Military expenditures:
2.62% of GDP
(2018)
2.7% of GDP
(2017)
2.3% of GDP
(2016)
2.3% of GDP
(2015)
2.64% of GDP
(2014)
country comparison to the world (CIA rank, may be based on non-current data):
31
[see also: Military expenditures country ranks ]
Military forces:
Republic of Korea Army (ROKA), Navy (ROKN, includes Marine Corps, ROKMC), Air Force (ROKAF); Military reserves include Mobilization Reserve Forces (First Combat Forces) and Homeland Defense Forces (Regional Combat Forces);
Korea Coast Guard (Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries)
(2019)
Military service age and obligation:
18-28 years of age for compulsory military service; minimum conscript service obligation varies by service- 21 months (Army, Marines), 23 months (Navy), 24 months (Air Force); 18-26 years of age for voluntary military service; women, in service since 1950, are able to serve in all branches
(2019)
note: South Korea intends to reduce the length of military service to 18 – 22 months by 2022
