Indonesia 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 Indonesia at 58/100. 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
62
Economic strength
South Korea leads
82
48
Political stability
South Korea leads
78
55
Business climate
South Korea leads
82
58
Financial maturity
South Korea leads
80
72
Growth outlook
Indonesia leads
70
Macro snapshot
1,320
GDP (USD bn)
-390.0 bn
1,710
5.0%
GDP growth (%)
+2.8 pp
2.2%
$4,800
GDP per capita (USD)
-28200.0
$33,000
3.0%
Inflation (%)
+0.5 pp
2.5%
1.8%
FDI (% of GDP)
+0.6 pp
1.2%
39%
Public debt (% of GDP)
-15.0 pp
54%
278
Population (M)
+226.0M
52
Indonesia — strong sectors
- Mining & Resources10.0% of GDP78
- Digital Economy5.0% of GDP75
- Palm Oil4.0% of GDP72
- Manufacturing19.0% of GDP68
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: Indonesia or South Korea?
Our composite investment index gives Indonesia a score of 58/100 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 Indonesia a safer market than South Korea?
Risk classification puts Indonesia 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: Indonesia or South Korea?
Indonesia is currently growing at 5.0% per year, vs 2.2% for South Korea. Indonesia has the faster headline growth rate today.