Korea Energy Use per Capita
Energy use per capita EG.USE.PCAP.KG.OE
Korea's energy use per capita was 5,447 in 2025, ranked 17th globally. This represents a 2.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Korea's energy use per capita stood at 5,447 in 2025, a rise of +110 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 5,447 by 2025. Korea ranked 17th globally.
South Korea’s energy use per capita has risen sharply over the 35‑year span from 2,088.02 kWh in 1990 to 5,446.85 kWh in 2025, placing the country 17th globally. The upward trajectory accelerated after the early 2000s, reaching an all‑time peak of 5,531.78 kWh in 2018 before a modest decline to the 2025 level. This pattern mirrors the experience of other high‑income economies; for example, Singapore recorded 5,499.88 kWh in the same year, while Finland’s 5,713.76 kWh reflects even higher per‑capita consumption. The increase reflects rapid industrialisation, expanding manufacturing output and higher household appliance penetration, offset partially by recent efficiency measures and a shift toward renewables. Continued investment in energy‑efficient technologies and a deeper integration of low‑carbon sources are likely to moderate growth, potentially stabilising per‑capita energy use in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Energy Use per Capita | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 5,469 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 5,447 | - | - |
| 2025 | 5,447 | +110 | #17 |
| 2023 | 5,337 | −75 | #67 |
| 2022 | 5,412 | −102 | #131 |
| 2021 | 5,514 | +318 | #132 |
| 2020 | 5,196 | −139 | #133 |
| 2019 | 5,335 | −197 | #133 |
| 2018 | 5,532 | +64 | #131 |
| 2017 | 5,468 | +77 | #131 |
| 2016 | 5,391 | +152 | #132 |
| 2015 | 5,239 | +102 | #131 |
| 2014 | 5,137 | +29 | #132 |
| 2013 | 5,108 | −15 | #130 |
| 2012 | 5,123 | +8 | #131 |
| 2011 | 5,115 | +195 | #130 |
| 2010 | 4,920 | +363 | #128 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Korea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2006. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw energy use per capita improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Korea's energy use per capita was 5,447 in 2025. Ranked 17th globally. This represents a 2.1% increase from the previous year.
Korea's energy use per capita peaked at 5,532 in 2018.
The lowest energy use per capita in Korea was 2,088 in 1990.
Korea ranks 17th globally in energy use per capita as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is EG.USE.PCAP.KG.OE. Data sourced from World Bank.
Korea's energy use per capita is projected to reach 5,447 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The energy use per capita of Korea in 2025 was 5,447. This ranks 17th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_korea_energy-per-capita,
title = {Korea Energy Use per Capita},
url = {https://historysaid.com/korea/energy-per-capita/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}