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China vs South Korea GDP per capita
South Korea has held the lead throughout the published window. In 1960 China stood at roughly 56% of Korea, Rep.’s GDP per capita; today the figure is about 38%, and the pair was closest in 1965 (90%).
| Year | China | South Korea | South Korea as % of China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 158.84 | 89.72 | 56% |
| 1970 | 281.79 | 113.35 | 40% |
| 1980 | 1,745.58 | 195.15 | 11% |
| 1990 | 6,812.9 | 318.5 | 5% |
| 2000 | 12,710.3 | 969.2 | 8% |
| 2010 | 24,071.26 | 4,629.25 | 19% |
| 2020 | 33,645.77 | 10,627.46 | 32% |
| 2025 | 36,226.97 | 13,861.97 | 38% |
Frequently asked questions
When did South Korea pass China in GDP per capita?
It has not come to that. South Korea has posted the larger GDP per capita in every published year (1960–2025).
How do China and Korea, Rep. compare today?
South Korea is ahead: 36,226.97 against 13,861.97 — the trailing economy stands at about 38% of the leader.
Are these GDP per capita figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — current US$ — with no inflation restatement, no PPP conversion and no interpolation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: