South Korea vs Chile
South Korea has a population of 51.2M, compared to Chile's 20.2M. South Korea is 2.5 times more populous than Chile. Economically, South Korea ($1.88T) has a GDP 5.7 times larger than Chile's ($330.3B). Chile covers 756,102 km², 7.5 times larger than South Korea's 100,210 km². Life expectancy in South Korea stands at 83.4 years, 2.3 years higher than Chile's 81.2 years.
South KoreaChile| Population | +153.2%51.2M | -60.5%20.2M |
| Area | -86.7%100,210 km² | +654.5%756,102 km² |
| GDP | +467.8%$1.88T | -82.4%$330.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +116.9%$36,238.64 | -53.9%$16,709.889 |
| Life Expectancy | +2.8%83.4 yrs | -2.7%81.2 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -62.9%2.3 | +169.6%6.2 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -70.1%2.7% | +234.5%9.0% |
| Capital | Seoul | Santiago |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Korean | Spanish |
| Currencies | KRW (₩) | CLP ($) |
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
South Korea is 2.5 times more populous than Chile, with 51.2M residents compared to 20.2M. South Korea is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Chile is a nation of 20.2M people. In terms of population density, South Korea averages 511 people per km² (dense), while Chile averages 27 people per km² (sparse). South Korea has grown at 0.25% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Chile.
Economy Comparison
South Korea is classified as a high-income economy, while Chile is classified as a high-income economy. The South Korea economy ($1.88T) is 5.7 times larger than Chile's ($330.3B). South Korea's GDP per capita of $36,238.64 is 224% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Chile's GDP per capita of $16,709.889 is 24% above the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of South Korea are on average 2.2 times wealthier than those in Chile.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Korea is 83.4 years, compared to 81.2 years in Chile, a gap of 2.3 years. South Korea (83.4 years) is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Chile (81.2 years) is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years. At 6.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Chile's infant mortality is 170% higher than South Korea's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Chile (756,102 km²) is 7.5 times larger by land area than South Korea (100,210 km²). South Korea shares borders with 1 country, while Chile borders 3 countries. South Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to Chile's 2 timezones. South Korea lies in Asia, while Chile is located in South America. South Korea is categorized within the Asia region (Eastern Asia), whereas Chile belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Korea and Chile is in land area: South Korea's 100,210 km² compared to Chile's 756,102 km² represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Chile is in GDP: South Korea's $1.88T compared to Chile's $330.3B represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Chile is in infant mortality: South Korea's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Chile's 6.2 per 1,000 represents a 63% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Korea's high-income economy and Chile'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 2.2x that of Chile ($16,709.889). 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 19.1x more densely populated than Chile (511 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Chile's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Korea live an average of 2.3 years longer than those of Chile (83.4 vs 81.2 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Economic Momentum
Chile's economy grew at 2.6% compared to South Korea's 2.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Chile has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
South Korea vs Chile for Families
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 6.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Chile 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.
South Korea vs Chile for Budget Travelers
Chile is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $16,709.889 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Chile 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.
South Korea vs Chile for Retirees
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Chile 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.
South Korea vs Chile Cost of Living
South Korea's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Chile, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Chile offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Chile can approach or exceed average costs in South Korea's smaller cities.
South Korea vs Chile for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Chile, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Chile covers 2. Chile'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, South Korea or Chile by population?
South Korea is larger by population, with 51.2M residents compared to Chile's 20.2M. South Korea is 2.5 times more populous than Chile.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Korea or Chile?
South Korea has the higher GDP at $1.88T, compared to Chile's $330.3B. South Korea's economy is 5.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Korea and Chile?
South Korea has a higher life expectancy at 83.4 years, compared to Chile's 81.2 years. The gap between the two countries is 2.3 years. South Korea's life expectancy is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Chile's is 9.2 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Korea or Chile?
Chile is larger by land area, covering 756,102 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km². Chile is 7.5 times larger than South Korea.
What languages are spoken in South Korea and Chile?
South Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. Chile recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Korea or Chile?
South Korea has lower inflation at 2.3%, compared to Chile's 4.3%. South Korea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Chile's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is South Korea or Chile better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 6.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Chile offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly ...
Is South Korea or Chile cheaper to visit?
Chile is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $16,709.889 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Chile can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Korea. However, South Korea may offer better ...
Is South Korea or Chile better for retirement?
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Chile may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is South Korea or Chile more expensive to live in?
South Korea's GDP per capita is 2.2x that of Chile, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Chile offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significa...
Is South Korea or Chile better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Chile, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Chile covers 2. Chile's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...