South KoreaCuba
South Korea has a population of 51.2M, compared to Cuba's 9.7M. South Korea is 5.2 times more populous than Cuba. Cuba covers 109,884 km², 1.1 times larger than South Korea's 100,210 km². Life expectancy in South Korea stands at 83.4 years, 5.3 years higher than Cuba's 78.1 years.
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South Korea wins
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Cuba wins
Metric
South KoreaCuba| Population | 51.2M | 9.7M |
| Area | 100,210 km² | 109,884 km² |
| GDP | $1.88T | — |
| GDP Per Capita | $36,238.64 | — |
| Life Expectancy | 83.4 yrs | 78.1 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | 2.3 | 6.6 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | 2.7% | 1.7% |
| Capital | Seoul | Havana |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Korean | Spanish |
| Currencies | KRW (₩) | CUC ($), CUP ($) |
Last updated: April 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 5.2 times more populous than Cuba, with 51.2M residents compared to 9.7M. South Korea is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Cuba is a nation of 9.7M people. In terms of population density, South Korea averages 511 people per km² (dense), while Cuba averages 89 people per km² (moderate). While South Korea has grown at 0.25% annually over the past decade, Cuba has grown at -0.25% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
South Korea is classified as a high-income economy, while Cuba is classified as a low-income economy. South Korea's GDP stands at $1.88T. GDP data is not available for Cuba. 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 Cuba.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Korea is 83.4 years, compared to 78.1 years in Cuba, a gap of 5.3 years. South Korea (83.4 years) is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba (78.1 years) is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years. At 6.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, Cuba's infant mortality is 187% higher than South Korea's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Cuba (109,884 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than South Korea (100,210 km²). South Korea shares borders with 1 country, while Cuba borders 0 countries. South Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to Cuba's 1 timezone. South Korea lies in Asia, while Cuba is located in North America. South Korea is categorized within the Asia region (Eastern Asia), whereas Cuba belongs to Americas (Caribbean).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Korea and Cuba is in population: South Korea's 51.2M compared to Cuba's 9.7M represents a 81% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Cuba is in infant mortality: South Korea's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Cuba's 6.6 per 1,000 represents a 65% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Cuba is in land area: South Korea's 100,210 km² compared to Cuba's 109,884 km² represents a 9% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Korea's high-income economy and Cuba's low-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
South Korea is 5.8x more densely populated than Cuba (511 vs 89 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Cuba's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Korea live an average of 5.3 years longer than those of Cuba (83.4 vs 78.1 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 Cuba's -1.1%. Both countries show healthy growth, though South Korea has a modest edge in economic dynamism. Cuba's negative growth indicates economic contraction.
Travel Comparison
South Korea vs Cuba for Families
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 6.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cuba 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 Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba 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 Cuba for Retirees
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cuba 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 Cuba for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Cuba 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 Cuba by population?
South Korea is larger by population, with 51.2M residents compared to Cuba's 9.7M. South Korea is 5.2 times more populous than Cuba.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Korea or Cuba?
GDP data is not available for Cuba. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between South Korea and Cuba?
South Korea has a higher life expectancy at 83.4 years, compared to Cuba's 78.1 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.3 years. South Korea's life expectancy is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Cuba's is 6.1 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Korea or Cuba?
Cuba is larger by land area, covering 109,884 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km². Cuba is 1.1 times larger than South Korea.
What languages are spoken in South Korea and Cuba?
South Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. Cuba recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Korea or Cuba?
Inflation data is not available for Cuba. South Korea's inflation rate is 2.3%.
Is South Korea or Cuba better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 6.6 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Cuba offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly a...
Is South Korea or Cuba 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 Cuba. However, Cuba may offer better val...
Is South Korea or Cuba better for retirement?
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Cuba may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is South Korea or Cuba better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Cuba, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Cuba covers 1. Cost of living varies by city in both countries. Both countries have growin...
Population Growth
South Korea, 1994 to 2023
Population Growth
Cuba, 1994 to 2023