South Korea
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
81 / 100
Free
Internet Freedom
65 / 100
Partly Free
South Koreans benefit from regular rotations of power and robust political pluralism. Civil liberties are generally respected, though the country struggles with minority rights and social integration. Corruption and misogyny are persistent problems, with scandals implicating successive governments and company executives in recent years.
Research & Recommendations
South Korea
Free
81
100
| PR Political Rights | 32 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 49 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
83
100
Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
South Koreans benefit from regular rotations of power and robust political pluralism. Civil liberties are generally respected, though the country struggles with minority rights and social integration. Legal bans on pro–North Korean activity affect legitimate political expression, and journalists can face pressure from the government over their coverage of or commentary on powerful political party members. Corruption is a persistent threat, with scandals implicating successive governments and company executives in recent years. Misogyny is also a chronic problem, and domestic violence, gender-based violence, and deepfake pornography are common despite laws meant to combat them.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
South Korea
Partly Free
65
100
| A Obstacles to Access | 21 25 |
| B Limits on Content | 23 35 |
| C Violations of User Rights | 21 40 |
Last Year's Score & Status
66
100
Partly Free
Scores are based on a scale of 0 (least free) to 100 (most free).
See the methodology and report acknowledgements.
Political Overview
South Koreans benefit from regular rotations of power and robust political pluralism. Civil liberties are generally respected, though the country struggles to uphold the rights and ensure the social integration of minority groups. Legal bans on pro–North Korean activity affect legitimate political expression, and journalists can face pressure from the government over their coverage of or commentary on powerful political party members. Corruption is a persistent threat, with scandals implicating successive governments and company executives in recent years. Misogyny is also a chronic problem, and domestic violence, gender-based violence, and deepfake pornography are common despite laws meant to combat them.
Freedom on the Net 2025 Policy Recommendations
Countering Restrictions on Freedom of Expression
Freedom of expression online has been and is increasingly under attack as governments shut off internet connectivity, block social media platforms, and restrict access to websites that host political, social, and religious speech. Protecting freedom of expression will require strong legal and regulatory safeguards for digital communications.
Countering Manipulation of the Online Environment
Governments should encourage a whole-of-society approach to fostering a high-quality, diverse, and trustworthy information space. The Global Declaration on Information Integrity Online identifies best practices for safeguarding the information ecosystem, to which governments should adhere.
Countering Restrictions on Privacy and Disproportionate Government Surveillance
Comprehensive data-protection regulations and industry policies on data protection are essential for upholding privacy and combating disproportionate government surveillance, but they require careful crafting to ensure that they do not contribute to internet fragmentation—the siloing of the global internet into nation-based segments—and cannot be used by governments to undermine privacy and other fundamental freedoms.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
81
/ 100
Free
Freedom on the Net Score
65
/ 100
Partly Free
Population: 51,630,000
Internet Facts
Status
Partly Free
Networks Restricted
No
Social Media Blocked
No
Websites Blocked
Yes
Pro-government Commentators
No
Users Arrested
Yes
Election Facts
Status
Past Election
Date of Election
April 10, 2024
Type of Election
Legislative
Internet Penetration
97.60%
Election Year
2024
Vulnerability Index
75
/ 100
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
