At one time in history, the Korean Peninsula was a single, cohesive region. till the start of World War II. The USSR, a communist nation, captured the northern half, while the US took over the southern half. Because of the occupation and the ensuing Korean War (1950–1953), the two countries were forced to travel separate courses that have kept them apart to this day.

• The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is North Korea's official name (DPRK). Pyongyang serves as North Korea's capital.

The Republic of Korea is South Korea's official name (ROK).
Seoul serves as South Korea's capital.

• With elements from the Japanese legal system and Communist legal philosophy, North Korea's legal system is built on the Prussian model. 

       South Korea's legal system is a hybrid that combines Chinese classical ideas, Anglo-American law, and European civil law.

• The North Korean economy is a centrally planned one heavily influenced by communism, with a small but growing role in the free market.
  As of 2018, the nominal GDP estimate is $32.1 billion.

      The capitalist South Korean economy is made up of a highly developed mixed economy that is dominated by chaebols, or family-owned conglomerates.
The estimated nominal GDP for 2020 is $1.626 trillion.

• South Korea is a democracy, while North Korea is a dictatorship. This means that in South Korea, the people have a say in how their country is run. They elect their leaders, and they have freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. On the other hand, North Korea is ruled by a single leader, who has complete control over the country. The people of North Korea don't have any say in how their country is run, and they live in a very controlled environment.
• Another big difference between the two countries is their economy. South Korea is a very prosperous country, with a thriving economy. North Korea, on the other hand, is very poor, and its economy is in shambles. This is partly due to the fact that South Korea has been able to take advantage of the global economy, while North Korea has been isolated from the rest of the world.
• Finally, another big difference between South Korea and North Korea is their relationship with the United States. South Korea is a close ally of the United States, while North Korea is an enemy. This is due to the fact that North Korea has a nuclear weapon, while South Korea does not.
• The two countries also have different cultures. South Korea is a highly modernized country with a strong emphasis on education and technology, while North Korea is a traditional country with a focus on Confucian values.

Despite these differences, the two countries do have some things in common. Both countries are led by authoritarian regimes, and both countries have a history of conflict with each other. But at the end of the day, the difference between South Korea and North Korea is clear: South Korea is a free and prosperous country, while North Korea is a dictatorship that oppresses its people.