Korea, Rep.
Last updated December 1, 2025
Composite GEFRI Score
Advanced readiness
Korea, Rep. reaches an advanced readiness tier (99th percentile worldwide). Most dimensions perform above global norms, and the system has clear capacity to scale future-oriented initiatives. Higher scores indicate a system that is better prepared to anticipate and shape the future of learning.
- Global percentile
- 99th
- Global rank
- #2
- Regional rank
- #1
- Viewing data for
Country profile
Korea, Rep. ranks among the world’s most future-ready systems. Every GEFRI dimension performs well above global norms, with notable strengths in School Access and Gender Parity (94, 95th percentile), Innovation (90, 100th percentile), Infrastructure (74, 90th percentile), and Human Capital (65, 93rd percentile). This profile reflects sustained investment in innovation, equitable access, and system-wide capability.
Uneven scores across dimensions highlight areas that need targeted coordination. High internet adoption enables broad participation in digital learning and innovation. Strong tertiary enrollment expands future talent pipelines and strengthens national innovation potential.
Strong R&D funding and a sizable research workforce keep the innovation pipeline active, moving new solutions into education. Policy and regulatory teams coordinate effectively, keeping reforms aligned and providing the stability needed for long-term educational planning. Gender parity across secondary pathways reflects sustained commitment to equitable participation.
Regionally, Korea, Rep. leads most clearly in Innovation, sitting well above the peer average.
Note: Most indicators rely on observed data, offering a dependable evidence base for decisions.
Key insights
- Ranks in the 99th percentile worldwide, placing the system among high performers.
- Places 2nd worldwide.
- Holds a regional position of 1st within East Asia & Pacific.
- Scores range from Access & Parity (94.5) to Human Capital (64.6), reflecting variation across dimensions.
- Leads regional peers most clearly in Innovation.
Regional peers: East Asia & Pacific
Composite GEFRI score
| Global rank | Regional rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Korea, Rep. | 79.60 |
| 3 | 2 | Singapore | 78.63 |
| 5 | 3 | Hong Kong SAR, China | 77.86 |
| 11 | 4 | Japan | 76.54 |
| 14 | 5 | Australia | 76.14 |
| 19 | 6 | New Zealand | 73.28 |
| — | — | Northern Mariana IslandsMicrostate | 61.56 |
| 48 | 7 | Brunei Darussalam | 61.48 |
| 49 | 8 | Thailand | 61.30 |
| — | — | New CaledoniaMicrostate | 61.09 |
| 52 | 9 | Indonesia | 60.44 |
| — | — | NauruMicrostate | 59.95 |
| — | — | GuamMicrostate | 59.92 |
| — | — | PalauMicrostate | 59.64 |
| — | — | American SamoaMicrostate | 59.42 |
| — | — | French PolynesiaMicrostate | 59.20 |
| 59 | 10 | Macao SAR, China | 58.71 |
| 63 | 11 | Viet Nam | 57.39 |
| 69 | 12 | Fiji | 56.40 |
| 70 | 13 | Mongolia | 56.30 |
| 71 | 14 | Malaysia | 56.21 |
| 73 | 15 | China | 55.14 |
| 82 | 16 | Philippines | 52.74 |
| — | — | TuvaluFCSMicrostate | 51.67 |
| — | — | SamoaMicrostate | 50.98 |
| — | — | TongaMicrostate | 49.06 |
| — | — | KiribatiFCSMicrostate | 46.78 |
| — | — | Marshall IslandsFCSMicrostate | 46.17 |
| 107 | 17 | Timor-LesteFCS | 44.20 |
| — | — | Micronesia, Fed. Sts.FCSMicrostate | 42.51 |
| 112 | 18 | Vanuatu | 41.00 |
| 122 | 19 | Korea, Dem. People's Rep. | 36.64 |
| 126 | 20 | Cambodia | 35.43 |
| 129 | 21 | MyanmarFCS | 33.80 |
| 134 | 22 | Solomon IslandsFCS | 32.22 |
| 138 | 23 | Lao PDR | 31.38 |
| 145 | 24 | Papua New GuineaFCS | 28.17 |