South Korea Key Figures
- Population:
- 51.6 million
- GDP growth rate:
- 2.56 %/year
- Energy independence:
- 19.8%
Data of the last year available: 2022
- Total consumption/GDP:*
- 82.4 (2005=100)
- CO2 Emissions:
- 11.6 tCO2/capita
- Rate of T&D power losses:
- 3.41%
* at purchasing power parity
View all macro and energy indicators in the South Korea energy report
South Korea Related News
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South Korea Related Research
Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data
A data overview is available in the global energy statistics app
Total Energy Consumption
Total energy consumption remained stable in 2022 (294 Mtoe), after a large increase (+5.8%) in 2021 and a slight decrease (-1.4%) in 2020. Previously, it progressed by 1.3%/year over 2010-2019.
Oil covered 37% of the energy needs, coal 25%, gas 18%, primary electricity 17% (of which nuclear 16%, hydro, wind, and solar 1%), and biomass 3%. Since 2017, the share of coal has decreased by 5 points, while that of gas has increased by 2 points. CO2-free fuels only represent 19% of this consumption (+2.5 points since 2010).
Graph: CONSUMPTION TRENDS BY ENERGY SOURCE (Mtoe)
Interactive Chart South Korea Total Energy Consumption
Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data
View the detailed fondamentals of the market at country level (graphs, tables, analysis) in the South Korea energy report
Crude Oil Production
Korea depends on imports to meet its entire oil demand. Net crude oil imports have returned to 2019 levels at 141 Mt in 2022, after two years at 10% lower levels.
Thanks to the increase in its refining capacities, Korea has been a net exporter of oil products since 1997. Net oil product exports reached 22 Mt in 2022, after falling by 37% in 2021 to 13 Mt, a level similar to that of 2010. In 2022, following a decision by IEA member countries, the country released 7.2 mbl of strategic crude oil reserves to cope with high oil prices.
Interactive Chart South Korea Crude Oil Production
Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data
Additionally, for more detailed information on refineries, you can request a sample of our Asia Refineries Dataset
Oil Products Consumption
Oil consumption decreased by 1.9% in 2022 to 106 Mt, after a 6.5% increase in 2021 and a reduction of around 3%/year over 2018-2020.
Non-energy uses represent almost half of the oil demand (48% in 2022) and are followed by transport, which accounts for around 30% of this consumption.
Graph: OIL CONSUMPTION (Mt)
Graph: OIL CONSUMPTION BREAKDOWN BY SECTOR (2022, %)
Interactive Chart South Korea Refined Oil Products Production
Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data
Additionally, for more detailed information on refineries, you can request a sample of our Asia Refineries Dataset
Natural Gas Consumption
Gas demand was stable in 2022 (60 bcm). It increased rapidly over 2015-2021 (5.5%/year). It contracted in 2014 and 2015 due to some nuclear restarts.
In 2022, 57% of the natural gas was used in power plants, 26% in buildings, and 14% in the industrial sector. Since 2015, buildings and industry have lost 4% and 5% points, respectively, mainly in favour of power plants (+9% points).
Graph: NATURAL GAS CONSUMPTION (bcm)
Interactive Chart South Korea Natural Gas Domestic Consumption
Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data
Additionally, for more detailed information on the LNG trade, you can request a sample of our Asia LNG Trade Dataset
Coal Consumption
Coal consumption fell to 110 Mt (-5.2%) in 2022, in line with the trend observed since 2018-2021. The consumption had increased by around 2%/year over 2010-2018.
Power plants accounted for 70% of coal consumption in 2022 and industry for 22%.
Graph: COAL CONSUMPTION (Mt)
Graph: COAL CONSUMPTION BREAKDOWN BY SECTOR (2022, %)
Interactive Chart South Korea Coal and Lignite Domestic Consumption
Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data
View the detailed consumption trends at country level (graphs, tables, analysis) in the South Korea energy report
Power Consumption
Electricity consumption increased by 2.7% in 2022 to 568 TWh. It had rebounded in 2021 by 4.7% after a decrease in 2019 and 2020 (-1.6%/year) and steady growth between 2010 and 2018 (2.2%/year).
Industry absorbs half of the electricity consumption, services 30%, and households 13%. The distribution has been similar since 2010.
Graph: ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION (TWh)
Graph: ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION BREAKDOWN BY SECTOR (2022, %)
Renewable in % Electricity Production
KEA supports and promotes renewable energies.
In early 2023, MOTIE unveiled the 10th Basic Plan for Long-Term Electricity Demand and Supply 2023-2036, in which it revised downwards its renewables target to 22% and 31% of the power mix in 2030 and 2036, respectively (against 40% in 2034 in the previous Basic Plan). MOTIE plans to add 40 GW of renewables by 2030, generating 134 TWh in 2030 (204 TWh in 2036).
Interactive Chart South Korea Share of Renewables in Electricity Production (incl hydro)
Benefit from up to 2 000 up-to-date data series for 186 countries in Global Energy & CO2 data
Learn more about renewables in the Mini grid Africa & Asia markets for village electrification
CO2 Fuel Combustion/CO2 Emissions
In its updated NDC (2021), the country almost doubled its reduction target for total GHG emissions in 2030 to 40%, compared to 2018 level, from 24.4% previously. In 2020, the country also committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
CO2 emissions from fuel combustion decreased by 2.9% in 2022 to 597 MtCO2. Since a peak in 2018, they have decreased by 11% (i.e. around a quarter of the new target).
Graph: CO2-ENERGY EMISSIONS (MtCO2)
