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Spain vs South Korea GDP per capita
Spain overtook South Korea in 2014. In 1960 South Korea stood at roughly 39% of Spain’s GDP per capita; today the figure is about 94%, and the pair was closest in 2024 (103%).
| Year | Spain | South Korea | South Korea as % of Spain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 407.96 | 158.84 | 39% |
| 1970 | 1,211.42 | 281.79 | 23% |
| 1980 | 6,204.14 | 1,745.58 | 28% |
| 1990 | 13,795.02 | 6,812.9 | 49% |
| 2000 | 14,743.27 | 12,710.3 | 86% |
| 2010 | 30,658.74 | 24,071.26 | 79% |
| 2020 | 27,233.94 | 33,645.77 | 124% |
| 2025 | 38,627.25 | 36,226.97 | 94% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Spain pass South Korea in GDP per capita?
In 2014. Spain’s published GDP per capita rose above South Korea’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Spain and Korea, Rep. compare today?
Spain is ahead: 38,627.25 against 36,226.97 — the trailing economy stands at about 94% 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: