South KoreaCambodia
South Korea has a population of 51.2M, compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. South Korea is 2.9 times more populous than Cambodia. Economically, South Korea ($1.88T) has a GDP 40.5 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). Cambodia covers 181,035 km², 1.8 times larger than South Korea's 100,210 km². Life expectancy in South Korea stands at 83.4 years, 12.8 years higher than Cambodia's 70.7 years.
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South Korea wins
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Cambodia wins
Metric
South KoreaCambodia| Population | 51.2M | 17.6M |
| Area | 100,210 km² | 181,035 km² |
| GDP | $1.88T | $46.4B |
| GDP Per Capita | $36,238.64 | $2,627.88 |
| Life Expectancy | 83.4 yrs | 70.7 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 2.3 | 20.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.7% | 0.3% |
| Capital | Seoul | Phnom Penh |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Korean | Khmer |
| Currencies | KRW (₩) | KHR (៛), USD ($) |
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 2.9 times more populous than Cambodia, with 51.2M residents compared to 17.6M. South Korea is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cambodia is a nation of 17.6M people. In terms of population density, South Korea averages 511 people per km² (dense), while Cambodia averages 97 people per km² (moderate). While South Korea has grown at 0.25% annually over the past decade, Cambodia has grown at 1.39% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
South Korea is classified as a high-income economy, while Cambodia is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The South Korea economy ($1.88T) is 40.5 times larger than Cambodia's ($46.4B). South Korea's GDP per capita of $36,238.64 is 224% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Cambodia's GDP per capita of $2,627.88 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of South Korea are on average 13.8 times wealthier than those in Cambodia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Korea is 83.4 years, compared to 70.7 years in Cambodia, a gap of 12.8 years. South Korea (83.4 years) is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia (70.7 years) is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years. At 20.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cambodia's infant mortality is 783% higher than South Korea's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Cambodia (181,035 km²) is 1.8 times larger by land area than South Korea (100,210 km²). South Korea shares borders with 1 country, while Cambodia borders 3 countries. South Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to Cambodia's 1 timezone. Both South Korea and Cambodia are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Asia and South-Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Korea and Cambodia is in GDP: South Korea's $1.88T compared to Cambodia's $46.4B represents a 98% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Cambodia is in GDP per capita: South Korea's $36,238.64 compared to Cambodia's $2,627.88 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Cambodia is in infant mortality: South Korea's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Cambodia's 20.3 per 1,000 represents a 89% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Korea's high-income economy and Cambodia'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 13.8x that of Cambodia ($2,627.88). 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 5.3x more densely populated than Cambodia (511 vs 97 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cambodia's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Korea live an average of 12.8 years longer than those of Cambodia (83.4 vs 70.7 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
Cambodia's economy grew at 6.0% compared to South Korea's 2.0%. Cambodia's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
South Korea vs Cambodia for Families
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia 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 Cambodia for Budget Travelers
Cambodia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,627.88 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cambodia 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 Cambodia for Retirees
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cambodia 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 Cambodia Cost of Living
South Korea's GDP per capita is 13.8x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Cambodia can approach or exceed average costs in South Korea's smaller cities.
South Korea vs Cambodia for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia'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 Cambodia by population?
South Korea is larger by population, with 51.2M residents compared to Cambodia's 17.6M. South Korea is 2.9 times more populous than Cambodia.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Korea or Cambodia?
South Korea has the higher GDP at $1.88T, compared to Cambodia's $46.4B. South Korea's economy is 40.5 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Korea and Cambodia?
South Korea has a higher life expectancy at 83.4 years, compared to Cambodia's 70.7 years. The gap between the two countries is 12.8 years. South Korea's life expectancy is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cambodia's is 1.3 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Korea or Cambodia?
Cambodia is larger by land area, covering 181,035 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km². Cambodia is 1.8 times larger than South Korea.
What languages are spoken in South Korea and Cambodia?
South Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. Cambodia recognizes: Khmer. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Korea or Cambodia?
Cambodia has lower inflation at 0.8%, compared to South Korea's 2.3%. Cambodia's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while South Korea's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is South Korea or Cambodia better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 20.3 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cambodia offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frien...
Is South Korea or Cambodia cheaper to visit?
Cambodia is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,627.88 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Cambodia can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Korea. However, South Korea may offer bet...
Is South Korea or Cambodia better for retirement?
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cambodia 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 Cambodia more expensive to live in?
South Korea's GDP per capita is 13.8x that of Cambodia, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Cambodia offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies si...
Is South Korea or Cambodia better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Cambodia, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Cambodia covers 1. Cambodia's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...
Population Growth
South Korea, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Cambodia, 1994 to 2023