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China vs South Korea Life expectancy
South Korea has held the lead throughout the published window. In 1960 China stood at roughly 62% of Korea, Rep.’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 93%, and the pair was closest in 1981 (97%).
| Year | China | South Korea | South Korea as % of China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 53.8 | 33.42 | 62% |
| 1970 | 62.16 | 56.82 | 91% |
| 1980 | 66.05 | 64.24 | 97% |
| 1990 | 71.6 | 68.16 | 95% |
| 2000 | 75.91 | 72.29 | 95% |
| 2010 | 80.12 | 75.67 | 94% |
| 2020 | 83.43 | 78.02 | 94% |
| 2024 | 83.63 | 78.02 | 93% |
Frequently asked questions
When did South Korea pass China in Life expectancy?
It has not come to that. South Korea has posted the larger Life expectancy in every published year (1960–2024).
How do China and Korea, Rep. compare today?
South Korea is ahead: 83.63 against 78.02 — the trailing economy stands at about 93% of the leader.
Are these Life expectancy figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — years — with no interpolation or estimation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: