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UK vs South Korea Life expectancy
South Korea overtook United Kingdom in 2013. In 1960 United Kingdom stood at roughly 132% of Korea, Rep.’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 97%, and the pair was closest in 2009 (100%).
| Year | United Kingdom | South Korea | South Korea as % of UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 53.8 | 71.13 | 132% |
| 1970 | 62.16 | 71.97 | 116% |
| 1980 | 66.05 | 73.68 | 112% |
| 1990 | 71.6 | 75.88 | 106% |
| 2000 | 75.91 | 77.74 | 102% |
| 2010 | 80.12 | 80.4 | 100% |
| 2020 | 83.43 | 80.33 | 96% |
| 2024 | 83.63 | 81.39 | 97% |
Frequently asked questions
When did South Korea pass United Kingdom in Life expectancy?
In 2013. South Korea’s published Life expectancy rose above United Kingdom’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do United Kingdom and Korea, Rep. compare today?
South Korea is ahead: 83.63 against 81.39 — the trailing economy stands at about 97% of the leader.
Are these Life expectancy figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — years — with no interpolation or estimation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: