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South Korea vs Saudi Arabia GDP
South Korea overtook Saudi Arabia in 1973. In 1960 Saudi Arabia stood at roughly 44% of Korea, Rep.’s GDP; today the figure is about 68%, and the pair was closest in 1985 (100%).
| Year | South Korea | Saudi Arabia | Saudi Arabia as % of South Korea |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 3,973,069,306.93 | 1,748,124,063.56 | 44% |
| 1970 | 9,085,001,793.56 | 5,377,333,333.33 | 59% |
| 1980 | 66,547,970,350.62 | 164,539,660,725.12 | 247% |
| 1990 | 292,064,221,388.99 | 117,630,173,564.75 | 40% |
| 2000 | 597,487,173,479.11 | 189,514,933,333.33 | 32% |
| 2010 | 1,192,830,015,737.68 | 528,207,466,666.67 | 44% |
| 2020 | 1,744,070,276,373.34 | 767,951,200,000 | 44% |
| 2025 | 1,872,374,961,553.15 | 1,276,942,933,333.33 | 68% |
Frequently asked questions
When did South Korea pass Saudi Arabia in GDP?
In 1973. South Korea’s published GDP 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: 1,872,374,961,553.15 against 1,276,942,933,333.33 — the trailing economy stands at about 68% of the leader.
Are these GDP 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: