Korea Tax Revenue
Tax revenue as % of GDP GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS
Korea's tax revenue was 16.62% in 2025, ranked 64th globally. This represents a 13.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1972–2025.
Overview
Korea's tax revenue stood at 16.62% in 2025, a rise of +2.03% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 16.62% by 2025. Korea ranked 64th globally.
Korea’s tax revenue as a share of GDP has risen steadily since the series began in 1972, when the indicator was recorded at 0.00, to a World Bank‑reported 16.62 in 2025, placing the country 64th globally. The upward trajectory reached its apex in 2022 with a peak of 17.16, after which a modest decline to the current level suggests a stabilization rather than a reversal. Over the 53‑year coverage, Korea’s fiscal capacity now aligns closely with peers such as Romania (16.84) and Vanuatu (16.82), indicating that its tax effort is comparable to both advanced and emerging economies. The post‑peak moderation may reflect demographic ageing, a shift toward services, and recent global tax reforms that have tempered revenue growth. Continued structural reforms and broader tax bases could restore a higher growth path, while stagnation in economic activity or policy setbacks would likely keep the ratio near its recent plateau.
Data & projection
| Year | Tax Revenue | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 16.99% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 16.62% | - | - |
| 2025 | 16.62% | +2.03% | #64 |
| 2023 | 14.60% | −2.56% | #38 |
| 2022 | 17.16% | +1.49% | #58 |
| 2021 | 15.67% | +1.66% | #59 |
| 2020 | 14.01% | −0.32% | #55 |
| 2019 | 14.33% | −0.36% | #51 |
| 2018 | 14.69% | +0.94% | #61 |
| 2017 | 13.76% | +0.48% | #58 |
| 2016 | 13.28% | +0.75% | #45 |
| 2015 | 12.53% | −0.10% | #42 |
| 2014 | 12.63% | −0.39% | #37 |
| 2013 | 13.02% | −0.45% | #36 |
| 2012 | 13.47% | +0.19% | #44 |
| 2011 | 13.28% | +0.40% | #42 |
| 2010 | 12.88% | −0.22% | #40 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Korea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2006. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw tax revenue improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Korea's tax revenue was 16.62% in 2025. Ranked 64th globally. This represents a 13.9% increase from the previous year.
Korea's tax revenue peaked at 17.16% in 2022.
The lowest tax revenue in Korea was 0.00% in 1972.
Korea ranks 64th globally in tax revenue as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Korea's tax revenue is projected to reach 16.62% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The tax revenue of Korea in 2025 was 16.62%. This ranks 64th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_korea_tax-revenue,
title = {Korea Tax Revenue},
url = {https://historysaid.com/korea/tax-revenue/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}