GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

Navy comparison: Flag of China China vs Flag of South Korea South Korea

China's 477 warships outnumber South Korea's 112 (4.3:1 advantage). Counting auxiliaries, reserve and non-commissioned hulls, the fleets number 1008 and 151.

SEAS (Sea Equipment Aggregate Strength) Index face-off Full ranking →
Naval ensign of China ChinaWorld #2 93.8
SEAS Index / 100

China leads on 9 of 10 categories

Naval ensign of South Korea South KoreaWorld #7 40.8
  • 3 Aircraft carriersweight ×200 · size, era 0
  • 61 Destroyersweight ×50 · size, era 13
  • 64 Submarinesweight ×45 · size, era 20
  • 58 Frigatesweight ×30 · size, era 18
  • 50 Corvettesweight ×15 · size, era 2
  • 76 Amphibiousweight ×12 · size, era 9
  • 37 Mine warfareweight ×5 · size, era 14
  • 26 Patrol boatsweight ×2 · size, era 18
  • 34 Unmannedweight ×2 · size, era 0
  • 68 Coastal boatsweight ×1 · size, era 18
  • 442 Support shipsnot scored 4
  • 27 Cargo shipsnot scored 0
  • 54 Other shipsnot scored 34
China South Korea Bars: weighted contribution to the SEAS Index (hulls × category weight × size, era and propulsion factors, minor vessels capped at 30 % of the combatant points; the air-wing, sustainment, armament and availability multipliers apply on top) · figures: active hulls at each side's latest inventory year · Methodology
Key figures as of 2026
China South Korea Ratio
Official name People's Liberation Army Navy Republic of Korea Navy
Total ships 1,008 151 🇨🇳 6.7×
Active ships 1,000 150 🇨🇳 6.7×
On order / planned 24 13 🇨🇳 1.8×
Submarines 64 20 🇨🇳 3.2×
Principal surface combatants 119 31 🇨🇳 3.8×
Aircraft carriers 3 0 🇨🇳
Amphibious ships 76 9 🇨🇳 8.4×
Show full breakdown · 5 more rowsHide the 5 extra rows
Corvettes 50 2 🇨🇳 25×
Patrol boats 26 18 🇨🇳 1.4×
Mine warfare 37 14 🇨🇳 2.6×
Coastal boats 68 18 🇨🇳 3.8×
Auxiliaries 523 38 🇨🇳 14×
Backbone classes one per tier held
🇨🇳 ChinaType 003-class ×1Type 039A-class ×20Type 052D-class ×35
🇰🇷 South KoreaSon Won-il-class ×9Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class ×6Daegu-class ×8
Explore this matchup
Go deeper · same matchup, other lenses
Military strength Air forces Armies Ranks & insignia
Change opponent
China vsTaiwanUnited StatesRussiaIndiaJapan
South Korea vsNorth KoreaUnited StatesJapanIndiaPakistan

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has more naval ships, China or South Korea?
China has a larger navy with 477 warships in service compared to South Korea's 112.
Which navy has more submarines, China or South Korea?
China operates more submarines with 64 compared to South Korea's 20.
Which country has more aircraft carriers, China or South Korea?
China has 3 aircraft carrier(s) compared to South Korea's 0.
Which navy has more destroyers, China or South Korea?
China operates 61 destroyers compared to South Korea's 13.
Which navy has more frigates, China or South Korea?
China operates 58 frigates compared to South Korea's 18.
How do the China and South Korea navies compare in size?
China's navy is 4.3 times larger than South Korea's in terms of total ships (477 vs 112).