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South Korea vs Saudi Arabia GDP per capita
South Korea overtook Saudi Arabia in 1994. In 1960 Saudi Arabia stood at roughly 452% of Korea, Rep.’s GDP per capita; today the figure is about 95%, and the pair was closest in 2008 (100%).
| Year | South Korea | Saudi Arabia | Saudi Arabia as % of South Korea |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 158.84 | 717.8 | 452% |
| 1970 | 281.79 | 1,509.44 | 536% |
| 1980 | 1,745.58 | 27,205.65 | 1559% |
| 1990 | 6,812.9 | 11,054.75 | 162% |
| 2000 | 12,710.3 | 11,714.56 | 92% |
| 2010 | 24,071.26 | 22,028.39 | 92% |
| 2020 | 33,645.77 | 24,338.83 | 72% |
| 2025 | 36,226.97 | 34,536.66 | 95% |
Frequently asked questions
When did South Korea pass Saudi Arabia in GDP per capita?
In 1994. South Korea’s published GDP per capita rose above Saudi Arabia’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Korea, Rep. and Saudi Arabia compare today?
South Korea is ahead: 36,226.97 against 34,536.66 — the trailing economy stands at about 95% 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: