This study analyzes panel data from 59 countries to estimate the income turning point at which carbon emissions begin to decline and to identify structural factors that shape the decoupling process. The average turning point is around USD 23,000 in per capita GDP, with advanced economies achieving stable decoupling through service-led structural transformation. For Korea, the turning point is estimated at approximately USD 30,000, reflecting constraints from its industrial and energy structures. This study highlights the importance of structural shifts toward low-carbon, high value-added sectors, accelerating clean energy deployment, scaling up green finance, and establishing a transition finance framework tailored to Korea’s economic context.