Average Height in South Korea (2026 Data)
The average height in South Korea is approximately 5'9" (175 cm) for men and 5'4" (162 cm) for women, based on Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. South Korea ranks similar to the US, with one of the fastest historical increases.
Average Height in South Korea: Men and Women
Adult height in South Korea reflects decades of genetics, childhood nutrition, healthcare access, and living conditions. The most recent national health surveys provide the best estimates for current average stature among adults.
For men, the population mean is about 175 cm (5'9"); for women, about 162 cm (5'4"). These figures represent adults aged 18 and older and are typically measured barefoot in health surveys.
Height varies by region, ethnicity, and birth cohort within South Korea. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in South Korea
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 177 cm (5'10") | 163 cm (5'4") |
| 26–35 | 176 cm (5'9") | 163 cm (5'4") |
| 36–50 | 175 cm (5'9") | 162 cm (5'4") |
| 50+ | 174 cm (5'9") | 161 cm (5'3") |
Age-group estimates derived from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How South Korea Compares to the World and the US
Globally, the approximate mean adult height is about 171 cm (5'7") for men and 159 cm (5'2.5") for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates covering hundreds of population studies. Compared to this, South Korea men are 4 cm taller and women are 3 cm taller.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). South Korea men are 0 cm taller than US men on average; South Korea women are 0 cm taller than US women.
South Korea's position relative to global and US averages reflects its combination of dramatic post-war nutrition improvements, high protein intake, and East Asian genetics.
Why Heights Differ: Genetics, Nutrition, and Trends
Height is roughly 80% genetic and 20% environmental, but those environmental factors—especially nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life—matter enormously at the population level. South Korea's average stature is shaped by dramatic post-war nutrition improvements, high protein intake, and East Asian genetics.
South Korea saw one of the world's largest height increases in the late 20th century—often called the "Asian miracle" of growth.
Comparing your personal height to South Korea's average is informative, but percentile rankings depend on which reference population you use. Our calculator compares against US CDC/NHANES data, which may differ from South Korea's national distribution.
Data source: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare Your Height to US Percentiles
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