South KoreaYemen
South Korea has a population of 51.2M, compared to Yemen's 32.7M. South Korea is 1.6 times more populous than Yemen. Yemen covers 527,968 km², 5.3 times larger than South Korea's 100,210 km². Life expectancy in South Korea stands at 83.4 years, 14.1 years higher than Yemen's 69.3 years.
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South Korea wins
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Yemen wins
Metric
South KoreaYemen| Population | 51.2M | 32.7M |
| Area | 100,210 km² | 527,968 km² |
| GDP | $1.88T | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $36,238.64 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 83.4 yrs | 69.3 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 2.3 | 34.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.7% | 17.3% |
| Capital | Seoul | Sana'a |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Korean | Arabic |
| Currencies | KRW (₩) | YER (﷼) |
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 1.6 times more populous than Yemen, with 51.2M residents compared to 32.7M. South Korea is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Yemen is a nation of 32.7M people. In terms of population density, South Korea averages 511 people per km² (dense), while Yemen averages 62 people per km² (moderate). While South Korea has grown at 0.25% annually over the past decade, Yemen has grown at 3.00% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
South Korea is classified as a high-income economy, while Yemen is classified as a low-income economy. South Korea's GDP stands at $1.88T. GDP data is not available for Yemen. 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 Yemen.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Korea is 83.4 years, compared to 69.3 years in Yemen, a gap of 14.1 years. South Korea (83.4 years) is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Yemen (69.3 years) is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Yemen's infant mortality is 1409% higher than South Korea's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Yemen (527,968 km²) is 5.3 times larger by land area than South Korea (100,210 km²). South Korea shares borders with 1 country, while Yemen borders 2 countries. South Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to Yemen's 1 timezone. Both South Korea and Yemen are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Asia and Western Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Korea and Yemen is in infant mortality: South Korea's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Yemen's 34.7 per 1,000 represents a 93% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Yemen is in land area: South Korea's 100,210 km² compared to Yemen's 527,968 km² represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Yemen is in population: South Korea's 51.2M compared to Yemen's 32.7M represents a 36% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Korea's high-income economy and Yemen's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
South Korea is 8.2x more densely populated than Yemen (511 vs 62 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Yemen's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Korea live an average of 14.1 years longer than those of Yemen (83.4 vs 69.3 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.
Travel Comparison
South Korea vs Yemen for Families
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Yemen 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 Yemen 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 Yemen. However, Yemen 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 Yemen for Retirees
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Yemen 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 Yemen for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Yemen, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Yemen 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 Yemen by population?
South Korea is larger by population, with 51.2M residents compared to Yemen's 32.7M. South Korea is 1.6 times more populous than Yemen.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Korea or Yemen?
GDP data is not available for Yemen. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between South Korea and Yemen?
South Korea has a higher life expectancy at 83.4 years, compared to Yemen's 69.3 years. The gap between the two countries is 14.1 years. South Korea's life expectancy is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Yemen's is 2.7 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Korea or Yemen?
Yemen is larger by land area, covering 527,968 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km². Yemen is 5.3 times larger than South Korea.
What languages are spoken in South Korea and Yemen?
South Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. Yemen recognizes: Arabic. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Korea or Yemen?
Inflation data is not available for Yemen. South Korea's inflation rate is 2.3%.
Is South Korea or Yemen better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Yemen offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is South Korea or Yemen 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 Yemen. However, Yemen may offer better v...
Is South Korea or Yemen better for retirement?
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Yemen 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 Yemen better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Yemen, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Yemen covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have grow...
Population Growth
South Korea, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Yemen, 1994 to 2023