South Korea vs Pakistan
South Korea has a population of 51.2M, compared to Pakistan's 241.5M. Pakistan is 4.7 times more populous than South Korea. Economically, South Korea ($1.88T) has a GDP 5.0 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 7.9 times larger than South Korea's 100,210 km². Life expectancy in South Korea stands at 83.4 years, 15.8 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
South KoreaPakistan| Population | -78.8%51.2M | +372.0%241.5M |
| Area | -87.4%100,210 km² | +694.4%796,095 km² |
| GDP | +404.7%$1.88T | -80.2%$371.6B |
| GDP Per Capita | +2350.6%$36,238.64 | -95.9%$1,478.773 |
| Life Expectancy | +23.3%83.4 yrs | -18.9%67.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -95.4%2.3 | +2078.3%50.1 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -50.5%2.7% | +102.0%5.4% |
| Capital | Seoul | Islamabad |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Korean | English, Urdu |
| Currencies | KRW (₩) | PKR (₨) |
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
Pakistan is 4.7 times more populous than South Korea, with 241.5M residents compared to 51.2M. South Korea is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Pakistan is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, South Korea averages 511 people per km² (dense), while Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense). South Korea has grown at 0.25% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Pakistan.
Economy Comparison
South Korea is classified as a high-income economy, while Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The South Korea economy ($1.88T) is 5.0 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). South Korea's GDP per capita of $36,238.64 is 224% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of South Korea are on average 24.5 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Korea is 83.4 years, compared to 67.6 years in Pakistan, a gap of 15.8 years. South Korea (83.4 years) is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Pakistan's infant mortality is 2078% higher than South Korea's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 7.9 times larger by land area than South Korea (100,210 km²). South Korea shares borders with 1 country, while Pakistan borders 4 countries. South Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to Pakistan's 1 timezone. Both South Korea and Pakistan are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Korea and Pakistan is in GDP per capita: South Korea's $36,238.64 compared to Pakistan's $1,478.773 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Pakistan is in infant mortality: South Korea's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Pakistan is in land area: South Korea's 100,210 km² compared to Pakistan's 796,095 km² represents a 87% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Korea's high-income economy and Pakistan's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
South Korea has a GDP per capita of $36,238.64, which is 24.5x that of Pakistan ($1,478.773). 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 1.7x more densely populated than Pakistan (511 vs 303 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Pakistan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Korea live an average of 15.8 years longer than those of Pakistan (83.4 vs 67.6 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
Pakistan's economy grew at 3.0% compared to South Korea's 2.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Pakistan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
South Korea vs Pakistan for Families
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan 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 Pakistan for Budget Travelers
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan 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 Pakistan for Retirees
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Pakistan 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 Pakistan Cost of Living
South Korea's GDP per capita is 24.5x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Pakistan can approach or exceed average costs in South Korea's smaller cities.
South Korea vs Pakistan for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan'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 Pakistan by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to South Korea's 51.2M. Pakistan is 4.7 times more populous than South Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Korea or Pakistan?
South Korea has the higher GDP at $1.88T, compared to Pakistan's $371.6B. South Korea's economy is 5.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Korea and Pakistan?
South Korea has a higher life expectancy at 83.4 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.8 years. South Korea's life expectancy is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan's is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Korea or Pakistan?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km². Pakistan is 7.9 times larger than South Korea.
What languages are spoken in South Korea and Pakistan?
South Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. Pakistan recognizes: English, Urdu. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Korea or Pakistan?
South Korea has lower inflation at 2.3%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. South Korea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Pakistan's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median.
Is South Korea or Pakistan better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frien...
Is South Korea or Pakistan cheaper to visit?
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Korea. However, South Korea may offer be...
Is South Korea or Pakistan better for retirement?
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Pakistan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...
Is South Korea or Pakistan more expensive to live in?
South Korea's GDP per capita is 24.5x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies si...
Is South Korea or Pakistan better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Pakistan, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Pakistan covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...