South Korea vs North Korea
South Korea has a population of 51.2M, compared to North Korea's 25.9M. South Korea is 2.0 times more populous than North Korea. North Korea covers 120,538 km², 1.2 times larger than South Korea's 100,210 km². Life expectancy in South Korea stands at 83.4 years, 9.8 years higher than North Korea's 73.6 years.
South KoreaNorth Korea| Population | +97.1%51.2M | -49.3%25.9M |
| Area | -16.9%100,210 km² | +20.3%120,538 km² |
| GDP | $1.88T | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $36,238.64 | — |
| Life Expectancy | +13.3%83.4 yrs | -11.7%73.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -84.1%2.3 | +530.4%14.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -24.3%2.7% | +32.1%3.5% |
| Capital | Seoul | Pyongyang |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Korean | Korean |
| Currencies | KRW (₩) | KPW (₩) |
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 2.0 times more populous than North Korea, with 51.2M residents compared to 25.9M. South Korea is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while North Korea is a nation of 25.9M people. In terms of population density, South Korea averages 511 people per km² (dense), while North Korea averages 215 people per km² (dense). While South Korea has grown at 0.25% annually over the past decade, North Korea has grown at 0.42% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
South Korea is classified as a high-income economy, while North Korea is classified as a low-income economy. South Korea's GDP stands at $1.88T. GDP data is not available for North Korea. South Korea's GDP per capita of $36,238.64 is 224% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Economic indicator data is not available for North Korea.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Korea is 83.4 years, compared to 73.6 years in North Korea, a gap of 9.8 years. South Korea (83.4 years) is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while North Korea (73.6 years) is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 14.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, North Korea's infant mortality is 530% higher than South Korea's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
North Korea (120,538 km²) is 1.2 times larger by land area than South Korea (100,210 km²). South Korea shares borders with 1 country, while North Korea borders 3 countries. South Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to North Korea's 1 timezone. Both South Korea and North Korea are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Asia and Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Korea and North Korea is in infant mortality: South Korea's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to North Korea's 14.5 per 1,000 represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and North Korea is in population: South Korea's 51.2M compared to North Korea's 25.9M represents a 49% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and North Korea is in land area: South Korea's 100,210 km² compared to North Korea's 120,538 km² represents a 17% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Korea's high-income economy and North Korea's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
South Korea is 2.4x more densely populated than North Korea (511 vs 215 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. North Korea's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Korea live an average of 9.8 years longer than those of North Korea (83.4 vs 73.6 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.
Travel Comparison
South Korea vs North Korea for Families
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 14.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. North Korea 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 North Korea for Budget Travelers
South Korea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $36,238.64 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in South Korea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in North Korea. However, North 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 North Korea for Retirees
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. North Korea 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 North Korea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. 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 North Korea by population?
South Korea is larger by population, with 51.2M residents compared to North Korea's 25.9M. South Korea is 2.0 times more populous than North Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Korea or North Korea?
GDP data is not available for North Korea. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between South Korea and North Korea?
South Korea has a higher life expectancy at 83.4 years, compared to North Korea's 73.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 9.8 years. South Korea's life expectancy is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while North Korea's is 1.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Korea or North Korea?
North Korea is larger by land area, covering 120,538 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km². North Korea is 1.2 times larger than South Korea.
What languages are spoken in South Korea and North Korea?
South Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. North Korea recognizes: Korean. Both countries share at least one common language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Korea or North Korea?
Inflation data is not available for North Korea. South Korea's inflation rate is 2.3%.
Is South Korea or North Korea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 14.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. North Korea offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-fr...
Is South Korea or North Korea cheaper to visit?
South Korea is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $36,238.64 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in South Korea can expect to spend significantly less per day than in North Korea. However, North Korea may of...
Is South Korea or North Korea better for retirement?
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. North Korea may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare acces...
Is South Korea or North Korea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and North Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while North Korea covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countri...