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Directorate for Public Governance

Government at a Glance: How Korea Compares

Published on June 22, 2016

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This report provides a series of indicators on Korea's policymaking practices and government performance compared to those of other OECD countries and of the G7 countries. Based on the Korean government reform objectives, this publication discusses how to strengthen evidence-based policymaking in the Korean public administration and, more generally, how to improve public service delivery and results for more inclusive growth. Although Korea is currently in an enviable fiscal situation compared to other OECD and G7 countries, the growing old-age-dependency ratio will inevitably increase budget pressures in the coming years. Concrete actions are therefore needed now to promote greater efficiency and value for money in public spending and public service delivery.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword and acknowledgements
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Executive summary
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Reader's guide
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Introduction
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Public finances in Korea
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Public employment and compensation in Korea
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Open and transparent government in Korea
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Administrative burden and regulatory governance in Korea
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Government performance and the health and long term care system in Korea
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Government performance and the education system in Korea
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Annexes3 chapters available
Change in government expenditures by COFOG
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Classification of the functions of government (COFOG)
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Political system in Korea
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main findings

Better design, implementation & evaluation of public policies

The report finds that Korea could maximize benefits, reduce unnecessary costs from administrative rules and regulations and increase public sector efficiency by making better use of performance information in the design, implementation and evaluation of public policies.


Digital Government

More systematic consultation of citizens and other stakeholders, through the use of digital tools and technologies, for example, could help address a relatively low level of confidence in public authorities.


Regulation

Korea still lags behind top-performing countries such as Australia, Canada, France, the United-Kingdom and the United-States when it comes to engaging stakeholders in regulatory policy making. This is partly because stakeholders are generally consulted at a late stage when a draft regulation already exists.  Earlier consultation processes would allow potential problems and burdens to be identified.

Further reading

      

An ageing society

        Share of the population aged 65 and over, 2010-2050

OECD


The share of the population aged 65+ in Korea will exceed 20% by 2025 & 35% by 2050. This will mean higher social and health care spending and lower tax returns. Requires action now to strengthen policy-making practices and public sector efficiency.

The main challenge for the Korean health system will be to shift its focus from an expansion of hospital services to more effective and efficient ways of addressing the health needs of a rapidly ageing population in primary care.

Rather than dealing with chronic diseases in hospitals the Korean health system should strengthened the delivery of care outside hospitals which is less costly, which is a strategy used in most other OECD countries.