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US vs South Korea Life expectancy
South Korea overtook United States in 2003. In 1960 United States stood at roughly 130% of Korea, Rep.’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 94%, and the pair was closest in 2002 (100%).
| Year | United States | South Korea | South Korea as % of US |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 53.8 | 69.77 | 130% |
| 1970 | 62.16 | 70.81 | 114% |
| 1980 | 66.05 | 73.61 | 111% |
| 1990 | 71.6 | 75.21 | 105% |
| 2000 | 75.91 | 76.64 | 101% |
| 2010 | 80.12 | 78.54 | 98% |
| 2020 | 83.43 | 76.98 | 92% |
| 2024 | 83.63 | 78.89 | 94% |
Frequently asked questions
When did South Korea pass United States in Life expectancy?
In 2003. South Korea’s published Life expectancy rose above United States’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do United States and Korea, Rep. compare today?
South Korea is ahead: 83.63 against 78.89 — the trailing economy stands at about 94% 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: