Korea Income Share Bottom 10%
Income share held by lowest 10% SI.DST.FRST.10
Korea's income share bottom 10% was 2.90% in 2021, ranked 38th globally. This represents a 6.5% decrease from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 2006–2021.
Overview
Korea's income share bottom 10% stood at 2.90% in 2021, a decline of +0.20pp from 2020. Korea ranked 38th globally.
South Korea’s share of national income accruing to the bottom 10 percent of earners stood at 2.90 percent in 2021, placing the country 38th in the world according to World Bank data. The indicator has shown modest volatility over the 11‑year span from 2006, rising from an early‑year level of 2.80 percent to a peak of 3.10 percent in 2020 before slipping to a trough of 2.50 percent in 2017. This pattern suggests that the recent post‑pandemic rebound lifted the lowest‑decile share, yet the figure remains comparable to peers such as Kenya, Madagascar and France, each recording 2.90 percent in the same year. The modest upward swing since the 2017 low indicates incremental progress in income redistribution, but sustaining a higher share will likely depend on policies that enhance low‑wage employment, strengthen social safety nets, and promote inclusive growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Income Share Bottom 10% | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2.90% | −0.20pp | #38 |
| 2020 | 3.10% | +0.20pp | #25 |
| 2019 | 2.90% | +0.20pp | #38 |
| 2018 | 2.70% | +0.20pp | #52 |
| 2017 | 2.50% | +0.00pp | #43 |
| 2016 | 2.50% | −0.30pp | #49 |
| 2014 | 2.80% | +0.10pp | #42 |
| 2012 | 2.70% | +0.00pp | #45 |
| 2010 | 2.70% | +0.00pp | #44 |
| 2008 | 2.70% | −0.10pp | #40 |
| 2006 | 2.80% | – | #39 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Korea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2006. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw income share bottom 10% improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Korea's income share bottom 10% was 2.90% in 2021. Ranked 38th globally. This represents a 6.5% decrease from the previous year.
Korea's income share bottom 10% peaked at 3.10% in 2020.
The lowest income share bottom 10% in Korea was 2.50% in 2016.
Korea ranks 38th globally in income share bottom 10% as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is SI.DST.FRST.10. Data sourced from World Bank.
The income share bottom 10% of Korea in 2021 was 2.90%. This ranks 38th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_korea_income-bottom-10,
title = {Korea Income Share Bottom 10%},
url = {https://historysaid.com/korea/income-bottom-10/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}