South Korea vs Benin
South Korea has a population of 51.2M, compared to Benin's 13.2M. South Korea is 3.9 times more populous than Benin. Economically, South Korea ($1.88T) has a GDP 87.3 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). Benin covers 112,622 km², 1.1 times larger than South Korea's 100,210 km². Life expectancy in South Korea stands at 83.4 years, 22.7 years higher than Benin's 60.8 years.
South KoreaBenin| Population | +286.8%51.2M | -74.1%13.2M |
| Area | -11.0%100,210 km² | +12.4%112,622 km² |
| GDP | +8629.8%$1.88T | -98.9%$21.5B |
| GDP Per Capita | +2339.7%$36,238.64 | -95.9%$1,485.38 |
| Life Expectancy | +37.3%83.4 yrs | -27.2%60.8 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -95.0%2.3 | +1917.4%46.4 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | +68.8%2.7% | -40.8%1.6% |
| Capital | Seoul | Porto-Novo |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Korean | French |
| Currencies | KRW (₩) | XOF (Fr) |
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 3.9 times more populous than Benin, with 51.2M residents compared to 13.2M. South Korea is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while Benin is a nation of 13.2M people. In terms of population density, South Korea averages 511 people per km² (dense), while Benin averages 117 people per km² (moderate). South Korea has grown at 0.25% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Benin.
Economy Comparison
South Korea is classified as a high-income economy, while Benin is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The South Korea economy ($1.88T) is 87.3 times larger than Benin's ($21.5B). South Korea's GDP per capita of $36,238.64 is 224% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Benin's GDP per capita of $1,485.38 is 32% below the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of South Korea are on average 24.4 times wealthier than those in Benin.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Korea is 83.4 years, compared to 60.8 years in Benin, a gap of 22.7 years. South Korea (83.4 years) is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin (60.8 years) is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years. At 46.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, Benin's infant mortality is 1917% higher than South Korea's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
Benin (112,622 km²) is 1.1 times larger by land area than South Korea (100,210 km²). South Korea shares borders with 1 country, while Benin borders 4 countries. South Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to Benin's 1 timezone. South Korea lies in Asia, while Benin is located in Africa. South Korea is categorized within the Asia region (Eastern Asia), whereas Benin belongs to Africa (Western Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Korea and Benin is in GDP: South Korea's $1.88T compared to Benin's $21.5B represents a 99% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Benin is in GDP per capita: South Korea's $36,238.64 compared to Benin's $1,485.38 represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and Benin is in infant mortality: South Korea's 2.3 per 1,000 compared to Benin's 46.4 per 1,000 represents a 95% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Korea's high-income economy and Benin's lower-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 24.4x that of Benin ($1,485.38). 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 4.3x more densely populated than Benin (511 vs 117 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Benin's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Korea live an average of 22.7 years longer than those of Benin (83.4 vs 60.8 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
Benin's economy grew at 7.5% compared to South Korea's 2.0%. Benin's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Travel Comparison
South Korea vs Benin for Families
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin 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 Benin for Budget Travelers
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin 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 Benin for Retirees
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin 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 Benin Cost of Living
South Korea's GDP per capita is 24.4x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Benin can approach or exceed average costs in South Korea's smaller cities.
South Korea vs Benin for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin'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 Benin by population?
South Korea is larger by population, with 51.2M residents compared to Benin's 13.2M. South Korea is 3.9 times more populous than Benin.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Korea or Benin?
South Korea has the higher GDP at $1.88T, compared to Benin's $21.5B. South Korea's economy is 87.3 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Korea and Benin?
South Korea has a higher life expectancy at 83.4 years, compared to Benin's 60.8 years. The gap between the two countries is 22.7 years. South Korea's life expectancy is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while Benin's is 11.2 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Korea or Benin?
Benin is larger by land area, covering 112,622 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km². Benin is 1.1 times larger than South Korea.
What languages are spoken in South Korea and Benin?
South Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. Benin recognizes: French. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Korea or Benin?
Benin has lower inflation at 1.2%, compared to South Korea's 2.3%. Benin's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while South Korea's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.
Is South Korea or Benin better for a family holiday?
For family travel, South Korea generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (2.3 vs 46.4 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Benin offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is South Korea or Benin cheaper to visit?
Benin is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $1,485.38 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Benin can expect to spend significantly less per day than in South Korea. However, South Korea may offer better va...
Is South Korea or Benin better for retirement?
South Korea's life expectancy of 83.4 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Benin may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, cli...
Is South Korea or Benin more expensive to live in?
South Korea's GDP per capita is 24.4x that of Benin, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in South Korea, while Benin offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies signific...
Is South Korea or Benin better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between South Korea and Benin, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. South Korea spans 1 timezone while Benin covers 1. Benin's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote in...