South Korea Government gross debt in South Korea

International Monetary Fund · Annual · Importance

IMF forecast (WEO): 2026: 47.3% 2027: 46.2% 2028: 47.0% 2029: 48.2% 2030: 49.2% 2031: 49.7%
15.8 (1999) ANUAL · % of GDP · Annual · CSV
Period% of GDP
Jan 1999 15.8
Jan 1998 13.8
Jan 1997 9.7
Jan 1996 7.8
Jan 1995 8.5
Jan 1994 9.6
Jan 1993 10.9
Jan 1992 11.6
Jan 1991 11.9
Jan 1990 12.8

About this indicator

Source
International Monetary Fund
Frequency
Annual
Release
Published annually (with quarterly advance estimates in some economies), subject to revision with the national accounts.
What it is
Government gross debt measures the total outstanding liabilities of South Korea's general government to its creditors. It is usually expressed as a share of GDP to gauge sustainability.
How it's calculated
It is compiled by adding the gross liabilities of general government (debt securities, loans and other liabilities). The reference figure comes from the IMF World Economic Outlook, is annual and is expressed as a percentage of GDP and in absolute won terms.
Market implications
South Korea keeps its debt low relative to other advanced economies, underpinning its strong credit standing. A trend rise, linked to ageing and stimulus, is watched by markets, rating agencies and the Bank of Korea.
Limitations
It is a low-frequency figure revised with the national accounts. The ratio depends on nominal GDP, so it can move without any change in borrowing, and gross figures do not net out the government's sizeable financial assets.