Sudan vs South Korea
Sudan has a population of 51.7M, compared to South Korea's 51.2M. Sudan is 1.0 times more populous than South Korea. Economically, South Korea ($1.88T) has a GDP 37.8 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan covers 1,886,068 km², 18.8 times larger than South Korea's 100,210 km². Life expectancy in South Korea stands at 83.4 years, 17.1 years higher than Sudan's 66.3 years.
SudanSouth Korea| Population | +1.0%51.7M | -1.0%51.2M |
| Area | +1782.1%1,886,068 km² | -94.7%100,210 km² |
| GDP | -97.4%$49.7B | +3675.5%$1.88T |
| GDP Per Capita | -97.3%$984.608 | +3580.5%$36,238.64 |
| Life Expectancy | -20.5%66.3 yrs | +25.8%83.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +1604.3%39.2 | -94.1%2.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | — | 2.7% |
| Capital | Khartoum | Seoul |
| Region | Africa | Asia |
| Languages | Arabic, English | Korean |
| Currencies | SDG (ج.س) | 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
Sudan is 1.0 times more populous than South Korea, with 51.7M residents compared to 51.2M. Sudan is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while South Korea is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Sudan averages 27 people per km² (sparse), while South Korea averages 511 people per km² (dense). South Korea has grown at 0.25% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Sudan.
Economy Comparison
Sudan is classified as a low-income economy, while South Korea is classified as a high-income economy. The South Korea economy ($1.88T) is 37.8 times larger than Sudan's ($49.7B). Sudan's GDP per capita of $984.608 is 55% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. 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 36.8 times wealthier than those in Sudan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Sudan is 66.3 years, compared to 83.4 years in South Korea, a gap of 17.1 years. South Korea (83.4 years) is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Sudan (66.3 years) is 5.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 39.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, Sudan's infant mortality is 1604% higher than South Korea's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Sudan (1,886,068 km²) is 18.8 times larger by land area than South Korea (100,210 km²). Sudan shares borders with 7 countries, while South Korea borders 1 country. Sudan spans 1 timezone, compared to South Korea's 1 timezone. Sudan lies in Africa, while South Korea is located in Asia. Sudan is categorized within the Africa region (Northern Africa), whereas South Korea belongs to Asia (Eastern Asia).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Sudan and South Korea is in GDP: Sudan's $49.7B compared to South Korea's $1.88T represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and South Korea is in GDP per capita: Sudan's $984.608 compared to South Korea's $36,238.64 represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between Sudan and South Korea is in land area: Sudan's 1,886,068 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km² represents a 95% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Sudan's low-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 36.8x that of Sudan ($984.608). 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 18.6x more densely populated than Sudan (511 vs 27 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Sudan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Korea live an average of 17.1 years longer than those of Sudan (83.4 vs 66.3 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
South Korea's economy grew at 2.0% compared to Sudan's -14.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though South Korea has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Sudan's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
Sudan vs South Korea for Families
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 39.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Sudan 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.
Sudan vs South Korea for Budget Travelers
Sudan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $984.608 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sudan 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.
Sudan 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. Sudan 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.
Sudan vs South Korea Cost of Living
South Korea's GDP per capita is 36.8x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Sudan can approach or exceed average costs in South Korea's smaller cities.
Sudan vs South Korea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and South Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while South Korea covers 1. Sudan'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, Sudan or South Korea by population?
Sudan is larger by population, with 51.7M residents compared to South Korea's 51.2M. Sudan is 1.0 times more populous than South Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Sudan or South Korea?
South Korea has the higher GDP at $1.88T, compared to Sudan's $49.7B. South Korea's economy is 37.8 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Sudan and South Korea?
South Korea has a higher life expectancy at 83.4 years, compared to Sudan's 66.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 17.1 years. Sudan's life expectancy is 5.7 years below 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, Sudan or South Korea?
Sudan is larger by land area, covering 1,886,068 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km². Sudan is 18.8 times larger than South Korea.
What languages are spoken in Sudan and South Korea?
Sudan recognizes the following languages: Arabic, English. South Korea recognizes: Korean. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Sudan or South Korea?
Inflation data is not available for Sudan. South Korea's inflation rate is 2.3%.
Is Sudan or South Korea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 39.2 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Sudan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Sudan or South Korea cheaper to visit?
Sudan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $984.608 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Sudan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Korea. However, South Korea may offer better val...
Is Sudan 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. Sudan 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 Sudan or South Korea more expensive to live in?
South Korea's GDP per capita is 36.8x that of Sudan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Sudan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signific...
Is Sudan or South Korea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Sudan and South Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Sudan spans 1 timezone while South Korea covers 1. Sudan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...