South Korea vs United States: economic convergence
If South Korea grew 2.2% a year and United States 1.8% a year, South Korea would catch up with United States on GDP per capita (PPP) in about 81 years, around 2107. This is a scenario, not a forecast.
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Latest data (2025)
| Country | GDP per capita (PPP) |
|---|---|
| South Korea | $55,697 |
| United States | $76,931 |
South Korea is at 72% of United States's level.
Scenario
South Korea grows 2.2% a year (trailing 10-year average) and United States grows 1.8% a year (trailing 10-year average). A scenario, not a forecast: the result follows only from the stated growth rates.
| Year | South Korea | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $56,922 | $78,316 |
| 2031 | $63,466 | $85,623 |
| 2036 | $70,761 | $93,611 |
| 2041 | $78,895 | $102,345 |
| 2046 | $87,963 | $111,894 |
| 2051 | $98,074 | $122,333 |
| 2056 | $109,348 | $133,747 |
| 2061 | $121,917 | $146,226 |
| 2066 | $135,931 | $159,868 |
| 2071 | $151,556 | $174,784 |
| 2076 | $168,977 | $191,091 |
| 2081 | $188,401 | $208,919 |
| 2086 | $210,057 | $228,411 |
| 2091 | $234,203 | $249,722 |
| 2096 | $261,124 | $273,021 |
| 2101 | $291,139 | $298,493 |
| 2106 | $324,605 | $326,342 |
| 2107 | $331,746 | $332,216 |
| 2111 | $361,917 | $356,789 |
| 2113 | $378,017 | $369,750 |
Use this data
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Source: World Bank (NY.GDP.PCAP.PP.KD). Mountain to Climb · World Bank data · Scenario: South Korea 2.2%, United States 1.8%