Broadly stable
South Korea Silk Production per capita moved from 0.0196 Gram in 2015 to 0.0193 Gram in 2023 (−1.5%), an average of −0.2% a year. The series high was 0.0196 Gram in 2015 and the low 0.0193 Gram in 2020.
What South Korea Silk Production per capita shows
South Korea Silk Production per capita was 0.0193 Gram in 2023, up 0.1% on 2022. South Korea’s silk production per capita from 2015 to 2023 demonstrates a stable but slightly declining trend, reflecting the limited scale and gradual transformation of the country’s silk industry. The data indicates that silk production remained consistent throughout the period, with annual values staying close to 19 milligrams per person.
A 1.7% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2015) and low (2020) is 0.000331 Gram. The sharpest single-year move was −0.6% in 2016.
Ranks 14 of 18 countries covered
Among the 18 countries in this dataset, South Korea ranks 14 for 2023, behind China (35.15 Gram) and India (27.06 Gram). The global figure for 2023 is 11.62 Gram, so South Korea is below it.
Full series
South Korea Silk Production per capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Gram.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Gram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0.0193 | +0.1% |
| 2022 | 0.0193 | +0.1% |
| 2021 | 0.0193 | 0% |
| 2020 Trough | 0.0193 | −0.2% |
| 2019 | 0.0193 | −0.2% |
| 2018 | 0.0194 | −0.3% |
| 2017 | 0.0194 | −0.4% |
| 2016 | 0.0195 | −0.6% |
| 2015Peak | 0.0196 | — |
Regional context
How South Korea compares in Asia
Silk Production per capita by country, 2023, Gram. South Korea is highlighted.
1China35.15
2India27.06
3Tajikistan16.52
4Vietnam14.43
5Kyrgyzstan6.78
6Thailand4.06
7Iran3.05
12South Korea0.0193
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Silk Production per capita — Silk Production Per capita refers to the annual quantity of silk produced divided by the total population of a country or region, measured on a per-person basis. This indicator represents the average amount of silk production attributable to each individual within a population during a specific year. The data provides country-level and regional comparisons of silk production intensity and is useful for analysing trends in sericulture, agricultural productivity, and the contribution of silk-related activities to the agricultural sector. The indicator is presented as a time series, allowing analysis of changes in silk production per person over the selected period.
The data includes the production of silk derived from sericulture activities, including silk obtained through silkworm farming and related agricultural production processes. The indicator covers annual silk production quantities adjusted according to population size to calculate per capita values. The dataset includes country-wise production estimates and historical trends, enabling comparisons between regions and countries. It reflects changes in silk production capacity, agricultural practices, technological improvements, and the role of silk production within rural economies and traditional agricultural systems.
The data excludes silk products after processing, such as silk textiles, garments, fabrics, and other manufactured silk-based goods. It does not measure silk consumption, imports, exports, trade values, market prices, or economic contribution from the textile industry. The indicator does not represent individual household production or income generated from silk activities. Differences may occur due to variations in production estimation methods, population estimates, reporting coverage, and data availability across countries. The indicator measures production output per person only and does not capture productivity efficiency, quality differences, or environmental impacts associated with silk production.
About this indicator
Silk Production per capita — Silk Production Per capita refers to the annual quantity of silk produced divided by the total population of a country or region, measured on a per-person basis. This indicator represents the average amount of silk production attributable to each individual within a population during a specific year. The data provides country-level and regional comparisons of silk production intensity and is useful for analysing trends in sericulture, agricultural productivity, and the contribution of silk-related activities to the agricultural sector. The indicator is presented as a time series, allowing analysis of changes in silk production per person over the selected period.
This stability suggests that South Korea maintained a small but continuous silk production sector despite changes in agricultural priorities, market conditions, and broader economic developments.
In 2015, South Korea recorded silk production of 19.61 milligrams per capita, which gradually decreased over the following years. By 2023, production reached 19.32 milligrams per capita, showing only a minor reduction over the nine-year period. The limited decline indicates that the country’s silk production capacity remained relatively unchanged, with no significant expansion or contraction observed during the period. This pattern highlights the consistency of silk-related agricultural activities despite the changing structure of the farming sector.
South Korea’s agricultural sector is highly developed, supported by advanced technologies, research-based farming methods, and efficient production systems. However, silk production represents a specialised and traditional agricultural activity rather than a major contributor to national agricultural output. Factors such as industrialisation, increasing labour costs, limited agricultural land availability, and competition from major silk-producing nations have influenced the growth potential of the domestic silk industry.
Despite its small contribution, silk production continues to maintain cultural, historical, and agricultural importance in South Korea. The country’s focus on innovation and sustainable farming practices supports the continuation of traditional industries while improving productivity and resource management. The 2015–2023 silk production per capita data provides valuable insights into the stability, development, and long-term trends of South Korea’s sericulture sector, helping analyse the role of specialised agricultural commodities within a modern economy.
- Indicator
- Silk Production per capita
- Country
- South Korea
- Region
- Asia
- Unit
- Gram
- Coverage
- 2015–2023, annual
- Category
- Agriculture
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is South Korea Silk Production per capita?
Silk Production Per capita refers to the annual quantity of silk produced divided by the total population of a country or region, measured on a per-person basis. This indicator represents the average amount of silk production attributable to each individual within a population during a specific year. The data provides country-level and regional comparisons of silk production intensity and is useful for analysing trends in sericulture, agricultural productivity, and the contribution of silk-related activities to the agricultural sector. The indicator is presented as a time series, allowing analysis of changes in silk production per person over the selected period.
What was South Korea Silk Production per capita in 2023?
South Korea Silk Production per capita was 0.0193 Gram in 2023, up 0.1% on 2022.
How has South Korea Silk Production per capita changed between 2015 and 2023?
South Korea Silk Production per capita moved from 0.0196 Gram in 2015 to 0.0193 Gram in 2023 (−1.5%), an average of −0.2% a year. The series high was 0.0196 Gram in 2015 and the low 0.0193 Gram in 2020.
Which year had the highest and lowest South Korea Silk Production per capita?
The highest value was 0.0196 Gram in 2015 and the lowest was 0.0193 Gram in 2020.
What does the South Korea Silk Production per capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes the production of silk derived from sericulture activities, including silk obtained through silkworm farming and related agricultural production processes. The indicator covers annual silk production quantities adjusted according to population size to calculate per capita values. The dataset includes country-wise production estimates and historical trends, enabling comparisons between regions and countries. It reflects changes in silk production capacity, agricultural practices, technological improvements, and the role of silk production within rural economies and traditional agricultural systems. Excluded: The data excludes silk products after processing, such as silk textiles, garments, fabrics, and other manufactured silk-based goods. It does not measure silk consumption, imports, exports, trade values, market prices, or economic contribution from the textile industry. The indicator does not represent individual household production or income generated from silk activities. Differences may occur due to variations in production estimation methods, population estimates, reporting coverage, and data availability across countries. The indicator measures production output per person only and does not capture productivity efficiency, quality differences, or environmental impacts associated with silk production.
Where does the South Korea Silk Production per capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..2023&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls&Food=Silk&Metric=Production&Per+capita=true). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Gram.
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