Export and import of south korea. Economic South Korea. Tourism of the Republic of Korea

Industry as part of the country's economy

The economic life of any state, first of all, consists of the processes of creating economic benefits, their subsequent distribution between sectors and branches of the economy. Further, a mutually beneficial exchange is carried out between the subjects economic relations and final consumption of the created product or service. Any economy is based on the use of raw materials, means of labor, materials, labor, and so on. The industry supplies all these elements in economic system countries.

Remark 1

Industry is part National economy, an emerging set of economic entities whose main task is to create tools. Tools of labor are an element of the means of labor, allowing the production of products ready for consumption.

Industry has a direct impact on the reproductive forces of the country. It can influence the formation of complexes and specialized production areas. It is here that scientific discoveries take place, giving impetus to the development of the entire production chain.

The entire industrial complex usually consists of two subsystems:

• The mining industry is engaged in the direct extraction of minerals from the bowels of the earth. In addition, this includes the capture of fish and other marine animals.
• The manufacturing industry conducts a cycle of processing the extracted raw materials in necessary materials- metals, rolled products, chemical products and so on. Here, products ready for consumption by the end customer can be created.

The industrial complex is divided into industries under the influence of many factors. This division is influenced by the level of industrial development, scientifically - technical progress, public, social and historical aspects of the country's development, labor specialization, availability of natural resources. The structure of industry is determined by the ratio of shares and growth dynamics of its individual industries. It is worth noting that at present, each industry has a special narrow specialization, while diversifying production is used to form the long-term effective functioning of enterprises.

Economic life in Korea

Before the Second World War, North Korea, under the influence of Japan, concentrated on the development industrial complex, since it is here that mineral deposits are concentrated. South Korea was engaged in purely agriculture. After the end of World War II and the Korean War, the country was divided into two separate states - the DPRK and South Korea. The latter at that time was one of the poorest countries in the world, where about 36% of the population were unemployed. To overcome the crisis, a large loan was taken from the United States, which went to purchase food, and only a small fraction was spent on economic recovery.

A course was set for development light industry which made it possible to attract foreign investment. The products of this industry were exported to eliminate the negative indicators of the country's balance of payments.

Since the mid-eighties, a course has been taken to develop high technology. The Korean economy has focused on the production of semiconductors, as well as radio equipment and computer equipment.

The rapid growth of the machine-building industry allowed South Korea to establish the work of the military-industrial complex. It currently provides 65% of the country's need for weapons.

Currently, the Korean economy is one of the most successful in the world. According to the size of the inner gross product it is in twelfth place in the ranking of countries in the world. From the beginning of the 1960s, when the economy was in complete decline, to date, the volume of GDP has grown 350 times.

Remark 2

The peculiarity of the South Korean economy was state regulation and interference in the economic life of the country. To raise living standards and restore economic stability, five-year plans were applied, which gave positive results.

Korean industry

First of all, it is worth noting that the development of industry in South Korea largely follows the path of Japan. Korea also does not have mineral reserves that have to be imported. The country has only small reserves of coal and uranium. At the same time, coal production is gradually decreasing.

The historically established textile industry in Korea is export-oriented. At the same time, part of the domestic demand for these products is covered by imports. In terms of textile exports, Korea ranks fifth in the world.

Ferrous metallurgy in Korea is represented by steel production. Metal volumes are growing year by year. Steel is mainly used to meet the needs of the domestic market.

As mentioned above, Korea has a well-developed engineering sector. Great emphasis is placed on the creation of cars and ships. The country is now the fifth largest vehicle manufacturer in the world. The automotive industry in South Korea is represented by five largest enterprises producing cars of the brand Hyundai, Kia, Daewoo and others.

Shipbuilding in the country is represented by the creation, repair and conversion of ships and various kinds ships. The development of this industry has a direct impact on the supply of the necessary raw materials and materials imported from other countries.

A large share of Korea's GDP is generated by income from the high-tech industry. The semiconductor industry supplies structural parts for various applications. To overcome the global crisis in the late 1990s, the Korean semiconductor industry refocused on the production of memory chips, which are currently being exported to many developed countries of the world.

Remark 3

Electronics in Korea is represented by production household appliances, consumer electronics, successfully exported abroad. In addition, telecommunications are produced in Korea, that is, all possible modern facilities communications and computer technology.

Korea is one of the largest powers in the implementation of the petrochemical complex. Cracking technology is used here, which makes it possible to produce:

• motor oils;
• lubricants;
• various types of raw materials for further processing.

For 1970-2018 exports of South Korea in current prices increased by $715.2 billion (699.1 times) to $716.3 billion; the change was $0.60 billion due to a population growth of $19.0 million, and $714.6 billion due to an increase in per capita exports of $13,967.4. The average annual increase in South Korea's exports amounted to $14.9 billion, or 14.6%. Average annual increase in exports of South Korea in constant prices was at the level of 12.7%. The share in the world increased by 2.6%. The share in Asia increased by 5.7%. The minimum export was in 1970 ($1.0 billion). The maximum export was in 2018 (716.3 billion dollars).

For the period 1970-2018. per capita exports in South Korea increased by $13,967.4 (439.6 times) to $13,999.2. The average annual increase in exports per capita in current prices was at the level of 291.0 dollars or 13.5%.

The change in exports of South Korea is described by a linear correlation-regression model: y=15.6x-30 802.4 , where y is the estimated value of exports of South Korea, x is the year. Correlation coefficient = 0.908. Coefficient of determination = 0.824.

Export of South Korea, 1970

Export of South Korea in 1970 it was 1.0 billion dollars, ranked 56th in the world and was at the level of exports of Thailand (1.1 billion dollars), exports of Greece (1.0 billion dollars). South Korea's exports were $0.88 billion less than South Korea's imports, and the trade deficit was 9.5% of South Korea's GDP. The share of exports of South Korea in the world amounted to 0.27%.

In 1970, it was $31.8, ranked 140th in the world and was on par with Egypt's per capita exports ($32.9), Nigeria's per capita exports ($30.7), and Bhutan's per capita exports ($29.7). South Korea's per capita export was less than the world's per capita export ($104.0) by $72.2.

Comparison of exports of South Korea and neighbors in 1970. The export of South Korea was 3.9 times greater than the export of North Korea (0.3 billion dollars), but was less than the export of Japan (22.0 billion dollars) by 95.3%. South Korea's per capita export was greater than North Korea's per capita export ($20.8) by 53.4%, but was less than Japan's per capita export ($209.9) by 84.8%.

Comparison of South Korea's exports and leaders in 1970. South Korean exports were less than US exports ($59.7 billion) by 98.3%, German exports ($32.7 billion) by 96.9%, UK exports ($28.5 billion) by 96.4%, French exports (23.7 billion dollars) by 95.7%, Japanese exports (22.0 billion dollars) by 95.3%. Exports per capita in South Korea were less than exports per capita in the UK ($511.9) by 93.8%, exports per capita in France ($455.9) by 93%, exports per capita in Germany ($415.6) by 92.3%, per capita exports to the US ($284.9) by 88.8%, per capita exports to Japan ($209.9) by 84.8%.

Export potential of South Korea in 1970. With per capita exports at the same level as UK per capita exports ($511.9), South Korea's exports would be $16.5 billion, 16.1 times the actual level. With exports per capita at the same level as those of Japan ($209.9), the best neighbor, South Korea's exports would be $6.8 billion, 6.6 times the actual level. With per capita exports at the same level as world per capita exports ($104.0), South Korea's exports would be $3.3 billion, 3.3 times the actual level.

Export of South Korea, 2018

Export of South Korea in 2018 was equal to 716.3 billion dollars, ranked 8th in the world and was at the level of exports of Hong Kong (682.9 billion dollars). South Korea's exports exceeded South Korea's imports by $79.2 billion, with a trade surplus of 4.6% of South Korea's GDP. The share of exports of South Korea in the world was 2.9%.

Export per capita in South Korea in 2018 was equal to 13 999.2 dollars, ranked 43rd in the world and was at the level of exports per capita in Andorra (14 777.5 dollars), exports per capita in Canada (14 744.8 dollars), exports per capita in the Seychelles (14 533.1 dollars), exports per capita in Australia (14 070.2 dollars), exports per capita in Lithuania (14 053.4 dollars), exports per capita in Hungary (13 840.8 dollars). South Korea's per capita export was more than the world's per capita export ($3,280.7) by $10,718.5.

Comparison of exports of South Korea and neighbors in 2018. The export of South Korea was 697.3 times greater than the export of North Korea ($1.0 billion), but was less than the export of Japan ($917.1 billion) by 21.9%. South Korea's per capita export was more than Japan's per capita export ($7,210.9) by 94.1%, North Korea's per capita export ($40.3) by 347.4 times.

Comparison of South Korea's exports and leaders in 2018. South Korea's exports were less than those of China ($2,647.0 billion) by 72.9%, US exports ($2,510.3 billion) by 71.5%, German exports ($1,872.7 billion) by 61.8%, exports of Japan (917.1 billion dollars) by 21.9%, exports of France (870.8 billion dollars) by 17.8%. South Korea's per capita exports were larger than France's per capita exports ($12,901.3) by 8.5%, per capita exports to the US ($7,682.0) by 82.2%, and Japan's per capita exports ($7,210.9). dollars) by 94.1%, export per capita in China ($1,870.7) by 7.5 times, but was less than export per capita in Germany ($22,756.4) by 38.5%.

Export potential of South Korea in 2018. With per capita exports at the same level as Germany's per capita exports of $22,756.4, South Korea's exports would be $1,164.3 billion, 62.6% more than the actual level.

picture. Exports of South Korea, 1970-2018

picture. Exports per capita in South Korea, 1970-2018

picture. Export growth in South Korea, 1970-2018

The area is 98.5 thousand km².

The population is 47 million people.

The country occupies the southern part of the peninsula of the same name. South Korea can be called the classical country of monsoonal Asia. The average population density is 475 people. per 1 km². AT agriculture dominated by irrigated rice. The world's lowest provision of agricultural land (only 0.06 ha per inhabitant) is combined with the highest rice yields in the world (75-80 c/ha on average).

Industry of the Republic of Korea

The industry of South Korea in its development essentially repeats the path of Japan. The local energy and raw material base is very weak and dependent on imports. Traditionally, only light and food industry. In the 50s of the XX century. the beginning of the development of hard industry was laid (steel smelting, general engineering, shipbuilding, automotive, fertilizer, synthetic rubber, paper), and in the 70s - the latest areas, in particular science. On the basis of imported oil and the construction of nuclear power plants, a powerful energy industry has been created in the country.

Now The Republic of Korea belongs to the most developed industrial countries, is a powerful manufacturer and exporter of ships (tankers, container ships, chemical tankers), automobiles and electronics ( computer equipment and parts, electronic devices, optical devices, televisions, information systems).

After World War II, rapid urbanization of the country began. 81% of the population lives in cities. The capital of the country - Seoul (12 million inhabitants) is one of the largest cities in the world.

How did a backward and poor Korea manage to make an economic breakthrough that is unparalleled in the entire history of the world? If we try to briefly describe the strategy chosen by the Korean government, then its focus was on exports. In fact, over the past 35-40 years, Korea has become a kind of "factory country" that imports raw materials and semi-finished products from abroad, turns them into finished products and sends these products abroad. In fact, Korea, deprived of natural resources, had no other choice. However, it is clear that as a result of this strategic decision became an extreme dependence of Korea on exports. The situation on world markets, fluctuations in exchange rates, changes in customs legislation most directly affect any Korean, and export-import reports are carefully read by everyone who is somehow connected with the Korean economy.

The rapid growth of Korean foreign trade began in the mid-1960s, that is, when the country switched to an export strategy of economic development. For a quarter of a century (1964-2000), South Korea ranked first in the world in terms of growth in its exports, which increased by an average of 22.4% annually (in especially good years, exports doubled). In 2001, a relatively small Korea, both in terms of its foreign trade in general and in terms of exports, was in 13th place in the world. Its exports amounted to 150.6 billion dollars, and all foreign trade (exports and imports together) - 291.5 billion dollars. For comparison: in terms of the volume of its foreign trade, Russia last year ranked 17th in the world, its exports amounted to 103.1 billion dollars, and foreign trade as a whole - 162.1 billion dollars, that is, almost twice times less than the South Korean. This means that huge Russia was on a par with Malaysia and Sweden in terms of the scale of its foreign trade, but lagged far behind not only Taiwan, but even the city-state of Singapore.

South Korea's largest foreign trade partner for many years now has been the United States, with which trade in 2001 amounted to $53.4 billion. (18.3% of all Korean foreign trade turnover). In second place is Japan ($43.1 billion or 14.8% of trade), followed by China (10.8%), Hong Kong (3.7%) and Taiwan (3.5%). In sixth place is Saudi Arabia, trade with which is very unbalanced: Korean exports from this country amounted to 8 billion dollars, and imports - only 1.3 billion dollars. The reason for this imbalance is clear: for Korea, Saudi Arabia is one of the most important oil suppliers. 7-10 places in the top ten Korean trading partners are occupied by Germany, Indonesia, Australia and Singapore.

Trade turnover with Russia in 2001 amounted to only 2.9 billion dollars, so that our country occupies a modest 29th place among South Korean trading partners. At the same time, Russian-Korean trade is also unbalanced: in 2001, Korean imports from Russia amounted to 1929 million dollars, and exports to Russia - 938 million dollars. (here we use data from Korean statistics, since the State Statistics Committee of the Russian Federation gives noticeably lower figures in its publications). The imbalance is caused by the fact that in trade with Korea, as well as in the trade of the Russian Federation as a whole, the raw material direction prevails. The main Korean exports to Russia are petrochemicals (20% of all exports), foodstuffs, textiles, automobiles and electronics. Russia sells to Korea mineral raw materials (about 30% of all imports from Russia), metal products (mainly metal for Korean metallurgical plants) and seafood. However, these figures should be approached with caution, since they reflect only "official" trade - and even that is not in full. In Russian-Korean trade, as is known, "shuttle traders" play a significant role, especially noticeable in the Far East. The activities of these small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, as well as the semi-legal import of used Korean cars, are only partly reflected in official statistics. By the way, this also applies to Korean trade with China, the real volume of which is also larger than the officially declared one.

The main export items for Korea in recent years have been cars, steel, semiconductors, electronics and trucks sea ​​vessels. All these products are mainly produced for the foreign market. In particular, about half of all cars produced in Korea go abroad (in 2001 - 1.5 million out of 2.95 million) and almost all large ships built at Korean shipyards. In 2001, semiconductors were in first place (9.5% of all exports). They were followed by cars (8.8%), computers (7.4%), cellular communication(6.6%), and ships (6.4% of Korean exports).

Korea imports mainly raw materials and (which is not very advertised) technologies. Korea completely lacks its own energy sources, so all oil and gas in the country are imported. Korea, despite its small size, is the fifth oil importer in the world! In 2001, oil accounted for 15% of all Korean imports in value terms. Oil is followed by gas - approximately 3% of all imports. A significant part of coal is also imported, including all coking coal, without which Korean metallurgy cannot work. It is coking coal that is the third most important import item. Finally, about half of the iron ore needed by the country, as well as timber and other types of raw materials, are imported into Korea.

In terms of foreign trade, 2001 was not the best year for Korea, in contrast to the very successful 2000. Last year, prices for some Korean exports fell significantly - primarily steel and semiconductors. A significant role here was played by the events of September 11, which negatively affected the economy of the United States - Korea's main trading partner, as well as the difficulties experienced by the largest developed economies in the second half of the year. Therefore, Korean exports in 2001 increased by only 0.7% compared to 2000 - the most modest result since 1989. High oil prices have created many problems for Korea, which have been holding on for quite a long time (much to the delight of Russia). At the same time, the foreign trade balance, despite all the difficulties, remained positive, that is, exports exceeded imports: in 2001, Korea sold goods worth 8.4 billion dollars. more than I bought.

However, these problems are tactical and temporary: prices, after all, always fluctuate, and the current recession will inevitably be followed by an upsurge. Alas, the matter is not limited to tactical problems: China poses an increasing strategic threat to Korean foreign trade companies. This is due to the structure of Korean exports, in which traditionally labor-intensive industries of medium complexity - shipbuilding, the automotive industry, and metallurgy - have traditionally played a large role. In these areas, Korea's main advantage used to be an inexpensive and highly disciplined labor force, as well as a high level of education. Recently, the situation has changed radically. Korean workers now only agree to work for wages that are not too different from Spanish or Greek ones, while workers in China are still paid little. In early 2002, the average wage for assembly line workers in Korea was $7.75 an hour, but in China it was eight times lower, at just $0.92 an hour. This gap allows Chinese firms to gradually squeeze Korean competitors out of labor-intensive industries. Already, Chinese pressure is being felt in shipbuilding and metallurgy, and the appearance of good Chinese cars is not far off.

Korean firms so far see two ways out of this potentially dangerous situation. The first way out is to build up high-tech industries, primarily in the field of electronics, informatics and telecommunications. In these areas, Chinese manufacturers do not yet constitute serious competition, but Korean companies have to solve another difficult task: to enter an established market that has long been occupied by Western and Japanese firms. The second way out is the gradual transfer of technologically simple, but labor-intensive industries outside of Korea, to countries with cheap labor. It is no coincidence that more and more Korean companies are establishing their factories in Malaysia, Vietnam and, of course, in China itself.

In any case, it is clear that Korea will not be able to abandon its export orientation in the foreseeable future. Export is the main condition for the prosperity of the country, the basis of its entire economy.

During 1970-2018 imports of South Korea at current prices increased by $635.2 billion (334.4 times) to $637.1 billion; the change was $1.1 billion due to a population growth of $19.0 million, and $634.1 billion due to a $12,392.7 increase in per capita imports. The average annual increase in imports of South Korea was at the level of 13.2 billion dollars or 12.9%. The average annual increase in South Korea's imports at constant prices is 10.0%. The share in the world increased by 2.1%. The share in Asia increased by 3.6%. The minimum of imports was in 1970 ($1.9 billion). The maximum import was in 2012 (656.7 billion dollars).

During 1970-2018. per capita imports in South Korea increased by $12,392.7 (210.3 times) to $12,451.9. The average annual increase in imports per capita in current prices was at the level of 258.2 dollars or 11.8%.

The change in South Korea's imports is described by a linear correlation-regression model: y=14.1x-27 930.5 , where y is the estimated value of South Korea's imports, x is the year. Correlation coefficient = 0.905. Coefficient of determination = 0.82.

South Korean imports, 1970-2012 (growth)

For 1970-2012 imports of South Korea at current prices increased by $654.8 billion (344.7 times) to $656.7 billion; the change was $1.1 billion due to a population growth of $17.8 million, and $653.7 billion due to a $13,086.4 increase in per capita imports. The average annual increase in South Korea's imports is $15.6 billion, or 14.9%. The average annual increase in imports of South Korea in constant prices was at the level of 11.0%. The share in the world increased by 2.5%. The share in Asia increased by 4.7%.

For 1970-2012 per capita imports in South Korea increased by $13,086.4 (222.0 times) to $13,145.7. The average annual increase in imports per capita in current prices was $311.6 or 13.7%.

Imports of South Korea, 2012-2018 (drop)

During 2012-2018 imports of South Korea at current prices decreased by $19.6 billion (by 3%) to $637.1 billion; the change was $15.9 billion due to population growth of $1.2 million, and $35.5 billion due to a $693.8 drop in per capita imports. The average annual increase in imports of South Korea amounted to -3.3 billion dollars or -0.50%. The average annual increase in imports of South Korea at constant prices was at the level of 3.3%. The share in the world decreased by 0.35%. The share in Asia decreased by 1.1%.

For 2012-2018 per capita imports in South Korea increased by $693.8 (up 5.3%) to $12,451.9. The average annual increase in imports per capita in current prices was -115.6 dollars or -0.90%.

South Korean import, 1970

South Korea import in 1970 it was equal to 1.9 billion dollars, ranked 37th in the world and was at the level of imports of the Congo (2.0 billion dollars), imports of Argentina (2.0 billion dollars), imports of Greece (2.0 billion dollars), imports of Portugal (2.0 billion dollars), imports of Ireland (1.8 billion dollars). South Korea's imports were $0.88 billion more than South Korea's exports, with a trade surplus of 9.5% of South Korea's GDP. The share of South Korean imports in the world was 0.49%.

In 1970, it was $59.2, ranked 134th in the world, and was on par with imports per capita in the Central African Republic ($62.8), imports per capita in Ecuador ($61.3), imports per capita in Morocco ($60.8 ), imports per capita in Syria ($57.7), imports per capita in Bolivia ($56.0), imports per capita in Sierra Leone ($55.5). South Korea's per capita imports were less than the world's per capita imports ($104.3) by $45.1.

Comparison of imports of South Korea and neighbors in 1970. South Korea's imports were 4.7 times larger than those of North Korea ($0.4 billion), but were less than Japan's imports ($19.6 billion) by 90.3%. South Korea's per capita imports were greater than North Korea's per capita imports ($32.0) by 84.9%, but were less than Japan's per capita imports ($186.5) by 68.2%.

Comparison of South Korean imports and leaders in 1970. South Korean imports were less than US imports ($55.8 billion) by 96.6%, German imports ($35.8 billion) by 94.7%, UK imports ($27.4 billion) by 93.1%, French imports (22.9 billion dollars) by 91.7%, Japanese imports (19.6 billion dollars) by 90.3%. Per capita imports in South Korea were less than UK imports per capita ($492.7) by 88%, German per capita imports ($455.5) by 87%, France per capita imports ($440.4) by 88%. 86.6%, US per capita imports ($266.0) by 77.7%, Japan per capita imports ($186.5) by 68.2%.

South Korea's import potential in 1970. With imports per capita at the same level as UK imports per capita ($492.7), South Korea's imports would be $15.9 billion, 8.3 times the actual level. With per capita imports at the same level as those of Japan ($186.5), the best neighbor, South Korea's imports would be $6.0 billion, 3.1 times the actual level. With per capita imports at the same level as the world's per capita imports ($104.3), South Korea's imports would be $3.4 billion, 76.2% more than the actual level.

Import of South Korea, 2012

South Korea import in 2012 amounted to 656.7 billion dollars, ranked 7th in the world. South Korea's imports were less than South Korea's exports by $34.9 billion, and the trade deficit was equal to 2.7% of South Korea's GDP. The share of South Korean imports in the world was 3.0%.

Import per capita in South Korea in 2012 was $13,145.7, ranked 42nd in the world, and was on par with imports per capita in Kuwait ($13,470.2), imports per capita in the Bahamas ($13,291.0), imports per capita in the Turks and Caicos ($13,141.5), UK imports per capita ($13,112.7), Anguilla imports per capita ($13,082.6), Seychelles imports per capita ($12,726.9), France per capita imports ($12 $440.9). South Korea's per capita imports were more than the world's per capita imports ($3,112.9) by $10,032.7.

Comparison of imports of South Korea and neighbors in 2012. South Korea's imports were 370.4 times larger than those of North Korea ($1.8 billion), but were less than Japan's imports ($998.2 billion) by 34.2%. South Korea's per capita import was more than Japan's per capita import ($7,772.5) by 69.1%, North Korea's per capita import ($71.7) by 183.4 times.

Comparison of South Korean imports and leaders in 2012. South Korean imports were less than US imports ($2,759.9 billion) by 76.2%, Chinese imports ($1,943.2 billion) by 66.2%, German imports ($1,418.2 billion) by 53.7%, imports of Japan (998.2 billion dollars) by 34.2%, UK imports (842.5 billion dollars) by 22.1%. South Korea's per capita imports were 0.25% higher than the UK's ($13,112.7) per capita imports, the US's ($8,807.9) per capita imports by 49.2%, and Japan's per capita imports ($7,772.5) dollars) by 69.1%, import per capita in China ($1,413.0) by 9.3 times, but was less than import per capita in Germany ($17,494.8) by 24.9%.

Import potential of South Korea in 2012. With per capita imports at the same level as Germany's per capita imports of $17,494.8, South Korea's imports would be $873.9 billion, 33.1% more than the actual level.

Imports of South Korea, 2018

South Korea import in 2018 it was equal to 637.1 billion dollars, ranked 10th in the world and was at the level of imports of the Netherlands (670.3 billion dollars), imports of India (657.0 billion dollars), imports of Italy (603.7 billion dollars). South Korea's imports were $79.2 billion less than South Korea's exports, and the trade deficit was 4.6% of South Korea's GDP. The share of South Korean imports in the world was 2.6%.

Import per capita in South Korea in 2018 was $12,451.9, ranked 51st in the world and was on par with imports per capita in France ($13,219.8), imports per capita in Hungary ($13,128.1), imports per capita in Brunei (13 $116.1), Bahamas import per capita ($12,842.0), Anguilla import per capita ($12,773.3), Israel per capita import ($12,722.3), Cook Islands per capita import ($12,621.0) dollars), imports per capita in Australia (12 596.8 dollars), imports per capita in New Zealand (12 240.1 dollars), imports per capita in Nauru (11 791.8 dollars). South Korea's per capita import was more than the world's per capita import ($3,201.3) by $9,250.6.

Comparison of imports of South Korea and neighbors in 2018. South Korea's imports were 327.0 times larger than those of North Korea ($1.9 billion), but were less than those of Japan ($904.4 billion) by 29.6%. South Korea's per capita import was more than Japan's per capita import ($7,111.0) by 75.1%, North Korea's per capita import ($76.4) by 162.9 times.

Comparison of South Korea imports and leaders in 2018. South Korean imports were less than US imports ($3,148.5 billion) by 79.8%, Chinese imports ($2,543.8 billion) by 75%, German imports ($1,629.4 billion) by 60.9%, imports of Great Britain (907.1 billion dollars) by 29.8%, imports of Japan (904.4 billion dollars) by 29.6%. South Korea's per capita imports were 29.2% larger than US per capita imports ($9,635.1), Japan's per capita imports ($7,111.0) by 75.1%, and China's per capita imports ($1,797.7) dollars) by 6.9 times, but was less than imports per capita in Germany (19 799.4 dollars) by 37.1%, imports per capita in the UK (13 625.7 dollars) by 8.6%.

Import potential of South Korea in 2018. With per capita imports at the same level as Germany's per capita imports of $19,799.4, South Korea's imports would be $1,013.0 billion, 59% more than the actual level.