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South Korea vs Netherlands Population
South Korea has held the lead throughout the published window. In 1960 Netherlands stood at roughly 46% of Korea, Rep.’s Population; today the figure is about 35%.
| Year | South Korea | Netherlands | Netherlands as % of South Korea |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 25,012,374 | 11,486,631 | 46% |
| 1970 | 32,240,827 | 13,038,526 | 40% |
| 1980 | 38,123,775 | 14,149,800 | 37% |
| 1990 | 42,869,283 | 14,951,510 | 35% |
| 2000 | 47,008,111 | 15,925,513 | 34% |
| 2010 | 49,554,112 | 16,615,394 | 34% |
| 2020 | 51,836,239 | 17,441,500 | 34% |
| 2025 | 51,684,564 | 18,087,633 | 35% |
Frequently asked questions
When did South Korea pass Netherlands in Population?
It has not come to that. South Korea has posted the larger Population in every published year (1960–2025).
How do Korea, Rep. and Netherlands compare today?
South Korea is ahead: 51,684,564 against 18,087,633 — the trailing economy stands at about 35% of the leader.
Are these Population figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — people — with no interpolation or estimation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: