Korea, Rep.—Fiscal Balance (% of GDP)
Category: Fiscal & MonetarySource: IMF World Economic Outlook ↗Global Rank: #56 of 192Updated August 2026
Latest Value
-1.1%
2031
YoY Change
+0.0%
2030 → 2031
Global Rank
#56
of 192 countries
Maximum
3.9%
2000
Minimum
-2.1%
2020
Last
-1.1%
Previous
-1.1%
Highest
3.9%
Lowest
-2.1%
Unit
Percent of GDP
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
Korea, Rep.'s fiscal balance (% of GDP) was -1.5% in 2026, ranking #56 out of 192 countries. This represents a +0.0% change from 2030. Over the past 27 years, the highest recorded value was 3.9% (2000) and the lowest was -2.1% (2020). The IMF WEO projects -1.1% by 2031. Data sourced from the IMF World Economic Outlook.
Actual
IMF Forecast
Source: IMF World Economic Outlook
Historical Data
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2031 | -1.1% | +0.0% |
| 2030 | -1.1% | +0.0% |
| 2029 | -1.1% | +15.4% |
| 2028 | -1.3% | +0.0% |
| 2027 | -1.3% | +13.3% |
| 2026 | -1.5% | -7.1% |
| 2025 | -1.4% | -75.0% |
| 2024 | -0.8% | -14.3% |
| 2023 | -0.7% | +53.3% |
| 2022 | -1.5% | |
| 2021 | 0.0% | +100.0% |
| 2020 | -2.1% | -625.0% |
| 2019 | 0.4% | -83.3% |
| 2018 | 2.4% | +14.3% |
| 2017 | 2.1% | +31.3% |
| 2016 | 1.6% | +220.0% |
| 2015 | 0.5% | -16.7% |
| 2014 | 0.6% | -25.0% |
| 2013 | 0.8% | -50.0% |
| 2012 | 1.6% | -5.9% |
| 2011 | 1.7% | +6.2% |
| 2010 | 1.6% | +700.0% |
| 2009 | 0.2% | -87.5% |
| 2008 | 1.6% | -36.0% |
| 2007 | 2.5% | +108.3% |
| 2006 | 1.2% | +20.0% |
| 2005 | 1.0% | +900.0% |
| 2004 | 0.1% | -93.3% |
| 2003 | 1.5% | -53.1% |
| 2002 | 3.2% | +33.3% |
| 2001 | 2.4% | -38.5% |
| 2000 | 3.9% |
IMF Forecast
Projections from the IMF World Economic Outlook. These are staff estimates, not guarantees.
| Year | Projected Value | Change from Previous |
|---|---|---|
| 2026Forecast | -1.5% | -7.1% |
| 2027Forecast | -1.3% | +13.3% |
| 2028Forecast | -1.3% | +0.0% |
| 2029Forecast | -1.1% | +15.4% |
| 2030Forecast | -1.1% | +0.0% |
| 2031Forecast | -1.1% | +0.0% |
Top Countries — Fiscal Balance (% of GDP)
| # | Country | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kuwait | 27.6% | 2026 |
| 2 | Naoero | 13.1% | 2026 |
| 3 | Norway | 10.2% | 2026 |
| 4 | Oman | 5.2% | 2026 |
| 5 | United Arab Emirates | 4.9% | 2026 |
| 6 | Lesotho | 4.2% | 2026 |
| 7 | Macao SAR, China | 4.2% | 2026 |
| 8 | Singapore | 3.3% | 2026 |
| 9 | Lebanon | 3.3% | 2025 |
| 10 | Liechtenstein | 3.0% | 2026 |
About This Indicator
Definition
General government net lending/borrowing as a percentage of GDP. A positive value indicates a fiscal surplus; negative indicates a deficit.
Methodology
Revenue minus expenditure minus net acquisition of nonfinancial assets, as a percentage of GDP. A comprehensive measure of the fiscal balance.
Unit
Percent of GDP