South Korea Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1953–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$53.3 billion
Ranked #11 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
2.9%
Ranked #39 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.8%
From $50.9B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$53.3 billion
Reached in 2026
South Korea Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, South Korea is estimated to have spent $53.3 billion on military and defense, representing 2.9% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. South Korea is the #11 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.8%, from $50.9 billion to $53.3 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 8.3% in 1956. The historical average military budget is 4.0% of GDP.
Data source: SIPRI Military Expenditure Database. Values are in constant 2023 US dollars. Data for 2026 is an estimate based on government budget announcements.
Historical Military Spending
Military Spending (% of GDP)
Military Spending (USD Billions, 2023 prices)
Historical Data
| Year | Percent of GDP | USD (millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026(estimate) | 2.90% | $53,321M |
| 2025(estimate) | 2.80% | $50,897M |
| 2024 | 2.56% | $48,473M |
| 2023 | 2.60% | $47,802M |
| 2022 | 2.58% | $47,505M |
| 2021 | 2.62% | $48,523M |
| 2020 | 2.64% | $46,498M |
| 2019 | 2.52% | $44,173M |
| 2018 | 2.36% | $40,880M |
| 2017 | 2.30% | $38,907M |
| 2016 | 2.34% | $38,204M |
| 2015 | 2.38% | $37,270M |
| 2014 | 2.41% | $35,877M |
| 2013 | 2.39% | $34,519M |
| 2012 | 2.39% | $33,504M |
| 2011 | 2.37% | $32,672M |
| 2010 | 2.36% | $32,230M |
| 2009 | 2.50% | $31,965M |
| 2008 | 2.39% | $30,074M |
| 2007 | 2.27% | $28,227M |