South Korea’s provisional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions declined by 0.9% in 2025 to 685.7 MtCO2eq, representing a 6.1 MtCO2eq reduction from 2024 (South Korean Government press release, 21/09/2026).
- Power-sector emissions were stable (+0.2% to 220.4 MtCO2eq), mainly reflecting a 2.2% decrease in nuclear generation amid longer maintenance shutdowns. Meanwhile, coal-fired generation increased by 2.2% and renewable generation rose by 8.5%.
- Industrial emissions fell by 2.1% (-5.3 MtCO2eq) to 242.9 MtCO2eq, mainly due to lower steel, petrochemical and cement production.
- Transport emissions declined by 2.9% to 94.6 MtCO2eq, supported by increased electric, hydrogen and hybrid vehicle uptake and a 6.1% reduction in diesel consumption.
- Agricultural and waste-sector emissions also decreased by 3% and 2%, respectively.
- Building emissions increased by 3.3% (+1.4 MtCO2eq) to 45 MtCO2eq, due to higher heating demand, while refrigerant-related emissions rose by 3.9%
The South Korean government aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2035 compared with 2018 levels (Enerdata’s Global Energy Research). Based on emissions of 742.3 MtCO2eq in 2018, South Korea needs to lower emissions to 371.2 MtCO2eq or less by 2035 to achieve the target.
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