South Korea vs Japan
South Korea
Dynamic East Asian nation ranking 14th in purchasing power with world-leading tech companies, entertainment, and manufacturing sectors.
Tech and cultural influence
VS
Japan
East Asian island nation and world's 3rd largest economy with advanced technology, manufacturing, and cultural influence.
Economic stability and quality of life
Short Answer
Japan has a larger economy ($4.2T vs $1.7T) and population (125M vs 52M). South Korea leads in internet speed, pop culture exports (K-pop, K-drama), and Samsung is the world's largest semiconductor maker.
Our Verdict
Japan is larger economically. South Korea is the cultural export powerhouse. Both are tech-forward Asian democracies.
South Korea7.9
7.1Japan
Choose South Korea if
Tech and cultural influence
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Key Differences at a Glance
💵
GDP: Japan wins ($4.2T vs $1.7T)
⚡
Internet Speed: South Korea wins (#1 vs #12)
🔹
Life Expectancy: Japan wins (84.6 vs 83.7)
Key Facts & Figures
| Metric | South Korea | Japan | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| GDP(USD) | $1.7 Trillion | $4.2 Trillion | -60% |
| GDP Per Capita(USD) | $34,000 | $33,800 | — |
| Life Expectancy(years) | 83.5 | 84.6 |
Key Differences
South Korea
Attribute
Japan
$1.7T
GDP
$4.2T🏆
#1🏆
Internet Speed
#12
83.7
Life Expectancy
84.6🏆
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Last updated: March 19, 2026Human reviewed
