Country explorer: South Korea

South Korea has showcased significant economic growth and development, characterized by a consistent increase in GDP per capita, a notable reduction in poverty rates across various thresholds, relatively low and stable unemployment rates compared to global averages, and a moderate inflation rate, illustrating its distinctive position as a rapidly advancing high-income country in comparison to its peers.

South Korea has experienced significant demographic shifts characterized by declining fertility rates reaching one of the world's lowest, coupled with increasing life expectancy, mirroring trends seen in other high-income countries but with a distinctively sharp decline in birth rates.

South Korea has consistently maintained virtually universal access to clean cooking fuels and electricity, while significantly improving its access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation, mirroring the high standards typical of high-income countries.

South Korea has seen significant improvements in human development, characterized by a steady increase in the Human Development Index, substantial reductions in child mortality, near-universal literacy rates, and substantial increases in the quality and quantity of education, positioning it as a leading nation in human development among high-income countries.

South Korea has shown a consistent drive towards sustainability, reducing its per capita CO₂ emissions, increasing renewable energy generation, maintaining renewable freshwater resources, and expanding forest areas, reflecting a notable commitment to environmental preservation and energy transition compared to many of its high-income peers.

South Korea has distinguished itself through rapid advancements in technology and innovation, achieving one of the world's highest Internet usage rates, an intensive engagement in R&D, and a prolific output of scientific and technical publications, reflecting its position as a global leader in technological development and digital connectivity.

South Korea has seen a quintupling of its foreign-born population, alongside incremental improvements in gender equality and life satisfaction, set against a backdrop of rapidly increasing age dependency ratio that underscores its distinctive aging society challenge.

South Korea has experienced marked fluctuations in governance indicators, showcasing significant efforts in combating corruption and improving political and civil liberties, albeit with challenges in press freedom and rule of law, reflecting a complex journey towards democratic deepening typical of rapidly modernizing societies.