Korea Health Expenditure per Capita
Current health expenditure per capita SH.XPD.CHEX.PC.CD
Korea's health expenditure per capita was $3,255 in 2025, ranked 32nd globally. This represents a 3.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
Korea's health expenditure per capita stood at $3,255 in 2025, a rise of +$118 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $3,255 by 2025. Korea ranked 32nd globally.
South Korea’s health expenditure per capita rose from 475.25 in 2000 to 3,254.63 in 2025, placing the country 32nd globally and reaching an all‑time peak in the most recent year. This increase of nearly 6.8 times the 2000 level reflects sustained investment in universal coverage, an aging population, and the expansion of high‑technology medical services. The 2025 figure is slightly below Spain’s 3,271.10 and Portugal’s 3,070.33, indicating that South Korea now competes with mature European health systems while still lagging behind the higher‑spending Cyprus at 3,413.75. The upward trajectory has been consistent over the 26‑year span, with no periods of decline, suggesting that policy continuity and rising income per capita have reinforced spending growth. Continued demographic pressure and potential reforms in cost containment will shape whether the upward trend persists or moderates in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Health Expenditure per Capita | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | $3,413 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | $3,334 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $3,255 | - | - |
| 2025 | $3,255 | +$118 | #32 |
| 2024 | $3,137 | +$93 | #16 |
| 2023 | $3,044 | −$35 | #30 |
| 2022 | $3,079 | −$47 | #29 |
| 2021 | $3,126 | +$426 | #30 |
| 2020 | $2,700 | +$97 | #30 |
| 2019 | $2,602 | +$79 | #30 |
| 2018 | $2,523 | +$265 | #30 |
| 2017 | $2,258 | +$215 | #30 |
| 2016 | $2,043 | +$92 | #31 |
| 2015 | $1,951 | +$28 | #31 |
| 2014 | $1,923 | +$184 | #33 |
| 2013 | $1,739 | +$135 | #36 |
| 2012 | $1,604 | +$33 | #35 |
| 2011 | $1,571 | +$153 | #35 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Korea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2006. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw health expenditure per capita improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Korea's health expenditure per capita was $3,255 in 2025. Ranked 32nd globally. This represents a 3.8% increase from the previous year.
Korea's health expenditure per capita peaked at $3,255 in 2025.
The lowest health expenditure per capita in Korea was $475 in 2000.
Korea ranks 32nd globally in health expenditure per capita as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.XPD.CHEX.PC.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
Korea's health expenditure per capita is projected to reach $3,255 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The health expenditure per capita of Korea in 2025 was $3,255. This ranks 32nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_korea_health-expenditure-per-capita,
title = {Korea Health Expenditure per Capita},
url = {https://historysaid.com/korea/health-expenditure-per-capita/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}