South Korea

In brief

Rule of law, score 0–⁠100: 78.3 (2025). World rank 29 of 207 (1 = best); in Asia, 3 of 49. Government effectiveness, score 0–⁠100: 83.1 (2025). World rank 19 of 205 (1 = best); in Asia, 4 of 49. Regulatory quality, score 0–⁠100: 72.8 (2025). World rank 32 of 205 (1 = best); in Asia, 7 of 49. From 2015 to 2025: women in parliament 16.3% → 20.3%, rule of law 75.3 → 78.3 (score 0–⁠100), and control of corruption 55 → 66.7 (score 0–⁠100). Better than all its neighbours (North Korea): voice and accountability, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law, and control of corruption.