South Korea Government Debt to GDP — 2026 Data & Trend
South Korea's government debt was 52.42% in December 2025, up from 49.56% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 49.56%.
South Korea's government debt stands at 52.42% as of December 2025. The government debt currently sits at 52.42% (up from 49.56% in the prior year). Across the tracked window it has ranged between 33.54% and 52.42%, and is 2.86% higher than a year ago.
The trend
Among the 192 economies tracked on this platform, South Korea ranks #99 on government debt by latest value. It rose from 49.56% in the previous year, and compares with a year-earlier 49.56%.
What's driving it
The debt ratio moves with budget deficits, growth, interest costs and the currency; faster nominal growth lowers it, while wide deficits push it up.
Recent readings
| Period | Government debt |
|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | 52.42% |
| Dec 2024 | 49.56% |
| Dec 2023 | 50.56% |
| Dec 2022 | 49.70% |
| Dec 2021 | 47.95% |
| Dec 2020 | 45.92% |
| Dec 2019 | 39.73% |
| Dec 2018 | 37.85% |
Data: Source: IMF — International Reserves and Foreign Currency Liquidity (IRFCL), International Liquidity (IL), Monetary and Financial Statistics (MFS), World Economic Outlook (WEO). Figures carry an effective date; confirm with the source before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
How Much Government Debt Does South Korea Have in 2026?
South Korea's government debt was 52.42% in December 2025, up from 49.56% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 49.56%.
Is the government debt rising or falling in South Korea?
It rose in the latest reading — 52.42% in December 2025 versus 49.56% a year earlier. Year on year it is higher.
What is government debt?
It measures total public debt expressed as a share of gross domestic product (debt-to-GDP).