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

China's 1033-ship navy outnumbers South Korea's 156 vessels (6.6:1 advantage). Of these, 1005 and 155 are in active service respectively.

SEAS (Sea Equipment Aggregate Strength) Index face-off Full ranking →
Naval ensign of China ChinaWorld #1 100.0
SEAS Index / 100

China leads on 9 of 9 categories

Naval ensign of South Korea South KoreaWorld #6 50.8
  • 3 Aircraft carriersweight ×200 0
  • 62 Destroyersweight ×50 13
  • 62 Submarinesweight ×45 22
  • 59 Frigatesweight ×30 18
  • 50 Corvettesweight ×15 5
  • 81 Amphibiousweight ×12 21
  • 37 Mine warfareweight ×5 23
  • 94 Patrol boatsweight ×2 35
  • 34 Unmannedweight ×2 0
  • 442 Support shipsnot scored 4
  • 27 Cargo shipsnot scored 0
  • 54 Other shipsnot scored 14
China South Korea Bars: weighted contribution to the SEAS Index (hulls × category weight) · 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 1,033 156 🇨🇳 6.6×
Active ships 1,005 155 🇨🇳 6.5×
Submarines 62 22 🇨🇳 2.8×
Principal surface combatants 121 31 🇨🇳 3.9×
Aircraft carriers 3 0 🇨🇳
Amphibious ships 81 21 🇨🇳 3.9×
Show full breakdown · 4 more rowsHide the 4 extra rows
Corvettes 50 5 🇨🇳 10×
Patrol boats 94 35 🇨🇳 2.7×
Mine warfare 37 23 🇨🇳 1.6×
Auxiliaries 523 18 🇨🇳 29×
Backbone classes one per tier held
🇨🇳 ChinaType 003-class ×1Type 039A-class ×18Type 052D-class ×35
🇰🇷 South KoreaChang Bogo-class ×9Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class ×6Daegu-class ×8
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has more naval ships, China or South Korea?
China has a larger navy with 1,033 ships compared to South Korea's 156 ships.
Which navy has more submarines, China or South Korea?
China operates more submarines with 85 compared to South Korea's 22.
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 66 destroyers compared to South Korea's 14.
Which navy has more frigates, China or South Korea?
China operates 59 frigates compared to South Korea's 18.
How do the China and South Korea navies compare in size?
China's navy is 6.6 times larger than South Korea's in terms of total ships (1,033 vs 156).