South Korea: Listed companies

The latest value from 2025 is 2653 companies, an increase from 2599 companies in 2024. In comparison, the world average is 765 companies, based on data from 67 countries. Historically, the average for South Korea from 1979 to 2025 is 1315 companies. The minimum value, 328 companies, was reached in 1983 while the maximum of 2653 companies was recorded in 2025. See the global rankings for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.

The number of listed companies on the stock exchange in South Korea is an indicator of the development of the stock market. A higher number means that more companies use equity financing in their business. Of course, the number of listed companies in South Korea and other countries also reflects the size of the economy: larger economies have more firms.

Definition: Listed domestic companies, including foreign companies which are exclusively listed, are those which have shares listed on an exchange at the end of the year. Investment funds, unit trusts, and companies whose only business goal is to hold shares of other listed companies, such as holding companies and investment companies, regardless of their legal status, are excluded. A company with several classes of shares is counted once. Only companies admitted to listing on the exchange are included.