India vs South Korea
India leads on 3 of 6 metrics, South Korea on 3. Here's the full side-by-side breakdown.
India vs South Korea: the verdict
India is the more populous of the two, home to 1.46 billion people — about 28.3× the population of South Korea (51.68 million).
On the economy, India has the larger nominal GDP at $3.96T. But measured per person, South Korea comes out ahead on GDP per capita ($36,227), a better proxy for average living standards.
Geographically, India is the larger country, spanning 3,287,590 km².
South Korea records the higher Human Development Index (0.937), reflecting stronger combined outcomes in health, education and income (source: UNDP).
Overall the two are evenly matched across these headline metrics — the "winner" depends on which measures matter most to you.
Full breakdown
India
IndiaIndiaGovernment & politics
IndiaIndia
India is a Westminster-style parliamentary democracy with a federal structure. The President is the constitutional head of state, but the office is largely ceremonial — real executive power rests with the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, who are drawn from and answerable to the elected Lok Sabha. The PM is usually the leader of the party or coalition that commands a majority in the lower house. States hold significant devolved powers, and an independent judiciary headed by the Supreme Court can strike down laws that violate the constitution.
South Korea
South Korea is a presidential republic. The directly elected President is both head of state and government and serves a single five-year term with no re-election — a rule designed to prevent the concentration of power seen under earlier authoritarian rule. A Prime Minister, appointed by the President, assists but does not lead the government. The unicameral National Assembly makes the laws, and a powerful Constitutional Court can remove a president through impeachment.
Travel & practical
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Frequently asked questions
Which country has a higher GDP, India or South Korea?
India has the higher nominal GDP at $3.96T, compared with $1.87T for South Korea (World Bank).
Which country has a larger population, India or South Korea?
India has the larger population with 1,463,865,525 people, versus 51,684,564 for South Korea.
Which is larger in area, India or South Korea?
India is larger, covering 3,287,590 km² compared with 100,210 km² for South Korea.