South Korea's Per Capita Income Reaches $36,000 in 2025
Synopsis
In 2025, South Korea's per capita income saw a slight rise, landing in the $36,000 range despite currency depreciation. This article delves into the factors influencing this growth and compares South Korea's GNI with other leading economies.
Key Takeaways
South Korea's per capita income in 2025 is $36,855.
The GNI saw a 0.3 percent increase from the previous year.
The Korean won depreciated against the dollar, impacting GDP figures.
South Korea ranks sixth globally in per capita GNI among large nations.
Future projections suggest GNI may exceed $40,000 by 2027.
Seoul, March 10 (NationPress) In 2025, South Korea's per capita income experienced a modest increase of 0.3 percent, maintaining its position within the $36,000 bracket, as the depreciation of the Korean won against the US dollar counterbalanced actual solid income growth, as reported by the central bank on Tuesday.
The nominal per capita gross national income (GNI) reached $36,855 last year, reflecting a 0.3 percent rise compared to the previous year, according to preliminary figures from the Bank of Korea (BOK).
In Korean won terms, the GNI saw a 4.6 percent increase from a year ago, amounting to 52.42 million won in 2025, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
This figure first exceeded $30,000 in 2014 and has been on a gradual ascent, approaching $38,000 in 2021. However, it dipped to the $35,000 range in 2022 before recovering to $36,195 in 2023.
Growth then decelerated to 1.5 percent in 2024 and just 0.3 percent last year, keeping the figure within the $36,000 range for three consecutive years.
Nominal gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 4.2 percent year-on-year to 2,663.3 trillion won in 2025, but in dollar terms, it decreased by 0.1 percent to $1.87 trillion due to the weaker won.
Last year, the value of the Korean won per dollar fell by 4.3 percent, attributed to imbalances in foreign exchange supply and demand, alongside significant overseas securities investments by local investors, according to the central bank.
"In 2025, Taiwan's per capita GNI was reported at $40,585, largely benefiting from the semiconductor boom," stated Kim Hwa-yong, head of the BOK's national income department. "Japan's per capita GNI also increased to the $38,000 mark following a base-year revision last December."
Among nations with populations exceeding 50 million, South Korea is positioned sixth in per capita GNI, following the United States, Germany, Britain, France, and Italy.
"If the won-dollar exchange rate remains stable, our per capita GNI could surpass $40,000 by 2027," the official added.
Point of View
It's evident that South Korea's economic resilience is noteworthy even amid currency fluctuations. The steady growth in per capita income reflects a robust economic structure, but challenges remain ahead. Policymakers must remain vigilant to ensure sustained progress.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was South Korea's per capita income in 2025?
South Korea's per capita income in 2025 was $36,855, reflecting a 0.3 percent increase from the previous year.
How does South Korea's per capita GNI compare with other countries?
Among nations with populations over 50 million, South Korea ranks sixth in per capita GNI, following the United States, Germany, Britain, France, and Italy.
What factors influenced the growth of South Korea's per capita income?
The growth was influenced by nominal income increases, although the depreciation of the Korean won against the US dollar offset some of the gains.
What is the expected future trend for South Korea's per capita GNI?
If the exchange rate remains stable, South Korea's per capita GNI is projected to surpass $40,000 by 2027.
What was the impact of the Korean won's depreciation?
The decline in the won's value against the dollar led to a decrease in the nominal GDP in dollar terms, despite overall growth in won terms.
