Corea del Sur vs Japón

Comprehensive comparison of economic, demographic and social indicators

Key Indicators

IndicatorCorea del SurJapónYear
GDP (nominal)$1.88T$4.03T2024
GDP per capita$36,239$32,4872024
Population51.8M124.0M2024
GDP growth rate2.00%0.10%2024
Inflation rate2.32%2.74%2024
Unemployment rate2.68%2.45%2025
Life expectancy83.4 years84.0 years2023
Surface area (sq. km)100,450 km2377,969 km22023
Green highlighting indicates the stronger value for each indicator. Source: World Bank Open Data.

Corea del Sur vs Japón: Analysis

Japón has a larger economy than Corea del Sur, with a nominal GDP roughly 2.1 times greater based on 2024 data. Corea del Sur recorded a GDP of $1.88T, while Japón stood at $4.03T.

In terms of GDP per capita, Corea del Sur leads over Japón. Corea del Sur has a per capita output of $36,239, compared to $32,487 for Japón.

Japón has a larger population than Corea del Sur. Corea del Sur is home to approximately 51.8M people, while Japón has about 124.0M.

By surface area, Japón is the larger country. Corea del Sur covers 100,450 km2, and Japón spans 377,969 km2.

Life expectancy is higher in Japón: 83.4 years in Corea del Sur versus 84.0 years in Japón. Japón has the lower unemployment rate (Corea del Sur: 2.68%, Japón: 2.45%). Inflation stands at 2.32% in Corea del Sur and 2.74% in Japón.

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, Corea del Sur or Japón?

Japón has the larger GDP. Corea del Sur has a GDP of $1.88T (2024), while Japón has $4.03T (2024). Source: World Bank.

What is the population difference between Corea del Sur and Japón?

The population difference is approximately 72.2M. Corea del Sur has 51.8M people (2024), and Japón has 124.0M (2024). Source: World Bank.

Is Corea del Sur richer than Japón?

By GDP per capita, Corea del Sur is wealthier. Corea del Sur has a GDP per capita of $36,239 (2024), compared to $32,487 for Japón (2024). Source: World Bank.

Which country has higher life expectancy, Corea del Sur or Japón?

Japón has higher life expectancy. Corea del Sur: 83.4 years (2023), Japón: 84.0 years (2023). Source: World Bank.

Which country is bigger, Corea del Sur or Japón?

Japón is larger by area. Corea del Sur covers 100,450 km2, while Japón covers 377,969 km2. Source: World Bank.

Compare Corea del Sur and Japón by Indicator