Brazil vs South Korea
Brazil has a population of 213.4M, compared to South Korea's 51.2M. Brazil is 4.2 times more populous than South Korea. Economically, Brazil ($2.19T) has a GDP 1.2 times larger than South Korea's ($1.88T). Brazil covers 8,515,767 km², 85.0 times larger than South Korea's 100,210 km². Life expectancy in South Korea stands at 83.4 years, 7.6 years higher than Brazil's 75.8 years.
BrazilSouth Korea| Population | +317.2%213.4M | -76.0%51.2M |
| Area | +8397.9%8,515,767 km² | -98.8%100,210 km² |
| GDP | +16.6%$2.19T | -14.2%$1.88T |
| GDP Per Capita | -71.5%$10,310.549 | +251.5%$36,238.64 |
| Life Expectancy | -9.1%75.8 yrs | +10.0%83.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +443.5%12.5 | -81.6%2.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +122.5%6.0% | -55.1%2.7% |
| Capital | Brasília | Seoul |
| Region | Americas | Asia |
| Languages | Portuguese | Korean |
| Currencies | BRL (R$) | KRW (₩) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Brazil is 4.2 times more populous than South Korea, with 213.4M residents compared to 51.2M. Brazil is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while South Korea is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Brazil averages 25 people per km² (sparse), while South Korea averages 511 people per km² (dense). While Brazil has grown at 0.62% annually over the past decade, South Korea has grown at 0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Brazil is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while South Korea is classified as a high-income economy. The Brazil economy ($2.19T) is 1.2 times larger than South Korea's ($1.88T). Brazil's GDP per capita of $10,310.549 is 24% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. South Korea's GDP per capita of $36,238.64 is 224% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of South Korea are on average 3.5 times wealthier than those in Brazil.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Brazil is 75.8 years, compared to 83.4 years in South Korea, a gap of 7.6 years. South Korea (83.4 years) is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Brazil (75.8 years) is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years. At 12.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Brazil's infant mortality is 443% higher than South Korea's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Brazil (8,515,767 km²) is 85.0 times larger by land area than South Korea (100,210 km²). Brazil shares borders with 10 countries, while South Korea borders 1 country. Brazil spans 4 timezones, compared to South Korea's 1 timezone. Brazil lies in South America, while South Korea is located in Asia. Brazil is categorized within the Americas region (South America), whereas South Korea belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Brazil and South Korea is in land area: Brazil's 8,515,767 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between Brazil and South Korea is in infant mortality: Brazil's 12.5 per 1,000 compared to South Korea's 2.3 per 1,000 represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between Brazil and South Korea is in population: Brazil's 213.4M compared to South Korea's 51.2M represents a 76% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Brazil's upper-middle-income economy and South Korea's high-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
South Korea has a GDP per capita of $36,238.64, which is 3.5x that of Brazil ($10,310.549). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in South Korea is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
South Korea is 20.4x more densely populated than Brazil (511 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Brazil's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Korea live an average of 7.6 years longer than those of Brazil (83.4 vs 75.8 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Brazil's economy grew at 3.4% compared to South Korea's 2.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Brazil has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Brazil vs South Korea for Families
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 12.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Brazil offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though South Korea's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Brazil vs South Korea for Budget Travelers
Brazil is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,310.549 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Brazil can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Korea. However, South Korea may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Brazil vs South Korea for Retirees
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Brazil may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Brazil vs South Korea Cost of Living
South Korea's GDP per capita is 3.5x that of Brazil, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Brazil offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Brazil can approach or exceed average costs in South Korea's smaller cities.
Brazil vs South Korea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Brazil and South Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Brazil spans 4 timezones while South Korea covers 1. Brazil's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Brazil or South Korea by population?
Brazil is larger by population, with 213.4M residents compared to South Korea's 51.2M. Brazil is 4.2 times more populous than South Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Brazil or South Korea?
Brazil has the higher GDP at $2.19T, compared to South Korea's $1.88T. Brazil's economy is 1.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Brazil and South Korea?
South Korea has a higher life expectancy at 83.4 years, compared to Brazil's 75.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.6 years. Brazil's life expectancy is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years, while South Korea's is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Brazil or South Korea?
Brazil is larger by land area, covering 8,515,767 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km². Brazil is 85.0 times larger than South Korea.
What languages are spoken in Brazil and South Korea?
Brazil recognizes the following official language: Portuguese. South Korea recognizes: Korean. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Brazil or South Korea?
South Korea has lower inflation at 2.3%, compared to Brazil's 4.4%. South Korea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Brazil's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Brazil or South Korea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 12.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Brazil offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is Brazil or South Korea cheaper to visit?
Brazil is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,310.549 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Brazil can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Korea. However, South Korea may offer bette...
Is Brazil or South Korea better for retirement?
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Brazil may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is Brazil or South Korea more expensive to live in?
South Korea's GDP per capita is 3.5x that of Brazil, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Brazil offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is Brazil or South Korea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Brazil and South Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Brazil spans 4 timezones while South Korea covers 1. Brazil's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remot...