Is Korea bigger than the UK? Explore a comprehensive comparison of South Korea and the United Kingdom with COMPARE.EDU.VN, examining land size, population, economy, and quality of life metrics to help you understand their key differences and similarities. This comparison will provide valuable insights and data-driven analysis.
1. General Information: Korea Vs. UK
| Feature | United Kingdom | South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Northern Europe | East Asia |
| Area | 243,610 km² (94,060 sq mi) | 100,339 km² (38,741 sq mi) |
| Official Language | English | Korean |
| Government | Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy | Presidential Republic |
| Capital | London | Seoul |
Answer: South Korea is significantly smaller than the United Kingdom in terms of land area. The UK covers approximately 243,610 square kilometers, while South Korea spans about 100,339 square kilometers. This means the UK is more than twice the size of South Korea.
To fully understand the scale of this difference, consider the geographical and political landscapes of both nations. The United Kingdom, located in Northern Europe, comprises Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) and Northern Ireland. Its larger landmass accommodates diverse terrains, from the Scottish Highlands to the rolling hills of the English countryside. South Korea, situated in East Asia, occupies the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula, characterized by mountainous terrain and coastal plains. The difference in size impacts population density, infrastructure development, and resource distribution, all of which play a crucial role in shaping each country’s economic and social landscape. For instance, higher population density in South Korea influences urban planning and technological advancements, while the UK’s larger area allows for a more dispersed population and varied agricultural practices.
2. Population Comparison
| Feature | United Kingdom | South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,350,000 | 51,713,000 |
| Inhabitants/km² | 280.6 | 515.4 |
| Life Expectancy (Males) | Ø 79 years | Ø 80 years |
| Life Expectancy (Females) | Ø 84 years | Ø 86 years |
| Average Age | Ø 40.8 years | Ø 45.5 years |
| Birth Rate | 10.10 ‰ | 4.90 ‰ |
| Death Rate | 9.10 ‰ | 7.30 ‰ |
| Migration Rate | 6.10 ‰ | 1.47 ‰ |
Answer: The United Kingdom has a larger population than South Korea. The UK’s population is approximately 68.35 million, while South Korea’s is around 51.71 million. However, South Korea has a higher population density due to its smaller land area.
Population density is a crucial factor when comparing these two countries. With 515.4 inhabitants per square kilometer, South Korea is significantly more densely populated than the UK, which has 280.6 inhabitants per square kilometer. This density affects urban planning, resource management, and infrastructure development. For instance, South Korea’s high-speed rail network and advanced technological infrastructure are partly a response to the need to efficiently manage its dense population. Additionally, both countries face demographic challenges, but to varying degrees. South Korea has a lower birth rate (4.90 ‰) compared to the UK (10.10 ‰), leading to concerns about an aging population and potential workforce shortages. In contrast, the UK benefits from a higher migration rate (6.10 ‰), which helps offset some of the challenges associated with its slightly higher death rate (9.10 ‰) compared to South Korea (7.30 ‰). Understanding these demographic trends is essential for policymakers as they plan for the future.
3. Quality of Life Metrics
| Feature | United Kingdom (Score) | South Korea (Score) |
|---|---|---|
| Political Stability | 79 | 85 |
| Civil Rights | 89 | 78 |
| Health | 80 | 91 |
| Climate | 25 | 63 |
| Cost of Living | 32 | 43 |
| Popularity | 66 | 48 |
Answer: South Korea generally scores higher in health and political stability, while the United Kingdom scores higher in civil rights and popularity. The climate and cost of living scores also differ significantly, reflecting the distinct environments and economic conditions in each country.
The “Quality of Life” metrics provide a nuanced comparison beyond mere statistics. South Korea’s higher score in health (91 compared to the UK’s 80) indicates a more efficient and accessible healthcare system, reflected in higher life expectancy rates. Political stability is also rated higher in South Korea (85 vs. 79), suggesting a more consistent governance framework. Conversely, the UK’s higher score in civil rights (89 vs. 78) underscores its strong legal protections and individual freedoms. Climate is a notable differentiator, with South Korea scoring 63 compared to the UK’s 25, reflecting the more temperate and favorable weather conditions in South Korea. The cost of living is also higher in South Korea (43 vs. 32), which can influence daily financial considerations for residents. Finally, the UK’s higher popularity score (66 vs. 48) might reflect its cultural influence and global appeal. These scores, while subjective, offer a holistic view of the living conditions in each country.
4. Economic Overview
| Feature | United Kingdom | South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Sterling Pound (GBP) | South Korean Won (KRW) |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.0% | 2.7% |
| Inflation Rate | 2.60% | 2.50% |
| Cost of Living (USA = 100%) | 90.84% | 68.36% |
| Commercial Taxes & Contributions | 25.00% | 26.40% |
| Average Income | 47,700 US$ | 35,490 US$ |
| Average Wage | 53,585 US$ | 35,100 US$ |
| Central Government Debt (% GDP) | 100.53% | 48.85% |
| General Government Debt (% GDP) | 101.15% | 37.85% |
| Corruption Index | 29 (Good) | 36 (Moderate) |
Answer: The United Kingdom has a higher average income and wage, but also higher government debt. South Korea has a lower unemployment rate and a more moderate corruption index.
A closer examination of the economic indicators reveals key strengths and challenges for both nations. The United Kingdom boasts a higher average income (47,700 US$) and average wage (53,585 US$) compared to South Korea (35,490 US$ and 35,100 US$, respectively), reflecting its robust financial sector and diverse economy. However, the UK also carries a significantly higher central government debt (100.53% of GDP) and general government debt (101.15% of GDP) compared to South Korea (48.85% and 37.85%, respectively), indicating greater fiscal challenges. South Korea, on the other hand, demonstrates strong economic management with a lower unemployment rate (2.7% compared to the UK’s 4.0%) and a more controlled inflation rate (2.50% compared to the UK’s 2.60%). The lower cost of living in South Korea (68.36% compared to the USA) also makes it a more affordable place to live. While the UK scores better on the corruption index (29, indicating good control) compared to South Korea (36, indicating moderate control), both countries maintain relatively high standards of governance.
5. GDP, Exports, and Imports
| Metric | United Kingdom (Total) | United Kingdom (Per 1000 Inhabitants) | South Korea (Total) | South Korea (Per 1000 Inhabitants) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Domestic Product | 3,380,855 M US$ | 49.46 M US$ | 1,712,793 M US$ | 33.12 M US$ |
| Gross National Product | 3,260,416 M US$ | 47.70 M US$ | 1,835,476 M US$ | 35.49 M US$ |
| Exported Goods | 1,049,530 M US$ | 15.36 M US$ | 835,149 M US$ | 16.15 M US$ |
| Imported Goods | 1,076,261 M US$ | 15.75 M US$ | 758,724 M US$ | 14.67 M US$ |
Answer: The United Kingdom has a higher gross domestic product (GDP) and gross national product (GNP) in total value, but South Korea exports more goods per capita.
Analyzing the economic output and trade activities of both countries provides further insights into their economic structures. The United Kingdom boasts a higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 3,380,855 million US$ and a Gross National Product (GNP) of 3,260,416 million US$, reflecting its larger and more diversified economy. However, when considering per capita values, South Korea’s economic performance is impressive. South Korea exports 16.15 million US$ worth of goods per 1000 inhabitants, slightly higher than the UK’s 15.36 million US$. While the UK imports slightly more goods in total value (1,076,261 million US$) compared to South Korea (758,724 million US$), the per capita import values are quite similar (15.75 million US$ for the UK and 14.67 million US$ for South Korea). These figures highlight the UK’s larger overall economic scale and South Korea’s export-oriented economy.
6. Infrastructure Overview
| Feature | United Kingdom (Total) | United Kingdom (Per 1000 km²) | South Korea (Total) | South Korea (Per 1000 km²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roadways | 416,461 km | 1,709.5 km | 110,714 km | 1,103.4 km |
| Railways | 16,390 km | 67.3 km | 4,837 km | 48.2 km |
| Waterways | 1,050 km | 4.3 km | 1,600 km | 15.9 km |
| Passenger Airports | 53 | 0.218 | 15 | 0.149 |
Answer: The United Kingdom has a more extensive network of roadways and railways, while South Korea has a higher density of waterways.
Examining the infrastructure of the UK and South Korea reveals differences shaped by their respective geographies and development priorities. The United Kingdom has a significantly more extensive network of roadways (416,461 km) and railways (16,390 km) compared to South Korea (110,714 km and 4,837 km, respectively), reflecting its larger land area and longer history of infrastructure development. However, when considering the density per 1000 km², the differences are less pronounced. South Korea boasts a higher density of waterways (15.9 km per 1000 km²) compared to the UK (4.3 km per 1000 km²), indicating a greater reliance on water-based transportation. The UK has more passenger airports (53) than South Korea (15), but the density of airports per unit area is relatively similar (0.218 for the UK and 0.149 for South Korea). These infrastructural differences reflect each country’s adaptation to its unique geographical and economic conditions.
7. Energy Balance: Production, Consumption, and Emissions
| Feature | United Kingdom (Total) | United Kingdom (Per 1000 Inhabitants) | South Korea (Total) | South Korea (Per 1000 Inhabitants) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Production Capacity | 972,535.2 GWh | 14,228.75 MWh | 1,283,681.6 GWh | 24,823.37 MWh |
| Energy Consumption | 287,128.0 GWh | 4,200.85 MWh | 586,766.0 GWh | 11,346.67 MWh |
| Energy Production | 318,595.0 GWh | 4,661.23 MWh | 606,760.0 GWh | 11,733.31 MWh |
| CO2 Emissions | 379.32 m t | 5,549.65 t | 653.85 m t | 12,643.84 t |
Answer: South Korea has a higher energy production capacity and consumption, and also higher CO2 emissions.
The energy balance sheets of the UK and South Korea highlight significant differences in energy management and environmental impact. South Korea has a higher energy production capacity (1,283,681.6 GWh) and energy consumption (586,766.0 GWh) compared to the United Kingdom (972,535.2 GWh and 287,128.0 GWh, respectively). This reflects South Korea’s industrial focus and higher energy demands. Consequently, South Korea also has higher CO2 emissions (653.85 million tonnes) compared to the UK (379.32 million tonnes). When considering per capita values, the disparities are even more pronounced. South Korea’s CO2 emissions per 1000 inhabitants are 12,643.84 tonnes, more than double the UK’s 5,549.65 tonnes. These figures underscore the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources and implementing stricter environmental regulations in both countries, particularly in South Korea.
8. Telecommunication Infrastructure
| Feature | United Kingdom | South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| International Dialing | +44 | +82 |
| Internet Domain | .uk | .kr |
Answer: This table shows basic telecommunication identifiers.
9. Telecommunication Usage
| Feature | United Kingdom (Total) | United Kingdom (Per 1000 Inhabitants) | South Korea (Total) | South Korea (Per 1000 Inhabitants) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Landlines | 26,627,000 | 390 | 22,155,000 | 428 |
| Mobile Cellulars | 84,300,000 | 1233 | 83,900,000 | 1622 |
| Internet Users | 65,821,050 | 963 | 50,368,091 | 974 |
| Broadband Internet | 28,200,000 | 413 | 24,100,000 | 466 |
Answer: South Korea has a higher penetration rate for mobile cellular subscriptions and broadband internet per capita.
The telecommunications landscape in the UK and South Korea reveals each country’s digital connectivity and technological adoption. While the United Kingdom has a larger total number of landlines (26,627,000) compared to South Korea (22,155,000), the per capita landline subscriptions are higher in South Korea (428 per 1000 inhabitants) than in the UK (390 per 1000 inhabitants). Mobile cellular subscriptions are widespread in both countries, but South Korea leads with 1622 subscriptions per 1000 inhabitants, compared to the UK’s 1233. Internet usage is high in both countries, with South Korea slightly ahead in per capita usage (974 per 1000 inhabitants) compared to the UK (963 per 1000 inhabitants). Broadband internet access is also more prevalent in South Korea, with 466 subscriptions per 1000 inhabitants compared to the UK’s 413. These figures underscore South Korea’s advanced digital infrastructure and high levels of technological adoption.
10. Healthcare System Metrics
| Feature | United Kingdom | South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Beds per 1000 inh. | 2.35 | 12.75 |
| Physicians per 1000 inh. | 3.17 | 2.52 |
| Tuberculosis | 0.08 ‰ | 0.38 ‰ |
| Diabetes | 6.3% | 6.8% |
| Smokers | 13.0% | 15.0% |
Answer: South Korea has significantly more hospital beds per capita, while the United Kingdom has more physicians per capita.
A comparison of healthcare system metrics reveals notable differences in resource allocation and health outcomes. South Korea has a significantly higher number of hospital beds per 1000 inhabitants (12.75) compared to the United Kingdom (2.35), indicating a greater capacity for inpatient care. Conversely, the UK has more physicians per 1000 inhabitants (3.17) than South Korea (2.52), suggesting better access to medical professionals. The prevalence of tuberculosis is higher in South Korea (0.38 ‰) compared to the UK (0.08 ‰), while the rates of diabetes are relatively similar (6.8% in South Korea and 6.3% in the UK). Smoking rates are slightly higher in South Korea (15.0%) compared to the UK (13.0%). These differences reflect variations in healthcare priorities, public health challenges, and lifestyle factors in each country.
11. Climate Comparison
| Feature | United Kingdom (°C) | South Korea (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime Temperatures | 12.9 | 18.4 |
| Nighttime Temperatures | 6.9 | 9.9 |
| Water Temperature | 10.0 | 12.8 |
| Relative Humidity | 85% | 69% |
| Rain Days | 12.7 | 6.7 |
| Sunshine Hours per Day | 3.7 | 6.3 |
Answer: South Korea generally has warmer temperatures, lower humidity, fewer rain days, and more sunshine hours per day compared to the United Kingdom.
The climate comparison highlights distinct weather patterns in the UK and South Korea. South Korea generally experiences warmer daytime temperatures (18.4 °C) and nighttime temperatures (9.9 °C) compared to the UK (12.9 °C and 6.9 °C, respectively). The water temperature is also higher in South Korea (12.8 °C) compared to the UK (10.0 °C). South Korea has lower relative humidity (69%) and fewer rain days (6.7) compared to the UK (85% and 12.7, respectively), indicating a drier climate. Additionally, South Korea enjoys more sunshine hours per day (6.3) compared to the UK (3.7), making it a sunnier location. These climatic differences significantly impact lifestyle, agriculture, and tourism in each country.
12. Native Languages
| Feature | United Kingdom | South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Korean | n/a | 99.9% |
| English | 97.3% | n/a |
| Kymri | 0.9% | n/a |
| Gaelic | 0.1% | n/a |
| Chinese | n/a | 0.1% |
| Other | 1.7% | 0.0% |
Answer: English is the primary language in the United Kingdom, while Korean is the primary language in South Korea.
13. Religions
| Feature | United Kingdom | South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| State Religion | England: Church of England, Scotland: Church of Scotland | None |
| Nondenominational | 52.0% | 41.0% |
| Christianity | 35.6% | 30.6% |
| Buddhism | n/a | 24.2% |
| Islam | 6.7% | n/a |
| Hinduism | 1.3% | n/a |
| Chondoism | n/a | 0.8% |
| Judaism | 0.4% | n/a |
| Sikhism | 0.4% | n/a |
| Other | 3.7% | 3.4% |
Answer: The United Kingdom has state religions (Church of England and Church of Scotland), while South Korea does not. Both countries have significant populations identifying as non-denominational and Christian. Buddhism is prominent in South Korea, while Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Sikhism have smaller followings in the United Kingdom.
The religious landscapes of the UK and South Korea reflect their distinct cultural and historical backgrounds. The United Kingdom has state religions—the Church of England in England and the Church of Scotland in Scotland—whereas South Korea has no state religion. A significant portion of the population in both countries identifies as non-denominational (52.0% in the UK and 41.0% in South Korea) or Christian (35.6% in the UK and 30.6% in South Korea). Buddhism is a prominent religion in South Korea, with 24.2% of the population identifying as Buddhist. In contrast, Islam (6.7%), Hinduism (1.3%), Judaism (0.4%), and Sikhism (0.4%) have smaller followings in the UK. These religious affiliations reflect each country’s diverse cultural tapestry and historical influences.
Data Inventory and Updates
This comprehensive country comparison is based on numerous data items from diverse sources. All data are the most recent available, typically referring to the previous year and updated around March of the following year. Ongoing updates are made depending on the subject area or source. Sources for almost all data can be found on our respective country pages.
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FAQ: Comparing Korea and the UK
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What is the size difference between South Korea and the UK?
South Korea is about 100,339 km², while the UK is 243,610 km², making the UK more than twice the size of South Korea. -
Which country has a larger population, South Korea or the UK?
The UK has a larger population, with approximately 68.35 million people compared to South Korea’s 51.71 million. -
Which country has a higher population density?
South Korea has a higher population density, with 515.4 inhabitants per km² compared to the UK’s 280.6. -
What are the major economic differences between South Korea and the UK?
The UK has a higher average income and higher government debt, while South Korea has a lower unemployment rate and lower cost of living. -
How do the healthcare systems compare?
South Korea has more hospital beds per capita, while the UK has more physicians per capita. -
What are the climate differences between the two countries?
South Korea generally has warmer temperatures, lower humidity, fewer rain days, and more sunshine hours compared to the UK. -
Which country has a higher CO2 emission rate?
South Korea has a higher CO2 emission rate compared to the UK, both in total and per capita. -
What are the primary languages spoken in each country?
English is the primary language in the UK, while Korean is the primary language in South Korea. -
How do the religious demographics differ?
The UK has state religions (Church of England and Church of Scotland), while South Korea does not. Buddhism is prominent in South Korea, while Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Sikhism have smaller followings in the UK. -
Which country has better internet access?
South Korea has a higher penetration rate for mobile cellular subscriptions and broadband internet per capita compared to the UK.
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