South Korea vs Brazil
South Korea has a population of 51.2M, compared to Brazil's 213.4M. Brazil is 4.2 times more populous than South Korea. Economically, Brazil ($2.19T) has a GDP 1.2 times larger than South Korea's ($1.88T). Brazil covers 8,515,767 km², 85.0 times larger than South Korea's 100,210 km². Life expectancy in South Korea stands at 83.4 years, 7.6 years higher than Brazil's 75.8 years.
South KoreaBrazil| Population | -76.0%51.2M | +317.2%213.4M |
| Area | -98.8%100,210 km² | +8397.9%8,515,767 km² |
| GDP | -14.2%$1.88T | +16.6%$2.19T |
| GDP Per Capita | +251.5%$36,238.64 | -71.5%$10,310.549 |
| Life Expectancy | +10.0%83.4 yrs | -9.1%75.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -81.6%2.3 | +443.5%12.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -55.1%2.7% | +122.5%6.0% |
| Capital | Seoul | Brasília |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Korean | Portuguese |
| Currencies | KRW (₩) | BRL (R$) |
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
Brazil is 4.2 times more populous than South Korea, with 213.4M residents compared to 51.2M. South Korea is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Brazil is among the world's 15 most populous countries. In terms of population density, South Korea averages 511 people per km² (dense), while Brazil averages 25 people per km² (sparse). While South Korea has grown at 0.25% annually over the past decade, Brazil has grown at 0.62% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
South Korea is classified as a high-income economy, while Brazil is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The Brazil economy ($2.19T) is 1.2 times larger than South Korea's ($1.88T). South Korea's GDP per capita of $36,238.64 is 224% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Brazil's GDP per capita of $10,310.549 is 24% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of South Korea are on average 3.5 times wealthier than those in Brazil.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Korea is 83.4 years, compared to 75.8 years in Brazil, a gap of 7.6 years. South Korea (83.4 years) is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Brazil (75.8 years) is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years. At 12.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Brazil's infant mortality is 443% higher than South Korea's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Brazil (8,515,767 km²) is 85.0 times larger by land area than South Korea (100,210 km²). South Korea shares borders with 1 country, while Brazil borders 10 countries. South Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to Brazil's 4 timezones. South Korea lies in Asia, while Brazil is located in South America. South Korea is categorized within the Asia region (Eastern Asia), whereas Brazil belongs to Americas (South America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Korea and Brazil is in land area: South Korea's 100,210 km² compared to Brazil's 8,515,767 km² represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Brazil is in infant mortality: South Korea's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Brazil's 12.5 per 1,000 represents a 82% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Brazil is in population: South Korea's 51.2M compared to Brazil's 213.4M represents a 76% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Korea's high-income economy and Brazil's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
South Korea has a GDP per capita of $36,238.64, which is 3.5x that of Brazil ($10,310.549). 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 20.4x more densely populated than Brazil (511 vs 25 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Brazil's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Korea live an average of 7.6 years longer than those of Brazil (83.4 vs 75.8 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
Brazil's economy grew at 3.4% compared to South Korea's 2.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Brazil has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
South Korea vs Brazil for Families
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 12.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Brazil 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 Brazil for Budget Travelers
Brazil is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,310.549 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Brazil 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.
South Korea vs Brazil for Retirees
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Brazil 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 Brazil Cost of Living
South Korea's GDP per capita is 3.5x that of Brazil, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Brazil offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Brazil can approach or exceed average costs in South Korea's smaller cities.
South Korea vs Brazil for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. Brazil'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, South Korea or Brazil by population?
Brazil is larger by population, with 213.4M residents compared to South Korea's 51.2M. Brazil is 4.2 times more populous than South Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Korea or Brazil?
Brazil has the higher GDP at $2.19T, compared to South Korea's $1.88T. Brazil's economy is 1.2 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Korea and Brazil?
South Korea has a higher life expectancy at 83.4 years, compared to Brazil's 75.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 7.6 years. South Korea's life expectancy is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Brazil's is 3.8 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Korea or Brazil?
Brazil is larger by land area, covering 8,515,767 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km². Brazil is 85.0 times larger than South Korea.
What languages are spoken in South Korea and Brazil?
South Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. Brazil recognizes: Portuguese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Korea or Brazil?
South Korea has lower inflation at 2.3%, compared to Brazil's 4.4%. South Korea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Brazil's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.
Is South Korea or Brazil better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 12.5 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Brazil offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendl...
Is South Korea or Brazil cheaper to visit?
Brazil is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $10,310.549 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Brazil can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Korea. However, South Korea may offer bette...
Is South Korea or Brazil better for retirement?
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Brazil may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cl...
Is South Korea or Brazil more expensive to live in?
South Korea's GDP per capita is 3.5x that of Brazil, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Brazil offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signifi...
Is South Korea or Brazil better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Brazil, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Brazil covers 4. Brazil's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote...