NationsData
Country Comparison

Portugal 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.

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Portugal

Europe & Central Asia

72/ 100Moderate
Credit: NRGDP: $287bn
🇰🇷

South Korea

East Asia & Pacific

Leader
80/ 100Safe
Credit: AAGDP: $1,710bn

Overall: South Korea ranks higher

South Korea scores 80/100 on our composite investment index, ahead of Portugal 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

78

Political stability

78

72

Business climate

South Korea leads

82

68

Financial maturity

South Korea leads

80

72

Growth outlook

Portugal leads

70

Macro snapshot

287

GDP (USD bn)

-1422.9 bn

1,710

2.2%

GDP growth (%)

0.0 pp

2.2%

$27,820

GDP per capita (USD)

-5180.0

$33,000

2.5%

Inflation (%)

0.0 pp

2.5%

4.8%

FDI (% of GDP)

+3.6 pp

1.2%

101%

Public debt (% of GDP)

+46.5 pp

54%

10.3

Population (M)

-41.7M

52

Portugal — strong sectors

  • Tourism15.2% of GDP78
  • Renewable Energy5.5% of GDP75
  • Technology & Startups4.8% of GDP72
  • Cork & Agriculture2.8% 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: Portugal or South Korea?

Our composite investment index gives Portugal 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 Portugal a safer market than South Korea?

Risk classification puts Portugal 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: Portugal or South Korea?

Portugal is currently growing at 2.2% per year, vs 2.2% for South Korea. South Korea has the faster headline growth rate today.

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