Under the ever-present threat of its unpredictable nothern neighbor, South Korea manages a large and powerful military force.
For 2020, South Korea is ranked 6 of 138 out of the countries considered for the annual GFP review. It holds a PwrIndx* rating of 0.1509 (0.0000 considered 'perfect').
*Each nation is assessed on individual and collective values processed through an in-house formula to generate a 'PwrIndx' score. Some values are estimated when official numbers are not available. View Notes.
MANPOWER - Values partly derived from the CIA World Factbook. Some values may be estimated.
AIRPOWER - Values derived from multiple sources. Total Aircraft Strength value includes both fixed-wing and rotorcraft platforms from all branches of service (at this time UAVs are not included in the total). 'Attack' value constitutes purpose-built attack types. 'Transports' value includes only fixed-wing aircraft while all rotorcraft are represented under the 'Helicopters' value. 'Special-Mission' value does not take aerial tankers into account. For an in-depth look into the current air powers of the world, visit "the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft" [www.WDMMA.org - external link].
LAND FORCES - Values derived from multiple sources. 'Tanks' value includes Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), light tanks, and tank destroyers (no distinction being made between tracked and wheeled types). 'Armored Vehicles' value includes APCs, IFVs, MRAPs, and Armored Cars. 'Rocket Projectors' include only self-propelled forms.
NAVAL FORCES - Values derived from multiple sources. 'Total Assets' value includes all possible/available vessels including auxiliaries, which are not showcased individually. 'Aircraft Carriers' value includes traditional carriers as well as Helicopter Carriers. 'Submarines' value includes diesel-electric and nuclear-powered types. Landlocked nationd are not penalized for the lack of a standing navy.
NATURAL RESOURCES - Values derived from the CIA World Factbook. Values presented as BBL (Barrels Per Day).
LOGISTICS - Values derived from the CIA World Factbook. Ports & Terminals may reside outside of a nations own borders if arrangements with an ally have been made. Landlocked nations are penalized for the lack of a standing Merchant Marine force.
FINANCIALS - Values partly derived from the CIA World Factbook. Values presented in USD ($).
GEORGRAPHY - Values derived from the CIA World Factbook. Geography can play a role in both offensive and defensive wars. As such, the GFP formula takes geographic qualities of a nation into account.
Comparable Powers
Entries below are chosen based on similar military qualities or are bordering/regional neighbors.
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