China vs South Korea: Adult Literacy Rate Comparison
Compare Adult Literacy Rate (% of People Aged 15+) of China and South Korea over time using official World Bank Open Data.
In 2020, South Korea recorded Adult Literacy Rate (% of People Aged 15+) of 98.0% vs 96.7% for China (South Korea's Adult Literacy Rate is 1.2% higher than China's.).
China vs South Korea All Annual Observations (1982 – 2020)
Complete annual observations of Adult Literacy Rate (% of People Aged 15+) for China and South Korea reported by World Bank.
| Year | 🇨🇳 China Adult Literacy Rate | 🇰🇷 South Korea Adult Literacy Rate | Difference / Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 96.7% | No data | — |
| 2010 | 95.1% | No data | — |
| 2008 | No data | 98.0% | — |
| 2000 | 90.9% | No data | — |
| 1990 | 77.8% | No data | — |
| 1982 | 65.5% | No data | — |
Adult Literacy Rate Comparison
Historical Trends
Over the available reporting period from 1960 to 2020, China and South Korea followed distinct developmental paths. In 1960, China recorded N/A compared to N/A for South Korea. By 2020, the values evolved to 96.7% and 98.0% respectively.
Key Differences
About Adult Literacy Rate (% of People Aged 15+)
Percentage of population age 15 and above who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement.
This comparison uses standardized data from World Bank Open Data. Historical records allow analysts to trace long-term development trajectories for China and South Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions — Adult Literacy Rate
What is the Adult Literacy Rate of China?
In 2020, China's Adult Literacy Rate was 96.7% according to official World Bank data.
What is the Adult Literacy Rate of South Korea?
In 2008, South Korea's Adult Literacy Rate was 98.0% according to official World Bank data.
Which country has a higher Adult Literacy Rate?
In 2020, South Korea recorded a higher Adult Literacy Rate of 98.0% compared to China's 96.7% (a difference of 1.2%).
How has Adult Literacy Rate changed over time for China and South Korea?
From 1960 to 2020, China's Adult Literacy Rate changed by the amount detailed in the annual table, while South Korea's changed by the amount detailed in the annual table.
Explore China vs South Korea Interactively
Use TradeSeekho Growth Explorer to customize time ranges, play animated timeline visualizations, and compare China and South Korea across Population, Health, Education, and Technology metrics.
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Related Indicators
Data Source and Methodology
Source: World Bank Open Data. Indicator Code:SE.ADT.LITR.ZS (Adult Literacy Rate (% of People Aged 15+)).
Values represent annual adult literacy rate (% of people aged 15+) for China and South Korea from 1960 through 2020. Missing reporting years are omitted without converting missing values to zero.