South Korea vs Vietnam
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 Vietnam at 54/100. 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
62
78
Political stability
South Korea leads
42
82
Business climate
South Korea leads
52
80
Financial maturity
South Korea leads
52
70
Growth outlook
Vietnam leads
80
Macro snapshot
1,710
GDP (USD bn)
+1280.0 bn
430
2.2%
GDP growth (%)
-4.3 pp
6.5%
$33,000
GDP per capita (USD)
+28700.0
$4,300
2.5%
Inflation (%)
-1.0 pp
3.5%
1.2%
FDI (% of GDP)
-3.3 pp
4.5%
54%
Public debt (% of GDP)
+16.0 pp
38%
52
Population (M)
-48.0M
100
South Korea — strong sectors
- Semiconductors8.0% of GDP95
- Technology12.0% of GDP90
- Automotive5.0% of GDP82
- Manufacturing25.0% of GDP82
Vietnam — strong sectors
- Manufacturing33.0% of GDP85
- Electronics18.0% of GDP82
- Tourism7.0% of GDP72
- Agriculture12.0% of GDP68
Frequently asked
Which is better for investment: South Korea or Vietnam?
Our composite investment index gives South Korea a score of 80/100 and Vietnam a score of 54/100. 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 Vietnam?
Risk classification puts South Korea as safe (Strong fundamentals, stable governance, favorable investment climate) and Vietnam as moderate (Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios).
Which has higher GDP growth: South Korea or Vietnam?
South Korea is currently growing at 2.2% per year, vs 6.5% for Vietnam. Vietnam has the faster headline growth rate today.