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Spain vs South Korea GDP
Spain overtook South Korea in 2012. In 1960 South Korea stood at roughly 32% of Spain’s GDP; today the figure is about 98%, and the pair was closest in 1997 (100%).
| Year | Spain | South Korea | South Korea as % of Spain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 12,424,514,013.76 | 3,973,069,306.93 | 32% |
| 1970 | 40,963,715,236.51 | 9,085,001,793.56 | 22% |
| 1980 | 232,600,556,973.78 | 66,547,970,350.62 | 29% |
| 1990 | 536,175,326,477.31 | 292,064,221,388.99 | 54% |
| 2000 | 598,102,854,756.08 | 597,487,173,479.11 | 100% |
| 2010 | 1,427,989,078,916.67 | 1,192,830,015,737.68 | 84% |
| 2020 | 1,289,783,836,971.21 | 1,744,070,276,373.34 | 135% |
| 2025 | 1,906,453,309,985.88 | 1,872,374,961,553.15 | 98% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Spain pass South Korea in GDP?
In 2012. Spain’s published GDP rose above South Korea’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Spain and Korea, Rep. compare today?
Spain is ahead: 1,906,453,309,985.88 against 1,872,374,961,553.15 — the trailing economy stands at about 98% 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: