South Korea vs Guatemala
South Korea has a population of 51.2M, compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. South Korea is 2.8 times more populous than Guatemala. Economically, South Korea ($1.88T) has a GDP 16.6 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). Guatemala covers 108,889 km², 1.1 times larger than South Korea's 100,210 km². Life expectancy in South Korea stands at 83.4 years, 10.8 years higher than Guatemala's 72.6 years.
South KoreaGuatemala| Population | +183.0%51.2M | -64.7%18.1M |
| Area | -8.0%100,210 km² | +8.7%108,889 km² |
| GDP | +1556.7%$1.88T | -94.0%$113.2B |
| GDP Per Capita | +489.2%$36,238.64 | -83.0%$6,150.026 |
| Life Expectancy | +14.9%83.4 yrs | -13.0%72.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -87.2%2.3 | +678.3%17.9 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +3.0%2.7% | -2.9%2.6% |
| Capital | Seoul | Guatemala City |
| Region | Asia | Americas |
| Languages | Korean | Spanish |
| Currencies | KRW (₩) | GTQ (Q) |
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 2.8 times more populous than Guatemala, with 51.2M residents compared to 18.1M. South Korea is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Guatemala is a nation of 18.1M people. In terms of population density, South Korea averages 511 people per km² (dense), while Guatemala averages 166 people per km² (moderate). While South Korea has grown at 0.25% annually over the past decade, Guatemala has grown at 1.65% per year over the same period.
Economy Comparison
South Korea is classified as a high-income economy, while Guatemala is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. The South Korea economy ($1.88T) is 16.6 times larger than Guatemala's ($113.2B). South Korea's GDP per capita of $36,238.64 is 224% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Guatemala's GDP per capita of $6,150.026 is 54% below the regional average of 13,500 for Americas. On a per-capita basis, residents of South Korea are on average 5.9 times wealthier than those in Guatemala.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Korea is 83.4 years, compared to 72.6 years in Guatemala, a gap of 10.8 years. South Korea (83.4 years) is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala (72.6 years) is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years. At 17.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, Guatemala's infant mortality is 678% higher than South Korea's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Guatemala (108,889 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than South Korea (100,210 km²). South Korea shares borders with 1 country, while Guatemala borders 4 countries. South Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to Guatemala's 1 timezone. South Korea lies in Asia, while Guatemala is located in North America. South Korea is categorized within the Asia region (Eastern Asia), whereas Guatemala belongs to Americas (Central America).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Korea and Guatemala is in GDP: South Korea's $1.88T compared to Guatemala's $113.2B represents a 94% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Guatemala is in infant mortality: South Korea's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Guatemala's 17.9 per 1,000 represents a 87% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Guatemala is in GDP per capita: South Korea's $36,238.64 compared to Guatemala's $6,150.026 represents a 83% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Korea's high-income economy and Guatemala'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 5.9x that of Guatemala ($6,150.026). 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 3.1x more densely populated than Guatemala (511 vs 166 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Guatemala's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Korea live an average of 10.8 years longer than those of Guatemala (83.4 vs 72.6 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
Guatemala's economy grew at 3.7% compared to South Korea's 2.0%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Guatemala has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
South Korea vs Guatemala for Families
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala 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 Guatemala for Budget Travelers
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala 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 Guatemala for Retirees
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala 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 Guatemala Cost of Living
South Korea's GDP per capita is 5.9x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Guatemala can approach or exceed average costs in South Korea's smaller cities.
South Korea vs Guatemala for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Guatemala'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 Guatemala by population?
South Korea is larger by population, with 51.2M residents compared to Guatemala's 18.1M. South Korea is 2.8 times more populous than Guatemala.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Korea or Guatemala?
South Korea has the higher GDP at $1.88T, compared to Guatemala's $113.2B. South Korea's economy is 16.6 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Korea and Guatemala?
South Korea has a higher life expectancy at 83.4 years, compared to Guatemala's 72.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 10.8 years. South Korea's life expectancy is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Guatemala's is 0.6 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Korea or Guatemala?
Guatemala is larger by land area, covering 108,889 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km². Guatemala is 1.1 times larger than South Korea.
What languages are spoken in South Korea and Guatemala?
South Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. Guatemala recognizes: Spanish. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Korea or Guatemala?
South Korea has lower inflation at 2.3%, compared to Guatemala's 2.9%. South Korea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Guatemala's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is South Korea or Guatemala better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 17.9 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Guatemala offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-frie...
Is South Korea or Guatemala cheaper to visit?
Guatemala is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $6,150.026 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Guatemala can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Korea. However, South Korea may offer ...
Is South Korea or Guatemala better for retirement?
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Guatemala may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access,...
Is South Korea or Guatemala more expensive to live in?
South Korea's GDP per capita is 5.9x that of Guatemala, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Guatemala offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies s...
Is South Korea or Guatemala better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Guatemala, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Guatemala covers 1. Guatemala's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretchi...