Korea Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Korea's government spending was 31.64% in 2025, ranked 50th globally. This represents a 11.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1972–2025.
Overview
Korea's government spending stood at 31.64% in 2025, a rise of +3.31% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 31.64% by 2025. Korea ranked 50th globally.
Korea’s government‑spending share of GDP has risen steadily over the 53‑year series, climbing from a trough of 11.15 % in 1973 to an all‑time peak of 31.64 % in 2025, the most recent observation and the 50th‑largest share among World Bank reporting economies. The early 1970s low reflects the country’s post‑war reconstruction phase, while the post‑2000 expansion corresponds with intensified fiscal stimulus, social‑welfare reforms and infrastructure investment. At 31.64 %, Korea’s level is virtually identical to Brazil’s 31.65 % and marginally above Solomon Islands’ 31.56 %, situating it among the higher‑spending nations despite its advanced‑economy status. The upward trajectory mirrors broader trends in East Asian economies that have increasingly used public funds to support technological upgrades and demographic challenges. Continued pressure from an aging population and the need for climate‑resilient infrastructure could sustain or even accelerate this spending path, provided fiscal rules remain flexible enough to accommodate larger budgetary commitments.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 32.44% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 31.64% | - | - |
| 2025 | 31.64% | +3.31% | #50 |
| 2023 | 28.32% | −2.98% | #45 |
| 2022 | 31.30% | +2.75% | #63 |
| 2021 | 28.55% | +0.52% | #62 |
| 2020 | 28.03% | +2.08% | #62 |
| 2019 | 25.95% | +2.38% | #72 |
| 2018 | 23.57% | +0.83% | #66 |
| 2017 | 22.74% | +0.42% | #64 |
| 2016 | 22.32% | −0.05% | #55 |
| 2015 | 22.37% | −0.16% | #58 |
| 2014 | 22.53% | −0.43% | #55 |
| 2013 | 22.96% | −0.62% | #54 |
| 2012 | 23.58% | +6.19% | #61 |
| 2011 | 17.39% | +0.49% | #31 |
| 2010 | 16.90% | −1.63% | #31 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Korea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2006. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Korea's government spending was 31.64% in 2025. Ranked 50th globally. This represents a 11.7% increase from the previous year.
Korea's government spending peaked at 31.64% in 2025.
The lowest government spending in Korea was 11.15% in 1973.
Korea ranks 50th globally in government spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Korea's government spending is projected to reach 31.64% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government spending of Korea in 2025 was 31.64%. This ranks 50th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_korea_government-spending,
title = {Korea Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/korea/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}