- Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and industrial energy-related processes within a given year.
South Korea Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 571.2 Million Tonnes in 2023, down 3.7% on 2022. The Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy dataset of South Korea from 2015 to 2023 provides a clear and consistent view of the country's energy-related emissions landscape, highlighting carbon emission trends, fossil fuel consumption patterns, and long-term environmental performance.
South Korea Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 622.8 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 571.2 Million Tonnes in 2023 (−8.3%), an average of −1.1% a year. The series high was 659.1 Million Tonnes in 2018 and the low 571.2 Million Tonnes in 2023.
The gap between the series high (2018) and low (2023) is 87.90 Million Tonnes. The sharpest single-year move was −7.4% in 2020.
Among the 38 countries in this dataset, South Korea ranks 9 for 2023, behind China (11,218 Million Tonnes) and U.S. (4,640 Million Tonnes). It accounts for 1.6% of the global total in 2023.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Million Tonnes.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Million Tonnes | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Trough | 571.2 | −3.7% |
| 2022 | 592.9 | −1.7% |
| 2021 | 603.2 | +2.6% |
| 2020 | 588.1 | −7.4% |
| 2019 | 635.3 | −3.6% |
| 2018Peak | 659.1 | +2.7% |
| 2017 | 641.8 | +1.4% |
| 2016 | 633.2 | +1.7% |
| 2015 | 622.8 | — |
Regional context
Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy by country, 2023, Million Tonnes. South Korea is highlighted.
Data definition
Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy — - Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and industrial energy-related processes within a given year. It is typically measured in million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂) and reflects emissions generated from the consumption of coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuels for electricity generation, heat production, transportation, industrial activities, and other energy uses. This indicator is widely used to assess a country's contribution to energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, evaluate carbon intensity, and monitor progress toward climate and energy transition goals.
The data includes CO₂ emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas across all major sectors, including electricity and heat generation, manufacturing, construction, transportation, residential, commercial, and other energy-consuming activities. It also includes emissions associated with industrial processes directly related to energy use, following internationally standardized carbon accounting methodologies. The indicator aggregates emissions from all energy-related sources at the national level, enabling consistent comparison of emission trends across countries and over time. Emissions are calculated using standardized fuel consumption data and internationally recognized emission factors to ensure comparability.
The data excludes greenhouse gas emissions other than carbon dioxide, such as methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases. It does not include CO₂ emissions from non-energy industrial processes, agriculture, forestry, land-use change, waste management, or other non-energy sectors unless specifically related to fuel combustion. The indicator excludes carbon removals through carbon capture, utilization, storage (CCUS), or natural carbon sinks such as forests. It also does not measure per capita emissions, carbon intensity, or emissions embodied in international trade. Minor differences may occur due to variations in national energy reporting practices, fuel classifications, and statistical estimation methodologies.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy — - Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and industrial energy-related processes within a given year. It is typically measured in million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂) and reflects emissions generated from the consumption of coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuels for electricity generation, heat production, transportation, industrial activities, and other energy uses. This indicator is widely used to assess a country's contribution to energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, evaluate carbon intensity, and monitor progress toward climate and energy transition goals.
Measured in million tonnes, the dataset reflects the volume of carbon dioxide released from energy production and consumption activities and serves as an important indicator of economic activity, energy demand, and progress toward emission reduction objectives.
South Korea recorded 622.8 million tonnes of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2015, increasing to 633.2 million tonnes in 2016, 641.8 million tonnes in 2017, and reaching 659.1 million tonnes in 2018, the highest level during the observed period. Emissions declined to 635.3 million tonnes in 2019 before falling significantly to 588.1 million tonnes in 2020 due to reduced industrial activity and lower energy demand. As economic activity recovered, emissions increased modestly to 603.2 million tonnes in 2021 before declining to 592.9 million tonnes in 2022 and further to 571.2 million tonnes in 2023, the lowest level recorded during the study period.
Overall, the dataset demonstrates a gradual long-term decline in energy-related carbon emissions despite moderate fluctuations during the first half of the observed period. Although emissions rose steadily until 2018 and rebounded slightly after the pandemic, the overall trajectory indicates improvements in energy efficiency, increasing deployment of cleaner energy technologies, and continued efforts to reduce carbon intensity across major economic sectors.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating South Korea's long-term emission performance, monitoring decarbonization progress, supporting climate policy assessments, and benchmarking national trends against other advanced Asian economies. It also provides a reliable foundation for forecasting future energy-sector emissions, assessing sustainability initiatives, and understanding the relationship between economic growth, energy consumption, and environmental performance.
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Definition- Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy refers to the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels and industrial energy-related processes within a given year. It is typically measured in million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂) and reflects emissions generated from the consumption of coal, oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuels for electricity generation, heat production, transportation, industrial activities, and other energy uses. This indicator is widely used to assess a country's contribution to energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, evaluate carbon intensity, and monitor progress toward climate and energy transition goals.
South Korea Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy was 571.2 Million Tonnes in 2023, down 3.7% on 2022.
South Korea Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Energy moved from 622.8 Million Tonnes in 2015 to 571.2 Million Tonnes in 2023 (−8.3%), an average of −1.1% a year. The series high was 659.1 Million Tonnes in 2018 and the low 571.2 Million Tonnes in 2023.
The highest value was 659.1 Million Tonnes in 2018 and the lowest was 571.2 Million Tonnes in 2023.
Included: The data includes CO₂ emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas across all major sectors, including electricity and heat generation, manufacturing, construction, transportation, residential, commercial, and other energy-consuming activities. It also includes emissions associated with industrial processes directly related to energy use, following internationally standardized carbon accounting methodologies. The indicator aggregates emissions from all energy-related sources at the national level, enabling consistent comparison of emission trends across countries and over time. Emissions are calculated using standardized fuel consumption data and internationally recognized emission factors to ensure comparability. Excluded: The data excludes greenhouse gas emissions other than carbon dioxide, such as methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases. It does not include CO₂ emissions from non-energy industrial processes, agriculture, forestry, land-use change, waste management, or other non-energy sectors unless specifically related to fuel combustion. The indicator excludes carbon removals through carbon capture, utilization, storage (CCUS), or natural carbon sinks such as forests. It also does not measure per capita emissions, carbon intensity, or emissions embodied in international trade. Minor differences may occur due to variations in national energy reporting practices, fuel classifications, and statistical estimation methodologies.
The series is sourced from energyinst.org (https://www.energyinst.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1542714/684_EI_Stat_Review_V16_DIGITAL.pdf). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Million Tonnes.
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