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France vs South Korea Life expectancy
South Korea overtook France in 2017. In 1960 France stood at roughly 130% of Korea, Rep.’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 99%, and the pair was closest in 2018 (100%).
| Year | France | South Korea | South Korea as % of France |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 53.8 | 69.87 | 130% |
| 1970 | 62.16 | 71.66 | 115% |
| 1980 | 66.05 | 74.05 | 112% |
| 1990 | 71.6 | 76.6 | 107% |
| 2000 | 75.91 | 79.06 | 104% |
| 2010 | 80.12 | 81.66 | 102% |
| 2020 | 83.43 | 82.18 | 99% |
| 2024 | 83.63 | 82.98 | 99% |
Frequently asked questions
When did South Korea pass France in Life expectancy?
In 2017. South Korea’s published Life expectancy rose above France’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do France and Korea, Rep. compare today?
South Korea is ahead: 83.63 against 82.98 — the trailing economy stands at about 99% 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: