China's economy is 13x larger by nominal GDP ($17.9 trillion vs $1.3 trillion in 2024), but South Korea has higher GDP per capita ($32,250 vs $12,720), indicating greater individual wealth despite smaller overall size.
China vs South Korea Economy — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
China dominates in absolute economic scale, manufacturing capacity, and growth momentum, making it a critical global economic engine. Choose China for assessing worldwide supply chains and manufacturing hubs; choose South Korea for analyzing advanced technology, semiconductors, and high-income economies with superior living standards. South Korea represents a more developed, stable economy per capita, while China represents raw economic power and growth potential.
Compare China Economy vs South Korea Economy
World's second-largest economy by nominal GDP with dominant manufacturing and export sector.
Advanced $1.3 trillion economy specializing in semiconductors, electronics, and high-tech exports.
China vs South Korea Economy — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for China vs South Korea Economy with 211 attributes.
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production Share
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (Annual)
Tech Sector Market Capitalization (Top 7 Companies)
Average Annual GDP Growth Rate (2010-2023)
Annual GDP Growth Rate (2020-2026 Average)
China vs South Korea Economy — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for China vs South Korea Economy.
Is China or South Korea's economy larger?
China's economy is significantly larger in absolute terms with a nominal GDP of $17.9 trillion compared to South Korea's $1.3 trillion (2024). However, South Korea's economy is more advanced per capita with GDP per capita of $32,250 versus China's $12,720, indicating higher individual wealth and living standards.
Which country has stronger semiconductor dominance?
South Korea exports $168 billion in semiconductors annually (2023), compared to China's $90 billion, despite China's larger overall manufacturing base. South Korea's Samsung and SK Hynix control 44% of global DRAM and NAND flash memory markets, while China remains dependent on semiconductor imports and has faced US export restrictions on advanced chips.
China's economy is growing faster with 5.0% real GDP growth in 2024 compared to South Korea's 2.3%. However, China's growth is decelerating from historical 8-10% rates, while South Korea's lower but stable growth reflects a mature developed economy facing demographic headwinds.
What are the main economic challenges for each country?
China faces property market debt (real estate is 30% of GDP), an aging population (median age 38.8), and slowing growth momentum. South Korea struggles with the world's lowest fertility rate (0.72 children per woman), heavy export dependence (31% of GDP), and vulnerability to global trade disruptions affecting semiconductor demand.
Which economy is more stable for investment?
South Korea offers more stability with 2.8% unemployment, strong foreign reserves ($420 billion), and developed-market governance standards. China offers higher growth potential but carries greater political risk, property sector volatility, and regulatory uncertainty for foreign investors, particularly in tech sectors.