1980β2026)
South Korea’s economy has expanded remarkably since 1980, driven by rapid industrialization, technological innovation, export growth, and rising productivity. The country has evolved from a developing economy into one of the world’s leading high-income nations with a strong presence in global manufacturing and technology markets.
GDP Change (%)
South Korea GDP History
Over the past four decades, South Korea has experienced one of the fastest economic transformations in modern history. Continuous investment in education, innovation, and export-oriented industries has fueled long-term growth. Today, South Korea is recognized globally for its leadership in semiconductors, consumer electronics, automobiles, shipbuilding, and digital technologies.
South Korea GDP
South Korea GDP Per Capita
South Korea’s GDP per capita has increased substantially since the 1980s, reflecting higher productivity, technological advancement, and sustained economic development. The country now ranks among the world’s leading high-income economies with a strong standard of living.
South Korea GDP Per Capita
South Korea Share of Global GDP
South Korea contributes a significant share of global economic output and remains one of the largest economies in Asia. Its global influence is strengthened by high-tech exports, advanced manufacturing, and international trade.
South Korea GDP Share vs Top Economies
South Korea GDP Historical Data (1980β2026)
The table below shows South Korea’s annual GDP data from 1980 to 2026.
| Year | GDP Nominal (Current USD) | GDP Growth | GDP per capita |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $1,931,008,000,000 | 1.9% | $37,412 |
| 2025 | $1,872,375,000,000 | 1.0% | $36,227 |
| 2024 | $1,875,388,000,000 | 2.0% | $36,239 |
| 2023 | $1,844,801,000,000 | 1.6% | $35,674 |
| 2022 | $1,799,363,000,000 | 2.7% | $34,822 |
| 2021 | $1,942,314,000,000 | 4.6% | $37,518 |
| 2020 | $1,744,455,000,000 | -0.7% | $33,653 |
| 2019 | $1,751,046,000,000 | 2.3% | $33,827 |
| 2018 | $1,824,251,000,000 | 3.2% | $35,364 |
| 2017 | $1,710,197,000,000 | 3.4% | $33,297 |
| 2016 | $1,578,816,000,000 | 3.2% | $30,826 |
| 2015 | $1,539,212,000,000 | 2.9% | $30,172 |
| 2014 | $1,556,252,000,000 | 3.2% | $30,667 |
| 2013 | $1,434,670,000,000 | 3.3% | $28,449 |
| 2012 | $1,335,344,000,000 | 2.5% | $26,601 |
| 2011 | $1,307,239,000,000 | 3.7% | $26,178 |
| 2010 | $1,192,722,000,000 | 7.0% | $24,069 |
| 2009 | $982,854,000,000 | 0.8% | $19,933 |
| 2008 | $1,093,487,000,000 | 3.0% | $22,291 |
| 2007 | $1,220,756,000,000 | 5.8% | $25,075 |
| 2006 | $1,094,545,000,000 | 5.2% | $22,597 |
| 2005 | $971,540,000,000 | 4.4% | $20,163 |
| 2004 | $822,583,000,000 | 5.2% | $17,108 |
| 2003 | $728,497,000,000 | 3.1% | $15,211 |
| 2002 | $649,747,000,000 | 7.7% | $13,637 |
| 2001 | $567,655,000,000 | 4.7% | $11,983 |
| 2000 | $597,802,000,000 | 9.2% | $12,717 |
| 1999 | $515,427,000,000 | 11.6% | $11,057 |
| 1998 | $396,803,000,000 | -4.9% | $8,573 |
| 1997 | $590,070,000,000 | 6.3% | $12,841 |
| 1996 | $631,194,000,000 | 8.0% | $13,865 |
| 1995 | $586,301,000,000 | 9.7% | $13,002 |
| 1994 | $478,988,000,000 | 9.4% | $10,730 |
| 1993 | $405,772,000,000 | 7.0% | $9,181 |
| 1992 | $366,912,000,000 | 6.4% | $8,387 |
| 1991 | $340,863,000,000 | 10.9% | $7,873 |
| 1990 | $292,064,000,000 | 10.0% | $6,813 |
| 1989 | $254,236,000,000 | 7.2% | $5,989 |
| 1988 | $205,479,000,000 | 12.1% | $4,889 |
| 1987 | $152,241,000,000 | 12.9% | $3,658 |
| 1986 | $119,966,000,000 | 11.5% | $2,911 |
| 1985 | $103,764,000,000 | 7.9% | $2,543 |
| 1984 | $99,750,000,000 | 10.6% | $2,469 |
| 1983 | $89,621,000,000 | 13.5% | $2,246 |
| 1982 | $79,912,000,000 | 8.5% | $2,032 |
| 1981 | $74,287,000,000 | 7.4% | $1,918 |
| 1980 | $66,517,000,000 | -1.5% | $1,745 |
South Korea GDP Projections (IMF)
IMF projections indicate that South Korea’s economy will continue expanding steadily over the coming years, supported by exports, technology, and domestic investment. The country is expected to maintain its position among the world’s largest advanced economies.
| Year | GDP Nominal (Current USD) | GDP Growth | GDP per capita |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | $2,010,456,000,000 | 2.1% | $39,012 |
| 2028 | $2,094,331,000,000 | 2.2% | $40,695 |
| 2029 | $2,181,451,000,000 | 2.0% | $42,453 |
| 2030 | $2,266,933,000,000 | 1.9% | $44,177 |
| 2031 | $2,357,310,000,000 | 1.9% | $46,019 |
South Korea Economy Overview
South Korea operates a highly developed market economy centered on innovation, manufacturing, and international trade. The country is home to globally recognized companies in electronics, semiconductors, automobiles, batteries, shipbuilding, and telecommunications. Exports remain a major engine of growth, supported by strong demand for high-value manufactured goods.
The services sector also contributes significantly to GDP through finance, healthcare, retail, information technology, and professional services. Continued investment in artificial intelligence, clean energy, biotechnology, and digital infrastructure is expected to strengthen South Korea’s long-term economic competitiveness.
South Korea GDP Outlook
South Korea’s economic outlook remains positive, supported by strong technology exports, innovation, manufacturing, and investment in future industries. Growing demand for semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries, artificial intelligence, and digital services is expected to support steady economic expansion. Despite global economic uncertainties, South Korea is well positioned to remain one of Asia’s leading advanced economies.