H. Yoo
Research expert covering South Korea
Fossil fuels in South Korea - Statistics & Facts
Despite the urgent need to transition to renewable energy, fossil fuels still hold a tight grip on South Korea’s major industries. Indeed, more than 80 percent of South Korea's primary energy supply comes from petroleum, coal, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Much of this is supplied from overseas. The country’s overseas dependence for energy has stood at over 90 percent for years. With such a high reliance on imports, the country is vulnerable to changes in global oil and gas prices. In particular, the Middle East has become an increasingly important source of energy supply for South Korea amid geopolitical uncertainties, with Saudi Arabia becoming the top country of origin for imported crude oil.
