Which is bigger: Iceland or South Korea?

Iceland is larger (103,000 km²) — about 1.0 times the size of South Korea (100,210 km²).

Why do Iceland and South Korea look different on the map than in reality?

The common Mercator projection enlarges areas the farther they lie from the equator, so the on-map size proportions of Iceland and South Korea are distorted compared to their true land area.

Iceland vs South Korea Size Comparison

Discover the true size difference between Iceland and South Korea. Compare their overlaid silhouettes and learn how the Mercator projection distorts scale.

Direct Silhouette Overlay (same scale)

Comparison of shapes at the exact same, real geographic scale. Click or tap and drag either silhouette to adjust positioning manually.

Loading comparison...

Iceland ↗

Surface Area103,000 km²

Population352,721

TypeCountry

Loading contour...

South Korea ↗

Surface Area100,210 km²

Population51,606,633

TypeCountry

Loading contour...