South Korea vs India
South Korea has a population of 51.2M, compared to India's 1.42B. India is 27.7 times more populous than South Korea. Economically, India ($3.91T) has a GDP 2.1 times larger than South Korea's ($1.88T). India covers 3,287,263 km², 32.8 times larger than South Korea's 100,210 km². Life expectancy in South Korea stands at 83.4 years, 11.4 years higher than India's 72.0 years.
South KoreaIndia| Population | -96.4%51.2M | +2670.7%1.42B |
| Area | -97.0%100,210 km² | +3180.4%3,287,263 km² |
| GDP | -52.0%$1.88T | +108.5%$3.91T |
| GDP Per Capita | +1244.8%$36,238.64 | -92.6%$2,694.738 |
| Life Expectancy | +15.9%83.4 yrs | -13.7%72.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -90.6%2.3 | +965.2%24.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -36.4%2.7% | +57.2%4.2% |
| Capital | Seoul | New Delhi |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Korean | English, Hindi, Tamil |
| Currencies | KRW (₩) | INR (₹) |
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
India is 27.7 times more populous than South Korea, with 1.42B residents compared to 51.2M. South Korea is among the world's 30 most populous countries, while India is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion. In terms of population density, South Korea averages 511 people per km² (dense), while India averages 431 people per km² (dense). South Korea has grown at 0.25% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for India.
Economy Comparison
South Korea is classified as a high-income economy, while India is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The India economy ($3.91T) is 2.1 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. India's GDP per capita of $2,694.738 is 76% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. On a per-capita basis, residents of South Korea are on average 13.4 times wealthier than those in India.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in South Korea is 83.4 years, compared to 72.0 years in India, a gap of 11.4 years. South Korea (83.4 years) is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while India (72.0 years) is at the global average of 72 years. At 24.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, India's infant mortality is 965% higher than South Korea's 2.3.
Geographic Comparison
India (3,287,263 km²) is 32.8 times larger by land area than South Korea (100,210 km²). South Korea shares borders with 1 country, while India borders 6 countries. South Korea spans 1 timezone, compared to India's 1 timezone. Both South Korea and India are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Eastern Asia and Southern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between South Korea and India is in land area: South Korea's 100,210 km² compared to India's 3,287,263 km² represents a 97% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and India is in population: South Korea's 51.2M compared to India's 1.42B represents a 96% gap. The most significant difference between South Korea and India is in GDP per capita: South Korea's $36,238.64 compared to India's $2,694.738 represents a 93% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between South Korea's high-income economy and India'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 13.4x that of India ($2,694.738). 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 1.2x more densely populated than India (511 vs 431 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. India's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of South Korea live an average of 11.4 years longer than those of India (83.4 vs 72.0 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
India's economy grew at 6.5% compared to South Korea's 2.0%. India's high growth rate suggests a rapidly developing economy with expanding opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, South Korea or India by population?
India is larger by population, with 1.42B residents compared to South Korea's 51.2M. India is 27.7 times more populous than South Korea.
Which country has a higher GDP, South Korea or India?
India has the higher GDP at $3.91T, compared to South Korea's $1.88T. India's economy is 2.1 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between South Korea and India?
South Korea has a higher life expectancy at 83.4 years, compared to India's 72.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.4 years. South Korea's life expectancy is 11.4 years above the global average of 72 years, while India's is at the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, South Korea or India?
India is larger by land area, covering 3,287,263 km² compared to South Korea's 100,210 km². India is 32.8 times larger than South Korea.
What languages are spoken in South Korea and India?
South Korea recognizes the following official language: Korean. India recognizes: English, Hindi, Tamil. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, South Korea or India?
South Korea has lower inflation at 2.3%, compared to India's 5.0%. South Korea's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while India's rate is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%.