Italy 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 Italy at 72/100. 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
70
Economic strength
South Korea leads
82
72
Political stability
South Korea leads
78
68
Business climate
South Korea leads
82
72
Financial maturity
South Korea leads
80
72
Growth outlook
Italy leads
70
Macro snapshot
2,255
GDP (USD bn)
+545.0 bn
1,710
0.8%
GDP growth (%)
-1.4 pp
2.2%
$38,160
GDP per capita (USD)
+5160.0
$33,000
2.2%
Inflation (%)
-0.3 pp
2.5%
1.5%
FDI (% of GDP)
+0.3 pp
1.2%
141%
Public debt (% of GDP)
+86.5 pp
54%
59
Population (M)
+7.0M
52
Italy: strong sectors
- Fashion & Luxury5.2% of GDP82
- Manufacturing16.5% of GDP78
- Tourism13.2% of GDP78
- Agriculture & Food2.2% of GDP72
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: Italy or South Korea?
Our composite investment index gives Italy a score of 72/100 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 Italy a safer market than South Korea?
Risk classification puts Italy 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: Italy or South Korea?
Italy is currently growing at 0.8% per year, vs 2.2% for South Korea. South Korea has the faster headline growth rate today.