MakeYourChart

When did South Korea overtake Spain in GDP?

2012: South Korea overtook Spain in GDP. Spain leads in 2025. Annual GDP in current US dollars.

Make this videoDownload data (CSV)

Free to edit and export · No signup to start

What the data shows

  • South Korea: $589.20B in 1997, $1,872.38B in 2025 (3.2× higher). It peaked at $1,942.31B in 2021.
  • Spain: $589.74B in 1997, $1,906.45B in 2025 (3.2× higher).

About this chart

South Korea overtook Spain in 2012 in the annual GDP series. The change is visible between consecutive observations: in 2011, South Korea stood at $1,307.1 billion, against Spain at $1,487.57 billion. In 2012, the order reversed, with South Korea at $1,335.34 billion and Spain at $1,330.99 billion. This is the most recent upward crossing by South Korea in the available record.

By 2025, Spain was ahead: South Korea recorded $1,872.38 billion and Spain $1,906.45 billion. These World Bank figures measure total GDP in current US dollars. Exchange-rate movements and price changes can affect the ranking; this is neither a comparison of real economic growth nor a purchasing-power-adjusted measure of living standards.

The data

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators (NY.GDP.MKTP.CD), GDP in current US$, current US$ billions. Retrieved November 5, 2026. Crossings compare adjacent annual observations; the highlighted year is the most recent upward crossing in this series. GDP is nominal, in current US dollars, not inflation-adjusted or purchasing-power adjusted.

South Korea overtakes Spain, GDP, current US$ billions, 1997–2025, 1997–2025
Date🇰🇷 South Korea🇪🇸 Spain
1997$589.20B$589.74B
1998$397.30B$618.73B
1999$515.70B$634.40B
2000$597.49B$598.10B
2001$567.57B$627.80B
2002$650.01B$708.94B
2003$728.52B$907.96B
2004$823.25B$1,069.83B
2005$971.74B$1,154.67B
2006$1,095.18B$1,261.85B
2007$1,220.91B$1,476.75B
2008$1,091.58B$1,636.12B
2009$983.07B$1,496.59B
2010$1,192.83B$1,427.99B
2011$1,307.10B$1,487.57B
2012$1,335.34B$1,331.00B
2013$1,434.67B$1,362.19B
2014$1,556.25B$1,380.25B
2015$1,539.21B$1,206.17B
2016$1,579.15B$1,243.02B
2017$1,710.20B$1,321.75B
2018$1,824.25B$1,431.64B
2019$1,751.05B$1,403.50B
2020$1,744.07B$1,289.78B
2021$1,942.31B$1,461.25B
2022$1,799.36B$1,448.85B
2023$1,844.80B$1,619.48B
2024$1,875.39B$1,725.67B
2025$1,872.38B$1,906.45B

Post it

Suggested caption: “2012: South Korea overtook Spain in GDP.” Credit the source in your caption; it heads off the 'source?' comments.

Make it yours

  • Switch between bar, line, column and donut races with one click.
  • Pick 9:16 for Reels and TikTok, 4:5 for the feed or 16:9 for YouTube.
  • Change the theme, font, colors and race length, and add your own captions.
  • Paste your own numbers from Excel or Google Sheets. See the animated chart maker for tips.

Frequently asked questions

When did South Korea overtake Spain in GDP?

South Korea overtook Spain in 2012 in the annual GDP series. South Korea was below Spain in 2011 and above it in 2012.

Which has the larger GDP in 2025?

By 2025, Spain was ahead: South Korea recorded $1,872.38 billion and Spain $1,906.45 billion.

What does the GDP comparison measure?

These World Bank figures measure total GDP in current US dollars. Exchange-rate movements and price changes can affect the ranking; this is neither a comparison of real economic growth nor a purchasing-power-adjusted measure of living standards.

Where does this data come from?

World Bank, World Development Indicators (NY.GDP.MKTP.CD), GDP in current US$, current US$ billions. Retrieved November 5, 2026. Crossings compare adjacent annual observations; the highlighted year is the most recent upward crossing in this series. GDP is nominal, in current US dollars, not inflation-adjusted or purchasing-power adjusted. You can download the full table as a CSV from this page.

Can I turn this chart into a video?

Yes. Open it in the editor, change the title, theme, colors or format (9:16 for Reels and TikTok, 16:9 for YouTube), and export an MP4. Free exports are 720p with a small watermark; Pro ($11.99/month) removes it and adds 1080p, 4K and 60 fps.

Related data

All money charts
WorldReal data

South Korea's population

South Korea peaked at 51.86M in 2020. The UN medium scenario projects 21.85M in 2100, versus 51.75M in 2023.

MoneyReal data

South Korea's GDP

South Korea GDP reached $1.87T in 2025. Its rank was 26 in 1980 and 13 in 2025. Current US dollars, not real growth.

WorldReal data

South Korea's birth rate

5.99 births per woman in 1960 to 0.75 in 2024: South Korea. Total fertility rate, compared with Japan, China and the US.