South Korea Government net lending/borrowing in South Korea

International Monetary Fund · Annual · Importance

IMF forecast (WEO): 2026: -1.3% 2027: 1.4% 2028: 0.5% 2029: 0.1% 2030: -0.1% 2031: -0.3%
1.1 (1999) ANUAL · % of GDP · Annual · CSV
Period% of GDP
Jan 1999 1.1
Jan 1998 1.1
Jan 1997 2.3
Jan 1996 2.3
Jan 1995 2.2

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
South Korea's government budget balance is the shortfall recorded when public spending exceeds revenue over the fiscal year; when revenue exceeds spending there is a surplus. Published by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, it is usually expressed as a percentage of GDP.
How it's calculated
It is the difference between government revenue and spending over the period, scaled against GDP to obtain the ratio. Korea typically highlights both the consolidated fiscal balance and the managed balance that excludes social security funds.
Market implications
The deficit drives government borrowing needs and the path of public debt, traditionally low in Korea. It is a key gauge for fiscal discipline, the won and the rating agencies, particularly when spending widens through stimulus packages.
Limitations
It is a low-frequency figure subject to revision. It is worth distinguishing the consolidated balance from the managed balance excluding social security, as well as the cyclical component tied to the state of the economy.