South Korea Carbon Footprint
South Korea emits 598 million tonnes of CO₂ per year — equivalent to 11.5 tonnes per person, 153.3% above the global average of 4.54 tonnes.
Per-capita emissions comparison
Overview: South Korea's emissions profile
South Korea is a Asia nation with a population of approximately 52 million. Its total annual CO₂ output of 598 million tonnes represents 1.6% of global emissions. On a per-capita basis, each person in South Korea is responsible for 11.5 tonnes of CO₂ per year — compared to the world average of 4.54 tonnes and the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C pathway target of 2.3 tonnes.
Renewable energy in South Korea
Source: IEA 2023. Global average: ~30%.
South Korea currently generates 9% of electricity from renewables — below the global average of around 30%. Expanding renewable capacity is one of the highest-leverage actions available for reducing national emissions.
Net zero target and climate commitments
South Korea has committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This aligns with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
The Paris Agreement (2015) requires countries to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) — national plans for emissions reduction. Progress against these targets is tracked by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Carbon intensity of the economy
South Korea's economy generates 0.35 kg of CO₂ per dollar of GDP — a measure of how carbon-efficient its economic output is. This is broadly average for an upper-middle or high-income economy.
How does South Korea compare?
With 11.5 tonnes CO₂ per person, South Korea is 153.3% above the world average of 4.54 tonnes. To meet the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C pathway, per-capita emissions globally need to fall to around 2.3 tonnes by 2030 — meaning South Korea needs to reduce per-capita emissions by 400% from today's levels.
Explore the interactive world emissions map to compare South Korea with other countries, or use our free carbon calculator to measure your own footprint.
Frequently asked questions
What is South Korea's carbon footprint per person?
South Korea's carbon footprint is approximately 11.5 tonnes of CO₂ per person per year. The global average is 4.54 tonnes. South Korea is 153.3% above the world average.
What are South Korea's total CO₂ emissions?
South Korea emits approximately 598 million tonnes of CO₂ per year (IEA 2023 data). This accounts for 1.6% of global annual CO₂ emissions.
Does South Korea have a net zero target?
Yes — South Korea has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
What share of South Korea's energy comes from renewables?
Approximately 9% of South Korea's electricity generation comes from renewable sources (IEA 2023). There is significant room for renewable energy growth.