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Germany vs South Korea Life expectancy
South Korea overtook Germany in 2009. In 1960 Germany stood at roughly 128% of Korea, Rep.’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 97%, and the pair was closest in 2010 (100%).
| Year | Germany | South Korea | South Korea as % of Germany |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 53.8 | 69.06 | 128% |
| 1970 | 62.16 | 70.45 | 113% |
| 1980 | 66.05 | 72.8 | 110% |
| 1990 | 71.6 | 75.09 | 105% |
| 2000 | 75.91 | 77.93 | 103% |
| 2010 | 80.12 | 79.99 | 100% |
| 2020 | 83.43 | 81.04 | 97% |
| 2024 | 83.63 | 80.79 | 97% |
Frequently asked questions
When did South Korea pass Germany in Life expectancy?
In 2009. South Korea’s published Life expectancy rose above Germany’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Germany and Korea, Rep. compare today?
South Korea is ahead: 83.63 against 80.79 — the trailing economy stands at about 97% 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: