South Korea vs Turkey
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 Turkey at 42/100. 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
82
Economic strength
South Korea leads
42
78
Political stability
South Korea leads
30
82
Business climate
South Korea leads
45
80
Financial maturity
South Korea leads
35
70
Growth outlook
South Korea leads
58
Macro snapshot
1,710
GDP (USD bn)
+580.0 bn
1,130
2.2%
GDP growth (%)
-2.3 pp
4.5%
$33,000
GDP per capita (USD)
+20000.0
$13,000
2.5%
Inflation (%)
-55.5 pp
58.0%
1.2%
FDI (% of GDP)
+0.2 pp
1.0%
54%
Public debt (% of GDP)
+19.0 pp
35%
52
Population (M)
-34.0M
86
South Korea — strong sectors
- Semiconductors8.0% of GDP95
- Technology12.0% of GDP90
- Automotive5.0% of GDP82
- Manufacturing25.0% of GDP82
Turkey — strong sectors
- Tourism5.0% of GDP78
- Automotive4.0% of GDP72
- Manufacturing22.0% of GDP68
- Construction6.0% of GDP55
Frequently asked
Which is better for investment: South Korea or Turkey?
Our composite investment index gives South Korea a score of 80/100 and Turkey a score of 42/100. South Korea ranks higher overall, but the right answer depends on your sector and risk tolerance — see the category breakdown above.
Is South Korea a safer market than Turkey?
Risk classification puts South Korea as safe (Strong fundamentals, stable governance, favorable investment climate) and Turkey as caution (Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies).
Which has higher GDP growth: South Korea or Turkey?
South Korea is currently growing at 2.2% per year, vs 4.5% for Turkey. Turkey has the faster headline growth rate today.