South Korea Research & Development Expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)
South Korea's Research & Development Expenditure (% of GDP): 4.9 % of GDP in 2023, +0.1pp YoY. World Bank (GB.XPD.RSDV.GD.ZS), 1996–2023.
South Korea (2023)
4.9
% of GDP
+0.1pp YoY
YoY Change
+0.1pp
percentage points
Trend
up
Series length
28
years of data
Data
| Year | % of GDP | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4.9 | +0.1pp |
| 2022 | 4.8 | +0.3pp |
| 2021 | 4.6 | +0.1pp |
| 2020 | 4.5 | +0.2pp |
| 2019 | 4.4 | +0.1pp |
| 2018 | 4.3 | +0.2pp |
| 2017 | 4.1 | +0.3pp |
| 2016 | 3.8 | -0pp |
| 2015 | 3.8 | -0.1pp |
| 2014 | 3.9 | +0.1pp |
| 2013 | 3.8 | +0.1pp |
| 2012 | 3.7 | +0.2pp |
| 2011 | 3.4 | +0.3pp |
| 2010 | 3.2 | +0.2pp |
| 2009 | 3 | +0.2pp |
| 2008 | 2.9 | +0.1pp |
| 2007 | 2.8 | +0.1pp |
| 2006 | 2.6 | +0.2pp |
| 2005 | 2.4 | +0.1pp |
| 2004 | 2.4 | n/a |
About this Dataset
South Korea recorded 4.9 % of GDP in 2023. The most recent year-on-year change was +0.1pp. The historical series (1996–2023) shows a peak of 4.9 in 2023 and a trough of 1.9 in 1999.
Data sourced from World Bank Open Data API. Values use World Bank standardised methodology ensuring cross-country comparability.
The chart above shows the full historical trend; the table below lists annual values with year-on-year changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
This indicator tracks south korea research & development expenditure (% of gdp) in South Korea, published by World Bank. Data covers 1996–2023 at annual frequency using harmonised methodology.
The most recent observation covers 2023. World Bank typically publishes this series with a lag of several months after the reference period. Data is updated annual.
The series peaked at 4.9 % of GDP in 2023 and reached its lowest recorded value of 1.9 in 1999. The latest reading of 4.9 in 2023 represents a year-on-year change of +0.1pp.