Korea Dependency Ratio
Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) SP.POP.DPND
Korea's dependency ratio was 43.40 in 2025, ranked 190th globally. This represents a 2.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Korea's dependency ratio stood at 43.40 in 2025, a rise of +0.86 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 43.40 by 2025. Korea ranked 190th globally.
South Korea’s dependency ratio has fallen dramatically from an all‑time peak of 87.71 in 1966 to a trough of 36.46 in 2016, reflecting rapid demographic transition as the post‑war baby boom aged and fertility rates declined. The latest World Bank figure for 2025 shows the ratio at 43.40, placing the country 190th out of 215 economies and positioning it alongside peers such as Thailand (43.55) and Trinidad and Tobago (43.59). Over the 66‑year coverage period the ratio has contracted by more than half, driven by rising life expectancy, increased labor‑force participation among older adults, and sustained low birth rates. This convergence toward the lower end of the global distribution suggests a maturing population structure that could strain pension systems and health‑care provision unless policy adjustments are made. Continued improvements in productivity and targeted immigration reforms would be required to offset the ageing burden and sustain the downward trajectory of the dependency ratio.
Data & projection
| Year | Dependency Ratio | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 45.24 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 44.32 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 43.40 | - | - |
| 2025 | 43.40 | +0.86 | #190 |
| 2024 | 42.53 | +1.08 | #26 |
| 2023 | 41.45 | +0.81 | #22 |
| 2022 | 40.64 | +0.86 | #21 |
| 2021 | 39.78 | +1.01 | #18 |
| 2020 | 38.77 | +0.89 | #16 |
| 2019 | 37.88 | +0.58 | #13 |
| 2018 | 37.30 | +0.52 | #12 |
| 2017 | 36.78 | +0.32 | #12 |
| 2016 | 36.46 | −0.00 | #10 |
| 2015 | 36.46 | −0.01 | #10 |
| 2014 | 36.47 | −0.06 | #11 |
| 2013 | 36.53 | −0.25 | #11 |
| 2012 | 36.78 | −0.47 | #11 |
| 2011 | 37.25 | −0.45 | #11 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Korea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2006. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw dependency ratio improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Korea's dependency ratio was 43.40 in 2025. Ranked 190th globally. This represents a 2.0% increase from the previous year.
Korea's dependency ratio peaked at 87.71 in 1966.
The lowest dependency ratio in Korea was 36.46 in 2016.
Korea ranks 190th globally in dependency ratio as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.POP.DPND. Data sourced from World Bank.
Korea's dependency ratio is projected to reach 43.40 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The dependency ratio of Korea in 2025 was 43.40. This ranks 190th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_korea_dependency-ratio,
title = {Korea Dependency Ratio},
url = {https://historysaid.com/korea/dependency-ratio/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}