North Korea is an authoritarian communist state with a centrally planned economy and severe restrictions on freedoms, while South Korea is a democratic republic with a market-based economy and ranks among the world's most developed nations. South Korea's GDP per capita is approximately 40 times higher than North Korea's.
North Korea vs South Korea — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Authoritarian communist state ruled by the Kim dynasty with a centrally planned economy and limited international relations.
Rapidly industrialized peninsula nation leading in semiconductors, entertainment, and 5G technology.
Government System. GDP Per Capita. Internet Freedom Index Score. Human Development Index. Press Freedom Index Ranking. International Trade Volume. Life Expectancy
South Korea is objectively superior across nearly every measurable indicator of development, freedom, and living standards. Choose South Korea if you value democratic governance, economic opportunity, personal freedoms, and modern infrastructure. North Korea remains isolated under authoritarian rule with limited opportunities for its 26 million citizens, making it unsuitable for anyone seeking freedom or economic development.
North Korea: ~$18 Billion | South Korea: $1.7 Trillion
North Korea: 71.6 years | South Korea: 83.4 years
North Korea: $700 USD | South Korea: $32,250
North Korea: $37.2 billion (est.) | South Korea: $1.67 trillion
North Korea: 9/100 | South Korea: 84/100
North Korea: 26 million | South Korea: 51.8 million
North Korea: $7.9 billion | South Korea: $46 billion
North Korea: N/A | South Korea: 7 pathways
North Korea: N/A | South Korea: Higher ranking (7th of 145)
North Korea: N/A | South Korea: 10-15% premium
North Korea: N/A | South Korea: 2,084 hours
North Korea: N/A | South Korea: 3.8 million vehicles
North Korea: N/A | South Korea: $1.4 trillion
North Korea: N/A | South Korea: 33.8 Mbps
North Korea: N/A | South Korea: 3.7 million
OLED Display Global Market Share (Leading Company)
North Korea: N/A | South Korea: 385 per 10,000
North Korea: N/A | South Korea: $1.42 trillion
North Korea: N/A | South Korea: #9 globally
North Korea: N/A | South Korea: $180 billion
North Korea: N/A | South Korea: 3.2% (memory chips focus)
North Korea: N/A | South Korea: $21 billion (2024)
North Korea: N/A | South Korea: 43.4 years
North Korea: N/A | South Korea: 8.6 Mbps
North Korea: N/A | South Korea: 2,069 hours
How to choose between North Korea and South Korea
North Korea vs South Korea — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for North Korea vs South Korea. Contains 35 attribute comparisons, 3 FAQ pairs.
North Korea vs South Korea — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for North Korea vs South Korea.
What is the difference between North and South Korea?
North Korea (DPRK) is a totalitarian state under Kim Jong-un, one of the world's most repressive governments and poorest economies, with citizens having no freedom of movement, speech, or political participation and limited food security. South Korea (ROK) is a vibrant democracy with a high-income economy, global technology companies (Samsung, LG, Hyundai), and one of the world's most advanced digital infrastructures. The income gap is roughly 25–50x: South Koreans earn approximately $35,000 per capita; North Koreans approximately $600–1,800. The peninsula was divided after World War II (1945) when the Soviet Union occupied the north and the US the south; the Korean War (1950–1953) ended in a ceasefire that has lasted 70+ years.
Yes — North Korea is a declared nuclear state. It has conducted six nuclear tests (2006, 2009, 2013, 2016 twice, 2017). As of 2025, estimates suggest North Korea has approximately 40–50 nuclear warheads, with ongoing production. It has developed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the continental United States (Hwasong-15, Hwasong-17). Despite 11+ rounds of UN Security Council sanctions, North Korea has continued its weapons programs and now supplies conventional weapons and ammunition to Russia for the Ukraine war. South Korea does not have nuclear weapons and relies on the US nuclear umbrella (extended deterrence) under the US-ROK alliance.
No — South Korean citizens are legally prohibited from visiting North Korea without special government permission (rarely granted). North Korea is closed to most international tourists; in 2020 it sealed its borders entirely due to COVID-19 and has since maintained near-total closure to foreign visitors. Prior to 2020, Western tourists could visit via approved tour operators (primarily through China), but those programs have largely ended. The Kaesong Industrial Complex (joint economic zone) and Mount Kumgang tourism site — both inter-Korean cooperation projects — were suspended in 2016 and 2008 respectively. Defectors who successfully flee North Korea to South Korea cannot return without risking imprisonment or death.
Government System: North Korea has Authoritarian one-party state under Kim dynasty, while South Korea has Democratic presidential republic with elections.
GDP Per Capita: North Korea has $700 USD (2023 est.), while South Korea has $31,362 USD (2023).
Internet Freedom Index Score: North Korea has 9/100 (least free), while South Korea has 84/100 (free).
Human Development Index: North Korea has 0.607 (low), while South Korea has 0.929 (very high).
Press Freedom Index Ranking: North Korea has 188th out of 180 countries, while South Korea has 33rd out of 180 countries.
International Trade Volume: North Korea has $3.5 billion annually (est.), while South Korea has $1.17 trillion annually (2023).
Life Expectancy: North Korea has 71.6 years, while South Korea has 83.3 years.
North Korea is an authoritarian communist state with a centrally planned economy and severe restrictions on freedoms, while South Korea is a democratic republic with a market-based economy and ranks among the world's most developed nations. South Korea's GDP per capita is approximately 40 times high