Pakistan vs South Korea
Pakistan has a population of 241.5M, compared to South Korea's 51.2M. Pakistan is 4.7 times more populous than South Korea. Economically, South Korea ($1.88T) has a GDP 5.0 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Pakistan covers 796,095 km², 7.9 times larger than South Korea's 100,210 km². Life expectancy in South Korea stands at 83.4 years, 15.8 years higher than Pakistan's 67.6 years.
PakistanSouth Korea| Population | +372.0%241.5M | -78.8%51.2M |
| Area | +694.4%796,095 km² | -87.4%100,210 km² |
| GDP | -80.2%$371.6B | +404.7%$1.88T |
| GDP Per Capita | -95.9%$1,478.773 | +2350.6%$36,238.64 |
| Life Expectancy | -18.9%67.6 yrs | +23.3%83.4 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +2078.3%50.1 | -95.4%2.3 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +102.0%5.4% | -50.5%2.7% |
| Capital | Islamabad | Seoul |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | English, Urdu | Korean |
| Currencies | PKR (₨) | 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
Pakistan is 4.7 times more populous than South Korea, with 241.5M residents compared to 51.2M. Pakistan 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, Pakistan averages 303 people per km² (dense), 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 Pakistan.
Economy Comparison
Pakistan is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while South Korea is classified as a high-income economy. The South Korea economy ($1.88T) is 5.0 times larger than Pakistan's ($371.6B). Pakistan's GDP per capita of $1,478.773 is 87% 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 24.5 times wealthier than those in Pakistan.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Pakistan is 67.6 years, compared to 83.4 years in South Korea, a gap of 15.8 years. South Korea (83.4 years) is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Pakistan (67.6 years) is 4.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 50.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, Pakistan's infant mortality is 2078% higher than South Korea's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Pakistan (796,095 km²) is 7.9 times larger by land area than South Korea (100,210 km²). Pakistan shares borders with 4 countries, while South Korea borders 1 country. Pakistan spans 1 timezone, compared to South Korea's 1 timezone. Both Pakistan and South Korea are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Pakistan and South Korea is in GDP per capita: Pakistan's $1,478.773 compared to South Korea's $36,238.64 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and South Korea is in infant mortality: Pakistan's 50.1 per 1,000 compared to South Korea's 2.3 per 1,000 represents a 95% gap. The most significant difference between Pakistan and South Korea is in land area: Pakistan's 796,095 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km² represents a 87% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Pakistan's lower-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 24.5x that of Pakistan ($1,478.773). 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 Pakistan (511 vs 303 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Pakistan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Korea live an average of 15.8 years longer than those of Pakistan (83.4 vs 67.6 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
Pakistan's economy grew at 3.0% compared to South Korea's 2.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Pakistan has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Pakistan vs South Korea for Families
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan 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.
Pakistan vs South Korea for Budget Travelers
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan 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.
Pakistan 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. Pakistan 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.
Pakistan vs South Korea Cost of Living
South Korea's GDP per capita is 24.5x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Pakistan can approach or exceed average costs in South Korea's smaller cities.
Pakistan vs South Korea for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and South Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while South Korea covers 1. Pakistan'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, Pakistan or South Korea by population?
Pakistan is larger by population, with 241.5M residents compared to South Korea's 51.2M. Pakistan is 4.7 times more populous than South Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, Pakistan or South Korea?
South Korea has the higher GDP at $1.88T, compared to Pakistan's $371.6B. South Korea's economy is 5.0 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Pakistan and South Korea?
South Korea has a higher life expectancy at 83.4 years, compared to Pakistan's 67.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 15.8 years. Pakistan's life expectancy is 4.4 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, Pakistan or South Korea?
Pakistan is larger by land area, covering 796,095 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km². Pakistan is 7.9 times larger than South Korea.
What languages are spoken in Pakistan and South Korea?
Pakistan recognizes the following languages: English, Urdu. South Korea recognizes: Korean. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Pakistan or South Korea?
South Korea has lower inflation at 2.3%, compared to Pakistan's 12.6%. South Korea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Pakistan's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.6 times the global median.
Is Pakistan or South Korea better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 50.1 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Pakistan offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frien...
Is Pakistan or South Korea cheaper to visit?
Pakistan is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,478.773 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Pakistan can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Korea. However, South Korea may offer be...
Is Pakistan 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. Pakistan may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, ...
Is Pakistan or South Korea more expensive to live in?
South Korea's GDP per capita is 24.5x that of Pakistan, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Pakistan offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies si...
Is Pakistan or South Korea better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Pakistan and South Korea, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Pakistan spans 1 timezone while South Korea covers 1. Pakistan's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching ...