Korea Gross Savings
Gross savings as % of GDP NY.GNS.ICTR.ZS
Korea's gross savings was 34.39% in 2025, ranked 16th globally. This represents a 2.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1976–2025.
Overview
Korea's gross savings stood at 34.39% in 2025, a decline of +0.87% from 2024. The IMF projects 34.39% by 2025. Korea ranked 16th globally.
South Korea’s gross savings ratio has risen steadily over the past five decades, moving from a low of 25.08 in 1981 to an all‑time peak of 41.89 in 1988 before moderating to 34.39 in 2025, placing the country 16th globally. The sharp increase in the 1980s reflects rapid industrialisation and a policy environment that encouraged capital formation, while the subsequent decline aligns with a shift toward higher consumption and a more service‑oriented economy. Compared with peer economies of similar rank, South Korea’s 2025 figure of 34.39 is slightly below Tanzania’s 34.92 and Vietnam’s 34.94, yet marginally above Denmark’s 34.27, indicating that its savings propensity remains competitive among both developing and advanced nations. The long‑term trajectory suggests that maintaining a high savings rate will depend on demographic trends, fiscal incentives for household saving, and the balance between investment‑driven growth and consumption‑led demand; any policy that strengthens these factors could sustain or modestly increase the ratio in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Gross Savings | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 34.03% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 34.02% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 33.89% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 33.79% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 33.59% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 34.39% | - | - |
| 2025 | 34.39% | −0.87% | #16 |
| 2024 | 35.26% | +1.76% | #17 |
| 2023 | 33.48% | −0.94% | #29 |
| 2022 | 34.38% | −2.34% | #33 |
| 2021 | 36.68% | +0.80% | #20 |
| 2020 | 35.83% | +1.48% | #17 |
| 2019 | 34.29% | −1.17% | #25 |
| 2018 | 35.38% | −1.15% | #18 |
| 2017 | 36.45% | +0.08% | #15 |
| 2016 | 36.29% | +0.38% | #12 |
| 2015 | 35.83% | +1.15% | #17 |
| 2014 | 34.57% | −0.07% | #28 |
| 2013 | 34.52% | +0.07% | #27 |
| 2012 | 34.34% | −0.12% | #35 |
| 2011 | 34.38% | −0.68% | #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 gross savings improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Korea's gross savings was 34.39% in 2025. Ranked 16th globally. This represents a 2.5% decrease from the previous year.
Korea's gross savings peaked at 41.89% in 1988.
The lowest gross savings in Korea was 25.08% in 1981.
Korea ranks 16th globally in gross savings as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NY.GNS.ICTR.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Korea's gross savings is projected to reach 34.39% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The gross savings of Korea in 2025 was 34.39%. This ranks 16th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_korea_gross-savings,
title = {Korea Gross Savings},
url = {https://historysaid.com/korea/gross-savings/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}