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South Korea GDP Per Capita (2026)

Latest Update: September 2026
Source: IMF
South Korea has a highly industrialized and technology-driven economy known for electronics, semiconductors, automobiles, shipbuilding, machinery, chemicals, and advanced services. GDP per capita provides a valuable measure of how the country’s substantial economic output relates to its population. South Korea’s transformation into a high-value manufacturing and technology economy has strongly shaped its per-person production. Explore the latest South Korea GDP per capita data, historical trends, structural changes, and economic comparisons below.
GDP Per Capita 2026
$37,412
Est. in USD
World Rank
#37
Out of 195 countries
Change vs 2025
+3.3%
+$1,185
Asia Rank
#8
Out of 49 countries

1. South Korea GDP Per Capita in 2026

South Korea maintains a strong level of economic output per resident, supported by advanced manufacturing, globally competitive technology companies, export industries, and a skilled workforce. GDP per capita adjusts the country’s overall production for population size, making it useful for international comparisons. The indicator helps show how South Korea’s industrial and technological strength translates into economic output per person while complementing the broader measure of total GDP.

2. South Korea GDP Per Capita Growth (1980–2026)

3. South Korea GDP Per Capita (Historical Data)

Year GDP Per Capita (USD) Annual Change
2026 $37,412 +3.3%
2025 $36,227 0.0%
2024 $36,239 +1.6%
2023 $35,674 +2.4%
2022 $34,822 -7.2%
2021 $37,518 +11.5%
2020 $33,653 -0.5%
2019 $33,827 -4.3%
2018 $35,364 +6.2%
2017 $33,297 +8.0%

4. South Korea GDP Per Capita Growth

1-Year Change
+3.3%
(2025 to 2026)
5-Year Change
-0.3%
(2021 to 2026)
10-Year Change
+21.4%
(2016 to 2026)
20-Year Change
+65.6%
(2006 to 2026)
South Korea’s GDP per capita has risen substantially over the long term as the economy shifted from lower-value production toward advanced manufacturing, technology, exports, and high-productivity services. Changes in global demand, semiconductor cycles, investment, inflation, exchange rates, and demographic trends can affect year-to-year performance. Historical data illustrates the scale of South Korea’s economic transformation and shows how higher national productivity has translated into stronger output per resident over time.

5. South Korea GDP Per Capita vs Asia and World

South Korea
$37,412
Asia Average
$19,139
World Average
$25,179
$0 $18,706 $37,412
USD
South Korea’s GDP per capita is approximately 95.5% above the Asia average and 48.6% above the world average.

6. South Korea GDP Per Capita Ranking in Asia

Rank Country GDP Per Capita (USD)
#5 Cyprus $45,409
#6 Taiwan $42,103
#7 Saudi Arabia $37,811
#8 South Korea $37,412
#9 Brunei $36,288
#10 Japan $35,703
#11 Kuwait $33,164
View Full Asia Ranking

7. GDP vs GDP Per Capita in South Korea

South Korea GDP (Nominal)
$1.93 Trillion
(2026)
South Korea GDP Per Capita
$37,412
(2026)
South Korea’s total GDP reflects the overall scale of economic production across the country, while GDP per capita divides that output by the population. Total GDP highlights South Korea’s role as an important global manufacturing and technology economy, whereas GDP per capita provides a clearer measure of economic production per resident. Considering both indicators together offers a more complete view of the country’s economic scale and productivity.
Explore more: South Korea GDP

8. South Korea GDP Per Capita Forecast

Year GDP Per Capita (USD) Change
2027 $39,012 +4.3%
2028 $40,695 +4.3%
2029 $42,453 +4.3%
2030 $44,177 +4.1%
South Korea GDP per capita is projected to reach $44,177 by 2030, representing a 18.1% increase from the 2026 level.

9. South Korea GDP Per Capita: Key Findings

South Korea GDP per capita is estimated at $37,412 in 2026.
It ranks #37 globally and #8 in Asia.
GDP per capita increased by 3.3% compared with 2025.
Over the last 5 years, GDP per capita declined by 0.3%.
Over the last 10 years, GDP per capita grew by 21.4%.
It is approximately 95.5% above the Asia average.
It is approximately 48.6% above the world average.
The forecast reaches $44,177 by 2030, 18.1% above the 2026 level.

10. What Is GDP Per Capita?

GDP per capita is the total economic output of a country divided by its population.
GDP Per Capita = GDP ÷ Population
It helps measure the average economic output per person and is widely used to compare economic performance across countries. Higher values generally indicate greater economic output per resident.

11. Methodology and Data Sources

Primary Source: International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Additional Sources: World Bank, United Nations
Population Source: UN Population Division
Currency: Current USD (Nominal)
Update Frequency: Annually
Last Updated: September 2026
IMF
IMF
WB
World Bank
UN
United Nations

12. South Korea GDP Per Capita FAQs

South Korea GDP per capita is estimated at $37,412 in 2026.
South Korea ranks #37 globally and #8 in Asia by GDP per capita.
Yes. GDP per capita increased by approximately 3.3% compared with 2025.
South Korea GDP per capita was approximately $30,172 in 2015.
South Korea GDP per capita is approximately 95.5% above the Asia average.

13. Related Country GDP Data

China flag China GDP Japan flag Japan GDP India flag India GDP South Korea flag South Korea GDP Turkey flag Turkey GDP

14. Explore GDP Per Capita

GDP Per Capita by Country (2026) Asia GDP Per Capita World GDP Live (2026) GDP Per Capita by Country PPP (2026)
Disclaimer: All data are estimates based on IMF, World Bank, United Nations and related economic datasets. Figures may differ from official national statistics.