Korea Selatan vs Jepang

Comprehensive comparison of economic, demographic and social indicators

Key Indicators

IndicatorKorea SelatanJepangYear
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.

Korea Selatan vs Jepang: Analysis

Jepang has a larger economy than Korea Selatan, with a nominal GDP roughly 2.1 times greater based on 2024 data. Korea Selatan recorded a GDP of $1.88T, while Jepang stood at $4.03T.

In terms of GDP per capita, Korea Selatan leads over Jepang. Korea Selatan has a per capita output of $36,239, compared to $32,487 for Jepang.

Jepang has a larger population than Korea Selatan. Korea Selatan is home to approximately 51.8M people, while Jepang has about 124.0M.

By surface area, Jepang is the larger country. Korea Selatan covers 100,450 km2, and Jepang spans 377,969 km2.

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

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, Korea Selatan or Jepang?

Jepang has the larger GDP. Korea Selatan has a GDP of $1.88T (2024), while Jepang has $4.03T (2024). Source: World Bank.

What is the population difference between Korea Selatan and Jepang?

The population difference is approximately 72.2M. Korea Selatan has 51.8M people (2024), and Jepang has 124.0M (2024). Source: World Bank.

Is Korea Selatan richer than Jepang?

By GDP per capita, Korea Selatan is wealthier. Korea Selatan has a GDP per capita of $36,239 (2024), compared to $32,487 for Jepang (2024). Source: World Bank.

Which country has higher life expectancy, Korea Selatan or Jepang?

Jepang has higher life expectancy. Korea Selatan: 83.4 years (2023), Jepang: 84.0 years (2023). Source: World Bank.

Which country is bigger, Korea Selatan or Jepang?

Jepang is larger by area. Korea Selatan covers 100,450 km2, while Jepang covers 377,969 km2. Source: World Bank.

Compare Korea Selatan and Jepang by Indicator