India vs South Korea
A data-driven side-by-side: investment score, economy, business climate, political stability, and tax — to help you decide where to invest, incorporate, or relocate.
Overall: South Korea ranks higher
South Korea scores 80/100 on our composite investment index, ahead of India at 61/100. This blends economic strength, political stability, business climate, financial maturity, and growth outlook. Read the breakdown below to see where each country actually leads.
Category breakdown
65
Economic strength
South Korea leads
82
48
Political stability
South Korea leads
78
58
Business climate
South Korea leads
82
55
Financial maturity
South Korea leads
80
90
Growth outlook
India leads
70
Macro snapshot
3,730
GDP (USD bn)
+2020.0 bn
1,710
6.8%
GDP growth (%)
+4.6 pp
2.2%
$2,600
GDP per capita (USD)
-30400.0
$33,000
4.8%
Inflation (%)
+2.3 pp
2.5%
1.6%
FDI (% of GDP)
+0.4 pp
1.2%
82%
Public debt (% of GDP)
+28.0 pp
54%
1,440
Population (M)
+1388.0M
52
India — strong sectors
- Technology (IT Services)8.0% of GDP95
- Financial Services6.0% of GDP82
- Pharmaceuticals2.0% of GDP80
- Manufacturing13.0% of GDP70
South Korea — strong sectors
- Semiconductors8.0% of GDP95
- Technology12.0% of GDP90
- Automotive5.0% of GDP82
- Manufacturing25.0% of GDP82
Frequently asked
Which is better for investment: India or South Korea?
Our composite investment index gives India a score of 61/100 and South Korea a score of 80/100. South Korea ranks higher overall, but the right answer depends on your sector and risk tolerance — see the category breakdown above.
Is India a safer market than South Korea?
Risk classification puts India as moderate (Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios) and South Korea as safe (Strong fundamentals, stable governance, favorable investment climate).
Which has higher GDP growth: India or South Korea?
India is currently growing at 6.8% per year, vs 2.2% for South Korea. India has the faster headline growth rate today.