North Korea vs South Korea – Difference Between North and South Korea
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 14th, 2023
The difference between North and South Korea is that North Korea’s economy is isolated and tightly controlled. In contrast, South Korea’s economy ranks 12th globally in annual output. North Korea is officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), while South Korea is officially referred as the Republic of Korea (ROK).
Difference Between North and South Korea PDF
North Korea vs South Korea differs in their administrative division. South Korea consists of 9 provinces and 6 cities, whereas, North Korea consists of 9 provinces and 3 cities. North Korea vs South Korea differs a lot in their government form and economies. The article discusses the difference between North and South Korea, their history, currency, and more.
Table of content
Difference Between North and South Korea
Read about South Korea vs North Korea differences given below based on their population, currency, capital, current President, time zone each follows, etc. The tabular explains the difference between North and South Korea.
North Korea vs South Korea
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10 Differences Between North and South Korea |
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South Korea |
North Korea |
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South Korea is a full democracy, with elections hosted every five years, even having its first female president in 2013. |
North Korea falls under the supreme leadership of its founding Kim dynasty, around the Juche ideology. |
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The capital of South Korea is Seoul, its largest city. |
The capital of North Korea is Pyongyang, also its largest city. |
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South Korea’s official languages include Korean (Pyojuneo) and Korean Sign Language. |
North Korea’s official language is Korean (Munhwao). |
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South Korea’s current president is Moon Jae-In. |
North Korea’s current president is Kim Jong-Un. |
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As of 2020, South Korea recorded a population of 5.18 crores. |
As of 2020, North Korea recorded a population of 2.58 crores. |
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The country follows Korean Standard Time. |
The country follows Pyongyang Time. |
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The South Korean industry comprises: Automobile production Electronics Electric power Machine building Military products Textiles Tourism |
The North Korean industry comprises: Telecommunications Chemicals Shipbuilding Electronics Steel |
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Its official name is ROK or the Republic of Korea. |
Its official name is DPRK or the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. |
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The organizational division of South Korea are: 6 cities 9 provinces |
The organizational division of North Korea are: 3 cities 9 provinces |
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The official currency of South Korea is the Korean Republic won. |
The official currency of North Korea is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea won or the Korean People’s won. |
North Korea and South Korea
Before World War II, Korea was annexed and occupied by Japan. After the Japanese defeat, the country became polarized by superpowers Russia and America, which were now in charge of the Northern and Southern parts of the country.
- Though the United Nations was to oversee elections that would unite the regions, the Russians supported the communist leader Kim II-Sung who led the formation of North Korea.
- US-backed Syngman Rhee in the Southern region became the first president of modern South Korea.
Let’s explore the Difference Between North and South Korea.
What is North Korea?
After the formation of North Korea by Kim II Sung, the country’s leadership stayed in the hands of the Kim dynasty. North Korea is regarded as a totalitarian dictatorship by most of the world, as it has no democratic elections.
- Most services, from health care to education, are state-run and funded.
- North Korea possesses nuclear weapons and has the world’s second-largest military personnel.
- North Korea is considered to be an atheist state.
- Though religious citizens exist, religion is restricted by the government.
- North Koreans are prohibited from making international calls and watching or listening to foreign films and music.
What is South Korea?
Officially known as the Republic of Korea, is the country that nestles between the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan. The country is a presidential representative democratic republic with a multi-party system, and elections are held every five years.
- South Korea is considered a developed nation with an accelerated Internet economy, capping the 10th highest GDP in the world.
- South Korea’s geography consists of 4000 islands.
- As of 2020, South Korea recorded a population of 5.18 crores.
- South Korea is home to innovative multinational brands like Samsung, Hyundai Motors, and LG Motors.
Conclusion:
North Korea vs South Korea – Key Differences
The key Difference Between North and South Korea is that North Korea is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), with its capital Pyongyang.. In contrast, South Korea is the Republic of Korea (ROK) with its capital Seoul.
