Higher over the period
South Korea Primary Energy Consumption moved from 11.91 Exajoules in 2015 to 12.43 Exajoules in 2023 (+4.4%), an average of +0.5% a year. The series high was 12.75 Exajoules in 2022 and the low 11.91 Exajoules in 2015.
What South Korea Primary Energy Consumption shows
South Korea Primary Energy Consumption was 12.43 Exajoules in 2023, down 2.5% on 2022. The Primary Energy Consumption dataset of South Korea from 2015 to 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s energy consumption landscape, highlighting total energy demand, consumption patterns, and long-term changes in the overall energy system.
A 6.6% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2022) and low (2015) is 0.840 Exajoules. The sharpest single-year move was +4.7% in 2021.
Ranks 7 of 37 countries covered
Among the 37 countries in this dataset, South Korea ranks 7 for 2023, behind China (170.7 Exajoules) and U.S. (94.28 Exajoules). It accounts for 2% of the global total in 2023.
Full series
South Korea Primary Energy Consumption by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Exajoules.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Exajoules | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 12.43 | −2.5% |
| 2022Peak | 12.75 | +1% |
| 2021 | 12.62 | +4.7% |
| 2020 | 12.05 | −3.4% |
| 2019 | 12.47 | −1.1% |
| 2018 | 12.61 | +1.7% |
| 2017 | 12.40 | +1.1% |
| 2016 | 12.27 | +3% |
| 2015 Trough | 11.91 | — |
Regional context
How South Korea compares in Asia-Pacific
Primary Energy Consumption by country, 2023, Exajoules. South Korea is highlighted.
1China170.7
2Japan17.40
3South Korea12.43
4Indonesia10.10
5Australia6.02
6Thailand5.01
7Vietnam4.89
8Malaysia4.81
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Primary Energy Consumption — - Primary Energy Consumption refers to the total amount of energy consumed by a country before conversion into secondary energy forms such as electricity, heat, or refined fuels. It represents the consumption of energy from primary sources including fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources within a given year. The metric is generally measured in Exajoules (EJ) and provides an overview of a country’s overall energy demand, economic activity, industrial development, and energy system structure. Primary Energy Consumption is an important indicator for evaluating energy usage patterns, resource dependence, energy security, and long-term energy transition trends across countries.
The data includes consumption of primary energy from major energy sources such as coal, crude oil, natural gas, nuclear energy, hydroelectricity, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and other renewable energy sources. It covers energy used across different sectors, including industrial, residential, commercial, transportation, and power generation activities. The dataset accounts for energy input before transformation into secondary energy products, allowing measurement of total energy demand at the national level. It includes domestically consumed energy and follows standardized calculation methodologies based on energy statistics from national sources and international energy databases, enabling comparison of energy consumption trends among countries.
The data excludes secondary energy products after conversion, such as electricity and refined petroleum products, when measured separately from their original primary energy inputs. It does not represent only electricity consumption or final energy consumption by end users. The indicator does not directly measure energy efficiency, energy affordability, carbon emissions, or the quality and reliability of energy services. Energy losses occurring during energy transformation, distribution, and transmission are accounted for according to the methodology used but do not represent actual useful energy consumed by consumers. Minor differences may occur due to variations in national statistical reporting, estimation methods, and energy accounting practices.
About this indicator
Primary Energy Consumption — - Primary Energy Consumption refers to the total amount of energy consumed by a country before conversion into secondary energy forms such as electricity, heat, or refined fuels. It represents the consumption of energy from primary sources including fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources within a given year. The metric is generally measured in Exajoules (EJ) and provides an overview of a country’s overall energy demand, economic activity, industrial development, and energy system structure. Primary Energy Consumption is an important indicator for evaluating energy usage patterns, resource dependence, energy security, and long-term energy transition trends across countries.
Measured in Exajoules (EJ), the dataset represents the total primary energy consumed across the country and serves as an important indicator of energy utilization, economic activity, and infrastructure development.
South Korea recorded primary energy consumption of 11.91 EJ in 2015, followed by an increase to 12.27 EJ in 2016. Consumption continued to rise gradually, reaching 12.40 EJ in 2017 and 12.61 EJ in 2018. In 2019, energy consumption declined slightly to 12.47 EJ before decreasing further to 12.05 EJ in 2020 due to reduced economic activity and changes in energy demand patterns. Consumption recovered strongly in 2021, reaching 12.62 EJ, and increased further to 12.75 EJ in 2022. In 2023, South Korea recorded primary energy consumption of 12.43 EJ, showing a slight moderation while maintaining a high consumption level.
Overall, the dataset demonstrates a relatively stable primary energy consumption trend in South Korea between 2015 and 2023, with moderate fluctuations throughout the period. The growth observed before 2019 reflects industrial expansion and increasing energy requirements, while the decline during 2020 highlights temporary economic disruptions. The recovery in subsequent years indicates renewed energy demand supported by industrial and economic activities.
The dataset is valuable for analyzing South Korea’s energy consumption trends, evaluating energy demand patterns, and comparing national consumption levels with other economies. It supports research related to energy planning, sustainability strategies, infrastructure assessment, and policy evaluation. Additionally, the data provides important insights for researchers, analysts, and policymakers studying energy efficiency, consumption behavior, and the future development of South Korea’s energy landscape.
- Indicator
- Primary Energy Consumption
- Country
- South Korea
- Region
- Asia-Pacific
- Unit
- Exajoules
- Coverage
- 2015–2023, annual
- Category
- Energy & Power
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- energyinst.org
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Frequently asked questions
What is South Korea Primary Energy Consumption?
Definition- Primary Energy Consumption refers to the total amount of energy consumed by a country before conversion into secondary energy forms such as electricity, heat, or refined fuels. It represents the consumption of energy from primary sources including fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources within a given year. The metric is generally measured in Exajoules (EJ) and provides an overview of a country’s overall energy demand, economic activity, industrial development, and energy system structure. Primary Energy Consumption is an important indicator for evaluating energy usage patterns, resource dependence, energy security, and long-term energy transition trends across countries.
What was South Korea Primary Energy Consumption in 2023?
South Korea Primary Energy Consumption was 12.43 Exajoules in 2023, down 2.5% on 2022.
How has South Korea Primary Energy Consumption changed between 2015 and 2023?
South Korea Primary Energy Consumption moved from 11.91 Exajoules in 2015 to 12.43 Exajoules in 2023 (+4.4%), an average of +0.5% a year. The series high was 12.75 Exajoules in 2022 and the low 11.91 Exajoules in 2015.
Which year had the highest and lowest South Korea Primary Energy Consumption?
The highest value was 12.75 Exajoules in 2022 and the lowest was 11.91 Exajoules in 2015.
What does the South Korea Primary Energy Consumption data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes consumption of primary energy from major energy sources such as coal, crude oil, natural gas, nuclear energy, hydroelectricity, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and other renewable energy sources. It covers energy used across different sectors, including industrial, residential, commercial, transportation, and power generation activities. The dataset accounts for energy input before transformation into secondary energy products, allowing measurement of total energy demand at the national level. It includes domestically consumed energy and follows standardized calculation methodologies based on energy statistics from national sources and international energy databases, enabling comparison of energy consumption trends among countries. Excluded: The data excludes secondary energy products after conversion, such as electricity and refined petroleum products, when measured separately from their original primary energy inputs. It does not represent only electricity consumption or final energy consumption by end users. The indicator does not directly measure energy efficiency, energy affordability, carbon emissions, or the quality and reliability of energy services. Energy losses occurring during energy transformation, distribution, and transmission are accounted for according to the methodology used but do not represent actual useful energy consumed by consumers. Minor differences may occur due to variations in national statistical reporting, estimation methods, and energy accounting practices.
Where does the South Korea Primary Energy Consumption data come from?
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 Exajoules.
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