5 Most Advanced Countries in Asia

2. South Korea

Human Development Index Score: 0.925

R&D share in 2020 GDP: 4.81%

South Korea is one of the most advanced countries in East Asia. The country spent 4.81% of its GDP on Research and Development, which is significant as the country’s global contribution in R&D stood at nearly 7% in 2019, considerably higher than most countries. 

In the Global KTI output of 2019, South Korea’s contributions to computers and electronics development stood at 9%, making it one of the most innovative countries in Asia as well as the world. 

Some of its most notable technology-manufacturing companies are Samsung and LG (acronym for Life’s Good). The startup ecosystem in South Korea is also one of the most sophisticated in the world. According to Tracxn, a leading startup tracker, South Korea is home to nearly 7,000 startups as of 2022.