Vietnam vs South Korea
Vietnam has a population of 101.3M, compared to South Korea's 51.2M. Vietnam is 2.0 times more populous than South Korea. Economically, South Korea ($1.88T) has a GDP 3.9 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Vietnam covers 331,212 km², 3.3 times larger than South Korea's 100,210 km². Life expectancy in South Korea stands at 83.4 years, 8.8 years higher than Vietnam's 74.6 years.
VietnamSouth Korea| Population | +98.1%101.3M | -49.5%51.2M |
| Area | +230.5%331,212 km² | -69.7%100,210 km² |
| GDP | -74.6%$476.4B | +293.7%$1.88T |
| GDP Per Capita | -87.0%$4,717.29 | +668.2%$36,238.64 |
| Life Expectancy | -10.6%74.6 yrs | +11.9%83.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +508.7%14.0 | -83.6%2.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -43.2%1.5% | +76.2%2.7% |
| Capital | Hanoi | Seoul |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Vietnamese | Korean |
| Currencies | VND (₫) | 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
Vietnam is 2.0 times more populous than South Korea, with 101.3M residents compared to 51.2M. Vietnam is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while South Korea is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Vietnam averages 306 people per km² (dense), while South Korea averages 511 people per km² (dense). While Vietnam has grown at 1.03% annually over the past decade, South Korea has grown at 0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
Vietnam is classified as a upper-middle-income economy, while South Korea is classified as a high-income economy. The South Korea economy ($1.88T) is 3.9 times larger than Vietnam's ($476.4B). Vietnam's GDP per capita of $4,717.29 is 58% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. 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 7.7 times wealthier than those in Vietnam.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Vietnam is 74.6 years, compared to 83.4 years in South Korea, a gap of 8.8 years. South Korea (83.4 years) is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Vietnam (74.6 years) is 2.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 14.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, Vietnam's infant mortality is 509% higher than South Korea's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Vietnam (331,212 km²) is 3.3 times larger by land area than South Korea (100,210 km²). Vietnam shares borders with 3 countries, while South Korea borders 1 country. Vietnam spans 1 timezone, compared to South Korea's 1 timezone. Both Vietnam and South Korea are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: South-Eastern Asia and Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Vietnam and South Korea is in GDP per capita: Vietnam's $4,717.29 compared to South Korea's $36,238.64 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and South Korea is in infant mortality: Vietnam's 14.0 per 1,000 compared to South Korea's 2.3 per 1,000 represents a 84% gap. The most significant difference between Vietnam and South Korea is in GDP: Vietnam's $476.4B compared to South Korea's $1.88T represents a 75% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Vietnam's upper-middle-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 7.7x that of Vietnam ($4,717.29). 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 Vietnam (511 vs 306 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Vietnam's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Korea live an average of 8.8 years longer than those of Vietnam (83.4 vs 74.6 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
Vietnam's economy grew at 7.1% compared to South Korea's 2.0%. Vietnam's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
Vietnam vs South Korea for Families
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 14.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Vietnam 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.
Vietnam vs South Korea for Budget Travelers
Vietnam is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,717.29 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Vietnam 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.
Vietnam 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. Vietnam 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.
Vietnam vs South Korea Cost of Living
South Korea's GDP per capita is 7.7x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Vietnam can approach or exceed average costs in South Korea's smaller cities.
Vietnam vs South Korea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and South Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while South Korea covers 1. Vietnam'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, Vietnam or South Korea by population?
Vietnam is larger by population, with 101.3M residents compared to South Korea's 51.2M. Vietnam is 2.0 times more populous than South Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Vietnam or South Korea?
South Korea has the higher GDP at $1.88T, compared to Vietnam's $476.4B. South Korea's economy is 3.9 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Vietnam and South Korea?
South Korea has a higher life expectancy at 83.4 years, compared to Vietnam's 74.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 8.8 years. Vietnam's life expectancy is 2.6 years above 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, Vietnam or South Korea?
Vietnam is larger by land area, covering 331,212 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km². Vietnam is 3.3 times larger than South Korea.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam and South Korea?
Vietnam recognizes the following official language: Vietnamese. South Korea recognizes: Korean. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Vietnam or South Korea?
South Korea has lower inflation at 2.3%, compared to Vietnam's 3.6%. South Korea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Vietnam's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is Vietnam or South Korea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 14.0 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Vietnam offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friend...
Is Vietnam or South Korea cheaper to visit?
Vietnam is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $4,717.29 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Vietnam can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Korea. However, South Korea may offer bette...
Is Vietnam 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. Vietnam may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, c...
Is Vietnam or South Korea more expensive to live in?
South Korea's GDP per capita is 7.7x that of Vietnam, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Vietnam offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signi...
Is Vietnam or South Korea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Vietnam and South Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Vietnam spans 1 timezone while South Korea covers 1. Vietnam's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching rem...