In 2024, the population of South Korea was estimated to be about 51.75 million. The population of North Korea was about 25.87 million, making North Korea's population roughly half of South Korea's.
Economic comparison between South and North Korea
After the Korean War (1950-1953), South Korea and North Korea pursued vastly different trajectories not only politically but also economically. South Korea embraced capitalism and free market principles, which fueled its rapid economic growth and transformed it into one of the world's leading economies. In contrast, North Korea adopted a state-controlled, centrally planned economy, leading to isolation and economic stagnation. While South Korea's gross domestic product (GDP) reached around 2,401 trillion South Korean won in 2023, only about 40 trillion won was recorded for North Korea.
Food crisis in North Korea
North Korea has faced food insecurity for a long time, and this has been exacerbated in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was estimated that the country had a food shortage of around 860,000 metric tons in 2023. Although the North Korean government maintains a centrally planned economic system, food distribution has long been a problem, as an increasing number of North Korean defectors have reported that they have never received food from North Korean authorities.
Comparison of the population between South Korea and North Korea from 2008 to 2024
(in millions)
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
KOSIS. (December 20, 2023). Comparison of the population between South Korea and North Korea from 2008 to 2024 (in millions) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved November 12, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1035321/south-korea-population-comparison-with-north-korea/
KOSIS. "Comparison of the population between South Korea and North Korea from 2008 to 2024 (in millions)." Chart. December 20, 2023. Statista. Accessed November 12, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1035321/south-korea-population-comparison-with-north-korea/
KOSIS. (2023). Comparison of the population between South Korea and North Korea from 2008 to 2024 (in millions). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: November 12, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1035321/south-korea-population-comparison-with-north-korea/
KOSIS. "Comparison of The Population between South Korea and North Korea from 2008 to 2024 (in Millions)." Statista, Statista Inc., 20 Dec 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1035321/south-korea-population-comparison-with-north-korea/
KOSIS, Comparison of the population between South Korea and North Korea from 2008 to 2024 (in millions) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1035321/south-korea-population-comparison-with-north-korea/ (last visited November 12, 2024)
Comparison of the population between South Korea and North Korea from 2008 to 2024 (in millions) [Graph], KOSIS, December 20, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1035321/south-korea-population-comparison-with-north-korea/