- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year.
South Korea Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports was 60.60 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, down 5% on 2022. The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports dataset of South Korea from 2015 to 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s LNG import patterns, highlighting import trends, supply developments, and changes across the natural gas trade sector. Measured in billion cubic metres (bcm), the dataset represents the total annual volume of LNG imported into South Korea.
South Korea Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports moved from 45.80 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 60.60 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (+32.3%), an average of +3.6% a year. The series high was 64.10 Billion Cubic Metres in 2021 and the low 45.80 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015.
The gap between the series high (2021) and low (2015) is 18.30 Billion Cubic Metres. The sharpest single-year move was +17.1% in 2018.
Among the 22 countries in this dataset, South Korea ranks 3 for 2023, behind China (97.80 Billion Cubic Metres) and Japan (90.30 Billion Cubic Metres). It accounts for 11% of the global total in 2023.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Billion Cubic Metres.
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| Year | Billion Cubic Metres | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 60.60 | −5% |
| 2022 | 63.80 | −0.5% |
| 2021Peak | 64.10 | +15.7% |
| 2020 | 55.40 | −0.4% |
| 2019 | 55.60 | −7.6% |
| 2018 | 60.20 | +17.1% |
| 2017 | 51.40 | +11% |
| 2016 | 46.30 | +1.1% |
| 2015 Trough | 45.80 | — |
Regional context
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports by country, 2023, Billion Cubic Metres. South Korea is highlighted.
Data definition
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports — - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state to facilitate efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the amount of imported LNG entering a country's energy supply. LNG Imports are a key indicator of natural gas trade, energy security, import dependency, and the diversification of natural gas supply sources.
The data includes all internationally traded LNG cargoes imported through LNG receiving terminals and regasification facilities for domestic consumption, storage, or onward distribution. It covers LNG imported under long-term contracts, spot market purchases, and short-term agreements from exporting countries. The indicator includes LNG received for use across electricity generation, industrial processes, residential and commercial applications, and other natural gas-consuming sectors after regasification. Imports are recorded regardless of the country of origin and are compiled using standardized international trade statistics, customs data, port records, and national energy reporting methodologies, enabling consistent comparison of LNG import volumes across countries and over time.
The data excludes domestically produced natural gas, pipeline natural gas imports and exports, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), compressed natural gas (CNG), and other gaseous fuels that are not imported as LNG. It also excludes LNG exports, LNG bunkering for marine fuel where reported separately, transit shipments that do not enter domestic supply, and inventory changes unless specifically incorporated into national energy balances. The indicator does not measure LNG consumption, regasification capacity, storage capacity, terminal utilization rates, or the economic value of LNG imports. Minor variations may occur due to differences in national reporting practices, customs classifications, conversion factors, and statistical estimation methodologies across countries.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports — - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state to facilitate efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the amount of imported LNG entering a country's energy supply. LNG Imports are a key indicator of natural gas trade, energy security, import dependency, and the diversification of natural gas supply sources.
It serves as an important indicator of electricity generation demand, industrial activity, energy security, and the role of LNG within the country’s energy system.
South Korea imported 45.8 bcm of LNG in 2015, increasing slightly to 46.3 bcm in 2016 and 51.4 bcm in 2017. Imports continued rising to 60.2 bcm in 2018 before declining to 55.6 bcm in 2019 and 55.4 bcm in 2020. LNG imports reached a review-period high of 64.1 bcm in 2021, remained relatively stable at 63.8 bcm in 2022, and declined to 60.6 bcm in 2023. The overall trend reflected consistently strong demand for imported natural gas.
Overall, the dataset indicates a long-term upward trend in South Korea’s LNG imports despite moderate annual fluctuations. Import growth was supported by strong electricity demand, industrial consumption, supply diversification strategies, and continued reliance on LNG as a key energy source. Variations in annual import volumes reflected changing weather conditions, fuel prices, and international LNG market developments.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating South Korea’s LNG import outlook, analyzing import dynamics, and assessing future supply requirements. It supports market research, infrastructure planning, investment evaluation, and policy development while providing insights for researchers, industry stakeholders, analysts, and policymakers monitoring energy security, LNG trade trends, import patterns, and the evolving role of LNG within South Korea’s energy market.
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Definition- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state to facilitate efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the amount of imported LNG entering a country's energy supply. LNG Imports are a key indicator of natural gas trade, energy security, import dependency, and the diversification of natural gas supply sources.
South Korea Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports was 60.60 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, down 5% on 2022.
South Korea Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports moved from 45.80 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 60.60 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (+32.3%), an average of +3.6% a year. The series high was 64.10 Billion Cubic Metres in 2021 and the low 45.80 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015.
The highest value was 64.10 Billion Cubic Metres in 2021 and the lowest was 45.80 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015.
Included: The data includes all internationally traded LNG cargoes imported through LNG receiving terminals and regasification facilities for domestic consumption, storage, or onward distribution. It covers LNG imported under long-term contracts, spot market purchases, and short-term agreements from exporting countries. The indicator includes LNG received for use across electricity generation, industrial processes, residential and commercial applications, and other natural gas-consuming sectors after regasification. Imports are recorded regardless of the country of origin and are compiled using standardized international trade statistics, customs data, port records, and national energy reporting methodologies, enabling consistent comparison of LNG import volumes across countries and over time. Excluded: The data excludes domestically produced natural gas, pipeline natural gas imports and exports, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), compressed natural gas (CNG), and other gaseous fuels that are not imported as LNG. It also excludes LNG exports, LNG bunkering for marine fuel where reported separately, transit shipments that do not enter domestic supply, and inventory changes unless specifically incorporated into national energy balances. The indicator does not measure LNG consumption, regasification capacity, storage capacity, terminal utilization rates, or the economic value of LNG imports. Minor variations may occur due to differences in national reporting practices, customs classifications, conversion factors, and statistical estimation methodologies across countries.
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 Billion Cubic Metres.
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