China vs South Korea CO2 per capita

South Korea has held the lead throughout the published window. In 1970 China stood at roughly 58% of Korea, Rep.’s CO2 per capita; today the figure is about 82%.

Frequently asked questions

When did South Korea pass China in CO2 per capita?

It has not come to that. South Korea has posted the larger CO2 per capita in every published year (1970–2024).

How do China and Korea, Rep. compare today?

South Korea is ahead: 11.36 against 9.32 — the trailing economy stands at about 82% of the leader.

Are these CO2 per capita figures nominal or adjusted?

They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — metric tons per capita — with no interpolation or estimation for missing years.

Full series

Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations:

• China — CO2 per capita
• South Korea — CO2 per capita
• All countries ranked by CO2 per capita
• Interactive comparison tool