Life science patents granted, by technology in South Korea
South Korea: Life science patents granted, by technology was 2,686 patents in 2023. ◆ Volatile
Life science patents granted, by technology in South Korea, 1980–2023
Source: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) (2025) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in patents.
Analysis
South Korea recorded 2,686 patents for life science patents granted, by technology in 2023.
That represents a change of up 4.2% on the previous year and up 11.9% over ten years.
Over the whole period, life science patents granted, by technology in South Korea peaked at 3,116 patents in 2017 and was at its lowest, 39 patents, in 1980.
South Korea ranks 4th of 64 countries on this measure, in the top 10%.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 87.1 patents | 39 patents | 133 patents | 10 |
| 1990s | 347.3 patents | 153 patents | 1,092 patents | 10 |
| 2000s | 1,022 patents | 453 patents | 1,809 patents | 10 |
| 2010s | 2,293 patents | 864 patents | 3,116 patents | 10 |
| 2020s | 2,735 patents | 2,577 patents | 2,926 patents | 4 |
Countries ranked near South Korea
More science & technology data for South Korea
- Scientific and technical journal articles 71,724 (2023)
- Mobile phone subscriptions 89.22 million (2024)
- Mobile phone subscriptions per 100 people 172.52 per 100 people (2024)
- Mobile and landline phone subscriptions per 100 people 172.52 per 100 people (2024)
- Patent applications, nonresidents 51,753 (2021)
- Share of the population using the Internet 97.9% (2024)
- Patent applications, residents 186,245 (2021)
- Research and development expenditure 4.9% (2023)
- Number of people using the Internet 50.59 million users (2021)
- Landline Internet subscriptions per 100 people 47.8 per 100 people (2024)
Frequently asked questions
- What is life science patents granted, by technology in South Korea?
- Life science patents granted, by technology in South Korea was 2,686 patents in 2023, according to World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) (2025) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest life science patents granted, by technology recorded in South Korea?
- The highest recorded value was 3,116 patents in 2017.
- What is the lowest life science patents granted, by technology recorded in South Korea?
- The lowest recorded value was 39 patents in 1980.
- How does South Korea rank for life science patents granted, by technology?
- South Korea ranks 4th out of 64 countries with data for 2023.
- Is life science patents granted, by technology rising or falling in South Korea?
- Over the last ten years it is up 11.9%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this South Korea data come from?
- The figures come from World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) (2025) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Life science patents granted, by technology. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Number of pharmaceutical patents granted by the filing office in a given year. Pharmaceutical patents typically cover new drugs, biological treatments or vaccines.