Military Expenditure in South Korea, 1960-2022

South Korea's military expenditure has been significantly shaped by the Korean Peninsula's tense security situation. During the 1960s, spending ranged from 4.1–7.2%, reflecting the aftermath of the Korean War. The 1970s and 1980s saw sustained high levels, peaking at 6.4% in 1980, driven by the need to counter threats from North Korea and strengthen U.S.-South Korea military collaboration.

Post-1990s, South Korea’s economic growth allowed for more efficient defense spending, stabilizing at 2.5–3.0% since 2000. However, spending edged up to 2.8% by 2020 amid North Korea's nuclear developments and growing geopolitical uncertainties in East Asia.