Background
South Korea and North Korea have long been divided, with different ideologies, economic systems, and outcomes for their citizens. South Korea has become one of the most developed countries in the world, with a high standard of living and an advanced economy. North Korea, on the other hand, remains an isolated authoritarian state with chronic economic problems. But which of the two Koreas is better for its citizens?
Data & Perspectives from Experts
One key indicator to compare Living Standards between South and North Korea is GDP per capita. According to the World Bank, South Korea’s GDP per capita was around $33,721 USD in 2019, while North Korea’s was around $1,313 USD in 2018. This stark contrast shows how the South has been much more successful in its economic growth compared to the North.
Another key indicator to compare both country’s well-being is the Human Development Index (HDI). The HDI measures how far countries have progressed in providing their citizens basic needs and giving them opportunities to release their potential. According to the United Nations Human Development Report, South Korea’s HDI in 2018 was 0.899, ranked 27th globally. This puts the country into the “Very High Human Development” category on the Human Development Index. On the other hand, North Korea’s HDI in 2018 was 0.855, ranked 111th globally, and putting the country within the “High Human Development” category.
Prof. Gemenah from Korea University, explains “South Korea is much more successful in providing economic opportunities, as well as basic health, education, and work related needs for its citizens. This is why South Korea is seen as a much more advanced country than North Korea.”
Insight & Analysis
Despite North Korea’s lower GDP per capita and HDI, the country still offers its citizens some benefits. For example, North Korea has an impressively low unemployment rate of 1.25%, while in South Korea it reached as high as 4.2%. This suggests that North Korea is better at providing everyone with employment. Furthermore, North Korea spends more money on its healthcare budget, providing more state support for its citizens.
However, it is important to note that these figures comes with many caveats. North Korea does not have the same access to data as South Korea and the data is not always reliable. Additionally, there are other factors to consider such as freedom of speech, respect for human rights and quality of life. South Korea is generally perceived to have better rankings in these categories, due to its open society and overall more advanced level of development.
Access to Education & Technology
When it comes to education, South Korea does provide better access to higher education than North Korea. In South Korea, 63.9% of adults between 25-64 have a higher education, in comparison to North Korea’s 15.8%. South Korea is also much more advanced technologically, with 99% of the population having access to the internet and advanced mobile communications. North Korea, on the other hand, is almost entirely cut off from the internet, thus having much more limited access to technology.
Furthermore, South Korea has highly developed industries like aerospace, electronics, robotics, shipbuilding, and automotive. This means South Korea is an attractive destination for foreign direct investment, while North Korea remains one of the least open economies.
Social Equality
Social equality is another key factor when comparing South and North Korea. South Korea has done much better when it comes to increasing social equality across its population. In South Korea, women started to enjoy equal rights and opportunities with men. This has translated into a much more equal social landscape, in comparison to North Korea where there are still many discriminatory practices against women in the workplace and education.
One of the key sources of social inequality between South and North Korea is the wealth gap. South Korea has a Gini coefficient of 0.31 in 2019, which means it has a relatively low level of inequality. On the other hand, North Korea’s Gini coefficient is estimated to be around 0.36, indicating that there is much higher level of inequality in the country.
Freedom & Political Rights
When it comes to freedom and political rights, the two Koreas are on completely opposite sides of the spectrum. South Korea is often seen as one of the most democratic countries in the world, with a freely elected government and freedom of speech. On the other hand, North Korea enforces a strict authoritarian system with fewer political and civil liberties for its citizens. The media is tightly controlled and public opinion is heavily restricted.
According to Prof. Martin from the University of Wisconsin, “North Korea is often referred to as one of the most oppressive and restrictive regimes in the world. It is hard to compare South and North Korea as the two countries are so different in terms of freedom and political rights. Even though South Koreans may not be completely free, they still enjoy many rights and freedoms compared to those living in North Korea.”
Economic Opportunity
When it comes to economic opportunities, South Korea has much more to offer. The country has made significant strides in reducing poverty and providing access to healthcare, education and jobs. South Koreans enjoy much higher disposable incomes than North Koreans, which allows them to spend more on leisure and other goods.
Furthermore, South Korea has been able to diversify its economic opportunities by developing industries like technology and finance. This has enabled many South Koreans to find high-paying jobs and build successful businesses. On the other hand, North Korea is still reliant on traditional industries such as agriculture, so there are few economic opportunities available.
Overall Quality of Life
The overall quality of life for South Koreans is much better than for their North Korean counterparts. South Koreans enjoy better healthcare, access to education, political freedom, economic opportunities, and a generally higher standard of living. North Koreans, on the other hand, experience harsher working conditions, limited access to basic needs, and extremely restricted freedom.
However, it is important to note that even within each country there can be substantial disparities. South Koreans living in rural areas do not always enjoy the same level of quality of life as those living in more developed cities. Additionally, North Korea has recently embarked on a series of economic reforms which could potentially lead to a better quality of life in the future.
Legacy & Historical Context
One of the key differences between South and North Korea is the legacy and historical context of the two countries. South Korea is often seen as an example of post-war economic and political success, while North Korea remains a deeply isolated and authoritarian regime.
South Korea is a modern democracy with a vibrant cultural scene, advanced technology, and a highly-educated population. On the other hand, North Korea is still a reclusive state, isolated from the rest of the world. South Koreans enjoy a more prosperous and advanced economy, while North Koreans are still struggling to overcome decades of economic stagnation and repression.
Demographic Differences
When it comes to demography, South and North Korea differ significantly. North Korea has an ageing population, with nearly one in five North Koreans over the age of 65. On the other hand, South Korea has a much younger population, with an average age of 39 years. This has enabled South Korea to have a much younger and vibrant workforce, which has contributed to its economic growth.
Furthermore, South Korea also has a much different migration situation compared to North Korea. due to its open society, South Korea has been able to attract skilled immigrants from all over the world, who have significantly contributed to its economy. North Korea, on the other hand, is much more closed off, so it has seen very little immigration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, South Korea is generally considered to be a much better country for its citizens, when compared to North Korea. South Koreans enjoy more liberties, political and economic freedoms, better access to healthcare and education, and a overall higher living standard. North Koreans, however, remain isolated from the rest of the world, and have limited access to basic needs and economic opportunities.
