Südkorea vs China
Comprehensive comparison of economic, demographic and social indicators
Key Indicators
| Indicator | Südkorea | China | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP (nominal) | $1.88T | $18.74T | 2024 |
| GDP per capita | $36,239 | $13,303 | 2024 |
| Population | 51.8M | 1.41B | 2024 |
| GDP growth rate | 2.00% | 4.98% | 2024 |
| Inflation rate | 2.32% | 0.22% | 2024 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.68% | 4.62% | 2025 |
| Life expectancy | 83.4 years | 78.0 years | 2023 |
| Surface area (sq. km) | 100,450 km2 | 9,562,910 km2 | 2023 |
Südkorea vs China: Analysis
China has a larger economy than Südkorea, with a nominal GDP roughly 10.0 times greater based on 2024 data. Südkorea recorded a GDP of $1.88T, while China stood at $18.74T.
In terms of GDP per capita, Südkorea leads over China. Südkorea has a per capita output of $36,239, compared to $13,303 for China.
China has a larger population than Südkorea. Südkorea is home to approximately 51.8M people, while China has about 1.41B.
By surface area, China is the larger country. Südkorea covers 100,450 km2, and China spans 9,562,910 km2.
Life expectancy is higher in Südkorea: 83.4 years in Südkorea versus 78.0 years in China. Südkorea has the lower unemployment rate (Südkorea: 2.68%, China: 4.62%). Inflation stands at 2.32% in Südkorea and 0.22% in China.
These figures are drawn from World Bank Open Data and reflect the most recent available reporting year for each indicator. For historical trends and additional indicators, explore the individual country profiles on NationStat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has a larger GDP, Südkorea or China?
China has the larger GDP. Südkorea has a GDP of $1.88T (2024), while China has $18.74T (2024). Source: World Bank.
What is the population difference between Südkorea and China?
The population difference is approximately 1.36B. Südkorea has 51.8M people (2024), and China has 1.41B (2024). Source: World Bank.
Is Südkorea richer than China?
By GDP per capita, Südkorea is wealthier. Südkorea has a GDP per capita of $36,239 (2024), compared to $13,303 for China (2024). Source: World Bank.
Which country has higher life expectancy, Südkorea or China?
Südkorea has higher life expectancy. Südkorea: 83.4 years (2023), China: 78.0 years (2023). Source: World Bank.
Which country is bigger, Südkorea or China?
China is larger by area. Südkorea covers 100,450 km2, while China covers 9,562,910 km2. Source: World Bank.