Korea, Rep.

The Republic of Korea is a republican state located in East Asia, with its capital being Seoul Metropolitan City. Its economy is characterized by an export-oriented industrial structure, with heavy and chemical industries such as semiconductors, automobiles, shipbuilding, chemicals, and steel, as well as information and communication technology (ICT)-related industries in recent years, driving the economy. These industries possess high competitiveness in international markets and have established themselves as key players at the core of global supply chains.

As of 2025, the South Korean economy's nominal GDP reached approximately 1.8724 trillion USD, and nominal GDP per capita reached approximately 36,227 USD. Year-on-year, nominal GDP decreased by 0.16%, and nominal GDP per capita also decreased by 0.03%. The total population was 51,684,564, a 0.13% decrease year-on-year. Real GDP growth was 1.0%, a decrease of approximately 1.0 percentage point compared to the previous year, and real GDP per capita growth was also 1.1%, a decrease of approximately 0.8 percentage points compared to the previous year, indicating a slowdown in growth. Consumer price inflation was 2.1%, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points compared to the previous year, while the real interest rate was 1.0%, an increase of 0.4 percentage points compared to the previous year. Regarding employment, the unemployment rate remained at a low level of 2.68%, a decrease of 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous year.

Looking at external economic activities, trade (as a percentage of GDP) remained at a high level of 86.4%, an increase of 1.7 percentage points compared to the previous year. The current account balance (as a percentage of GDP) recorded a surplus of 6.6%, showing an increase of 1.2 percentage points compared to the previous year. This can be said to reflect South Korea's high export competitiveness in the global economy. Meanwhile, government debt (as a percentage of GDP) was 47.8% as of 2024, a decrease of 0.7 percentage points compared to the previous year. From these indicators, it can be observed that while a slowdown in growth is apparent, external balances remain robust, and government debt is being kept under control.