7 Reasons Why South Korea Is Not A Third World Country


The term ‘third world’ is generally used to describe nations that suffer from widespread and extreme poverty. The phrase was coined in the 1950s actually to mean countries that were not aligned to either America or the Soviet Union during the Cold War. However, since the 1990s the term ‘third world’ has become synonymous with poverty, destitution and countries facing civil conflict.

So, if ‘third world’ just means countries that are poor, and doesn’t relate to their international political position or their geographical location, could South Korea be described as a third world country? Definitely not, and let us explain why…

1. South Korea Is A Rich Country

A first reason why South Korea is not a third world country is because it is rich.

Third countries are impoverished. They have widespread poverty and millions of people live on low incomes – struggling to meet their basic needs. Third world countries are unable to provide a good standard of living to the majority of their population. South Korea is not a third world country because South Koreans are wealthy by global standards.

South Korea is the eleventh richest country in the world. With a per capita income of 43,480 USD, the average South Korean is rich compared to many people in the world. This highlights how South Korea is not a third world country.

It is important to note that not everyone in South Korea is well off. However, the country is able to provide support to people on low incomes. South Korea has a social safety net that means that people without incomes or living on very little money can still access healthcare, education, housing, and other basic services. Even the poorest people in South Korea do not live in the extreme poverty found in third world countries.

Ask someone to describe a third world country and they will likely detail the widespread and extreme poverty. South Korea is not a third world country because, overall, it is rich.

2. South Korea Has A Developed Economy

A second reason why South Korea is not a third world country is because of the size of its economy.

A major factor that defines third world countries is their small economies and limited economic outputs. The lack of development in third world economies is a major reason they are poor.

South Korea is the twelfth largest economy in the world. The country saw rapid economic growth since the 1960s and is now a major global economy. South Korea’s economy is highly advanced. The country’s economy is a key part of many global supply chains, as well as the centre for many key global companies.

With a GDP of 1.63 trillion USD, South Korea’s economic size, combined with its level of development, ensures it is not a third world country.

Third world countries are underdeveloped. Their economies often rely heavily on resource extraction and agriculture. South Korea has a highly diverse economy, with major industries including textiles, steel, the automotive-industry, shipbuilding, and electronics. The diversity of the South Korean economy is another reason why the country is not in the third world.

3. The Country Has Fantastic Infrastructure

A third reason why South Korea is not in the third world is because of the country’s infrastructure.

Third world countries lack quality infrastructure. The roads, bridges, railways, airports, tele-communication networks and utility systems in third world countries are generally outdated and lacking. The poor quality of infrastructure in third world countries makes moving people, goods, and information difficult.

South Korea has fantastic infrastructure. The country has a good quality road network connecting even to small towns and villages. The country also has an extensive rail network. South Korea has 14 international airports, all of which are modern and updated. The tele-communications systems, including phone and internet, work well in South Korea and are broadly accessible. All South Koreans have access to clean water, electricity, and heating.

The quality of the infrastructure in South Korea is a major reason why it is not a third world country. Over recent years South Korea has built some of the top infrastructure in the world. This contrasts greatly with countries in the third world.

4. South Koreans Have Access To Quality Healthcare

Another reason why South Korea is not a third world nation is because of the country’s good healthcare system.

Nations in the third world are poor. As a result, their governments are not able to raise the funds needed to establish quality healthcare across the country. This means many people in third world countries are forced to pay for medical treatment or go without if they cannot afford it. Healthcare in third world countries is also often difficult to access in more remote and rural areas.

South Korea has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. All South Koreans are able to access the healthcare they need through the country’s universal healthcare coverage. Across the country access to medical assistance is available and those on low-incomes, or in rural areas, are still able to receive the care they need.

An example of the quality of South Korea’s healthcare system is the country’s high life expectancy. At 83.2 years, this is far above the average in many third world countries, which is below 65. Infant mortality is another indicator of a country’s healthcare system. With 1.8 deaths per 1,000 births, South Korea’s infant mortality rate is far below the third world average, which is around 37 deaths per 1,000 births.

The quality, and accessibility, of South Korea’s healthcare system is a key reason why it is not a third world country.

5. The Country Has An Excellent Education System

A further reason why South Korea is not a third world country is because of its excellent education system.

Like with healthcare, third world countries are unable to provide quality education to all their children and young people. As third world countries are poor, their governments are unable to raise the revenue needed to fund widespread education. This means millions of children go without schooling in third world countries or are forced to pay to access education.

South Korea has a world class education system. All children in the country go to school from ages 7 to 18. South Koreans are not forced to pay significant sums of money to send their children to school, as many must do in third world countries.

As well as widespread access to quality elementary and secondary education, South Korea has some of the top universities in the world. These are subsidized and accessible to South Korea’s youth. Universities such as Seoul National University, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and Sungkyunkwan University are among the best higher education institutes in the world.

The quality, and accessibility, of South Korea’s education system is a major reason why it is not a third world country.

6. South Korea Is A Democracy

South Korea is a well-functioning democracy. This is another reason why it is not a third world country.

A key characteristic of third world countries is that they are not fully functioning democracies. Many third world countries are dictatorships. Those that are democracies are prone to election irregularities and rarely hold free and fair elections. Third world countries are prone to coups and illegal seizures of power.

South Korea has been a democracy since 1987. Although the country had a period of dictatorship from 1948 until the 1980s, in the past four decades it has been a free and open democracy. This is a key reason why it is not a third world country.

The people of South Korea can vote in national and local elections. They are able to choose their government and the leaders of the country are accountable to the people. South Korea has freedom of the press, and the rule of law is upheld in the country. These are all factors that show South Korea is not in the third world.

7. South Korea Is A Stable Country

A final reason why South Korea is not in the third world is because it is stable.

Third world countries are highly unstable. They often experience political and economic crises. They are also more susceptible to conflicts and humanitarian crises. Third world countries are less able to adapt when crises hit and often need to call on outside assistance to help their populations during disasters and crises. Third world countries are also more prone to external interference and less able to protect their own security and strategic interests.

South Korea is a highly stable country. Although, like all nations, South Korea experiences political disputes and economic shocks, the country is able to weather these. Political protests or industrial actions do not stop the functioning of the South Korean state. South Korea is able to respond to natural disasters that do occur using their own resources and the country rarely needs to call upon outside help.

The stability of South Korea is a major reason why it is not a third world country.

There is no risk of South Korea falling into civil conflict. Although there is the risk of attack from North Korea, South Korea has a strong and capable military. With its major ally the United States, the country is able to protect itself against attack. This is a marked difference to third world countries.

Global Affairs Explained

Global Affairs Explained is an ongoing project aiming to provide concise guides to world events. Focusing on international relations, history, and geo-politics, Global Affairs Explained uses original research and data to answer questions often not covered by traditional media.

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