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UK vs South Korea Population
United Kingdom has held the lead throughout the published window. In 1960 South Korea stood at roughly 48% of United Kingdom’s Population; today the figure is about 74%, and the pair was closest in 2003 (80%).
| Year | United Kingdom | South Korea | South Korea as % of UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 52,400,000 | 25,012,374 | 48% |
| 1970 | 55,663,250 | 32,240,827 | 58% |
| 1980 | 56,314,216 | 38,123,775 | 68% |
| 1990 | 57,247,586 | 42,869,283 | 75% |
| 2000 | 58,892,514 | 47,008,111 | 80% |
| 2010 | 62,766,365 | 49,554,112 | 79% |
| 2020 | 66,740,000 | 51,836,239 | 78% |
| 2025 | 69,487,000 | 51,684,564 | 74% |
Frequently asked questions
When did United Kingdom pass South Korea in Population?
It has not come to that. United Kingdom has posted the larger Population in every published year (1960–2025).
How do United Kingdom and Korea, Rep. compare today?
United Kingdom is ahead: 69,487,000 against 51,684,564 — the trailing economy stands at about 74% 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: