Life Expectancy at Birth: Korea, Dem. People's Rep. of
Korea, Dem. People's Rep. of's life expectancy at birth is currently 73.743 years as of 2024. # Korea, Dem.
Current (2024)
73.743 years
+0.1% y/y
Peak (2024)
73.743 years
Low (1960)
55.814 years
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1960–2024 · 65 pts
Life Expectancy at Birth — Korea, Dem. People's Rep. of
1960 — 2024
Life Expectancy at Birth — Korea, Dem. People's Rep. of
Analysis# Korea, Dem. People's Rep. of Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea reached 73.743 years in 2024, marking an all-time high. Since 1960, when citizens lived an average of 55.814 years, the nation has achieved a 32.1% increase in life expectancy—a substantial gain reflecting decades of health infrastructure development. The 2024 figure matches the peak recorded that same year, indicating stabilization at this level after gradual annual improvements.
The recent trajectory shows consistent growth from 2015 through 2024, with only minor fluctuations. A notable dip occurred in 2020 (72.783 years), likely reflecting pandemic-related pressures, but recovery resumed promptly in 2021. The steady upward momentum from 2021 onward—climbing from 73.437 to 73.743 years—suggests sustained health gains despite external challenges. Current trends indicate life expectancy has plateaued near its historical maximum.
Historical Data
65 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 73.743 years | +0.14% |
| 2023 | 73.642 years | +0.00% |
| 2022 | 73.641 years | +0.28% |
| 2021 | 73.437 years | +0.90% |
| 2020 | 72.783 years | -0.20% |
| 2019 | 72.928 years | -0.13% |
| 2018 | 73.02 years | -0.02% |
| 2017 | 73.034 years | +0.09% |
| 2016 | 72.971 years | +0.20% |
| 2015 | 72.825 years | +0.52% |
| 2014 | 72.451 years | +0.81% |
| 2013 | 71.867 years | +0.77% |
| 2012 | 71.317 years | +0.77% |
| 2011 | 70.772 years | +0.75% |
| 2010 | 70.246 years | +0.78% |
| 2009 | 69.702 years | +0.58% |
| 2008 | 69.303 years | +0.41% |
| 2007 | 69.021 years | -0.06% |
| 2006 | 69.061 years | -0.15% |
| 2005 | 69.168 years | -0.18% |
Show all 65 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 69.294 years | -0.15% |
| 2003 | 69.399 years | +14.00% |
| 2002 | 60.877 years | -0.03% |
| 2001 | 60.893 years | -0.03% |
| 2000 | 60.911 years | +0.00% |
| 1999 | 60.91 years | +0.04% |
| 1998 | 60.887 years | +0.03% |
| 1997 | 60.869 years | +0.08% |
| 1996 | 60.82 years | +0.09% |
| 1995 | 60.766 years | -13.77% |
| 1994 | 70.472 years | -0.45% |
| 1993 | 70.794 years | -0.30% |
| 1992 | 71.009 years | +0.41% |
| 1991 | 70.717 years | +0.33% |
| 1990 | 70.484 years | +0.31% |
| 1989 | 70.269 years | +0.31% |
| 1988 | 70.052 years | +0.41% |
| 1987 | 69.767 years | +0.32% |
| 1986 | 69.541 years | +0.45% |
| 1985 | 69.231 years | +0.51% |
| 1984 | 68.881 years | +0.55% |
| 1983 | 68.503 years | +0.61% |
| 1982 | 68.09 years | +0.64% |
| 1981 | 67.657 years | +0.67% |
| 1980 | 67.208 years | +0.69% |
| 1979 | 66.748 years | +0.69% |
| 1978 | 66.292 years | +0.73% |
| 1977 | 65.811 years | +0.74% |
| 1976 | 65.325 years | +0.76% |
| 1975 | 64.831 years | +0.77% |
| 1974 | 64.335 years | +0.81% |
| 1973 | 63.816 years | +0.89% |
| 1972 | 63.254 years | +0.94% |
| 1971 | 62.663 years | +0.99% |
| 1970 | 62.049 years | +1.04% |
| 1969 | 61.411 years | +1.08% |
| 1968 | 60.757 years | +1.12% |
| 1967 | 60.087 years | +1.12% |
| 1966 | 59.423 years | +1.09% |
| 1965 | 58.785 years | +1.06% |
| 1964 | 58.17 years | +1.03% |
| 1963 | 57.578 years | +1.02% |
| 1962 | 56.998 years | +1.05% |
| 1961 | 56.408 years | +1.06% |
| 1960 | 55.814 years | — |
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