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Spain vs South Korea Population
South Korea overtook Spain in 1978. In 1960 Spain stood at roughly 122% of Korea, Rep.’s Population; today the figure is about 95%, and the pair was closest in 1977 (100%).
| Year | Spain | South Korea | South Korea as % of Spain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 25,012,374 | 30,455,000 | 122% |
| 1970 | 32,240,827 | 33,814,531 | 105% |
| 1980 | 38,123,775 | 37,491,165 | 98% |
| 1990 | 42,869,283 | 38,867,322 | 91% |
| 2000 | 47,008,111 | 40,567,864 | 86% |
| 2010 | 49,554,112 | 46,576,897 | 94% |
| 2020 | 51,836,239 | 47,359,424 | 91% |
| 2025 | 51,684,564 | 49,355,143 | 95% |
Frequently asked questions
When did South Korea pass Spain in Population?
In 1978. South Korea’s published Population rose above Spain’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do Spain and Korea, Rep. compare today?
South Korea is ahead: 51,684,564 against 49,355,143 — the trailing economy stands at about 95% 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: