Eastern Asia
South Korea
South Korea emitted about 584 million tonnes of CO₂ from fossil fuels and industry in 2024, 1.5% of the world total, making it the 9th largest emitter. About 11.3 tonnes per person per year, 2.4 times the world average of 4.7 tonnes.
- CO₂ in 2024
- 584Mt
- Per person
- 11.3t
- Change since 2005
- +17%
- Total since 1850
- 20.7bn t
- Renewable electricity
- 10%
1.5% of the world · 9th largest
World average 4.7 t
+133% since 1990
1.1% of all CO₂ ever emitted
World 34% (2025)
Annual CO₂ emissions
million tonnes, fossil fuels and industryShow the data as a table
| Year | CO₂ (Mt) |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 583.68 |
| 2023 | 589.18 |
| 2022 | 606.88 |
| 2021 | 616.08 |
| 2020 | 597.63 |
| 2019 | 646.10 |
| 2018 | 670.17 |
| 2017 | 654.54 |
| 2016 | 637.91 |
| 2015 | 634.18 |
| 2014 | 629.37 |
| 2013 | 634.58 |
| 2012 | 627.94 |
| 2011 | 623.44 |
| 2010 | 594.34 |
| 2009 | 537.82 |
| 2008 | 532.65 |
| 2007 | 521.71 |
| 2006 | 503.48 |
| 2005 | 498.69 |
| 2004 | 491.39 |
| 2003 | 485.21 |
| 2002 | 476.07 |
| 2001 | 455.63 |
| 2000 | 439.98 |
| 1999 | 410.52 |
| 1998 | 378.04 |
| 1997 | 444.97 |
| 1996 | 421.00 |
| 1995 | 383.67 |
| 1994 | 355.70 |
| 1993 | 330.17 |
| 1992 | 299.91 |
| 1991 | 275.69 |
| 1990 | 250.51 |
Per person vs the world
tonnes of CO₂- World average
- South Korea
Renewable share of electricity
%- World
- South Korea
Where South Korea's electricity came from, 2025
- Coal 31.1%
- Gas 27.9%
- Oil 1.0%
- Nuclear 29.6%
- Hydro 0.6%
- Wind 0.6%
- Solar 6.1%
- Bioenergy & other 3.2%
Source: Global Carbon Budget and Ember via Our World in Data ·
On the map
South Korea in the world
Also in Eastern Asia
About South Korea's emissions
How much CO₂ does South Korea emit?
South Korea emitted about 584 million tonnes of CO₂ from fossil fuels and industry in 2024, 1.5% of the world total, making it the 9th largest emitter.
What are South Korea's CO₂ emissions per person?
About 11.3 tonnes per person per year, 2.4 times the world average of 4.7 tonnes.
Are South Korea's emissions going down?
No. CO₂ emissions in 2024 were +17% compared with 2005 and +133% compared with 1990.
How much of South Korea's electricity is renewable?
10.4% in 2025, from hydro, wind, solar and bioenergy, against a world average of 33.8%.