TheKoreanGuide is a reader-supported site. Purchases made through links may earn a commission.

Are Koreans Tall?

Jason Park
Published by: Jason Park
Last updated:

No, Koreans aren’t tall. The average height for men is 5 ft 7. (170 cm). This is below the average global height, which is 5 ft 8. However, there are people that are way taller than 5 ft 7, so yes, there are Koreans that are tall.

Generally speaking, Korea isn’t a country where there are lots of tall people. Most Koreans aren’t that tall, but if you watch many movies or listen to k-pop, you’ll see that those idols are taller than the average.

This is because the editing makes them look taller, and also, most of the idols are chosen because of their height.

If you are ever going to visit Korea, you’ll see that the average Korean men and women aren’t really that tall. In fact, they’re quite short compared to Western countries.

Average Height For Men in Korea

The average height for Korean men is 5 ft 7, which is about (170 cm). As you can see, this isn’t very tall compared to other western countries.

Average Height For Women in Korea

The average height for Korean women is 5 ft 2, which is about (158 cm). This is normal if you compare it to other western countries. It might be a bit shorter, but you will barely notice.

Are All Koreans Tall?

No, not all Koreans are tall. In every country, there are people that are taller than the average. But if you take the average, then you’ll see that Koreans are quite short.

Are South Koreans Taller Than North Koreans?

Are South Koreans Taller Than North Koreans?

Yes, South Koreans are taller than North Koreans. The reason is that people in North Korea are often underfed and won’t get all the nutrients they need.

You probably won’t notice it since North Korea is closed to the outside. But in general, North Koreans are known to be underfed and have to work till death.

They go through slavery which isn’t a good thing. Only rich and well-off people get to eat decent food. Even they don’t get to enjoy their meals.

If you’re part of the Kim family, you’ll most likely get to eat the higher-end meals. Think about pork, chicken and other sorts of meat.

Why Are Kpop Idols So Tall?

Kpop idols are tall because the people that select them often choose idols that are similar in height to the other idols. Once the idols make it to the final group, they take height into consideration the idols that are going to debut.

Idols go through years of training only to find out that genetics can be a thing that could take all those years of training away.

These days idols that aren’t the best looking, according to the CEO, can get plastic surgery.

This is very popular in Korea. Getting surgery is super normal in Korea, especially for idols. Most idols that look almost perfect have a high chance of getting something done.

You might not notice it, but many idols have gotten plastic surgery.

Is Height Important in Korea?

Yes, being all in Korea is quite important. People often prefer taller people over shorter people. There’s no exact reason why that is, but it’s a thing that they pay attention to.

If you’re trying to get a job in Seoul or another big city, it’s most likely that people will accept you. It might sound weird, but looks are very important in Korea.

That’s why there are Korean beauty standards in Korea. Luckily this isn’t everywhere, and not everyone does it. But there will always be a small group of people that do this.

What Is Considered Tall in Korea?

What Is Considered Tall in Korea

Men that are over 5 ft 10 (180 cm) are considered tall in Korea. For women, 5 ft 7 (170 cm) is considered tall in Korea. However, it’s all personal preference.

Some people prefer taller women while others prefer short. There isn’t a standard for tall people in Korea. So, if you go to Korea as a foreigner, you’re likely taller than the average Korean.

Being tall in Korea has many benefits. People will find you more attractive, and overall they prefer taller people.

That’s why almost everyone wants to be taller in Korea. This is also the reason why there’s a surgery where you can get taller by breaking the bones and letting them grow again.

Conclusion

All in all, Koreans are quite short compared to other Western countries. However, if you look it at from an Asian, then it might be average. There are tall Koreans everywhere.

This all comes down to the genetics they have since the average isn’t above the worldwide height.

Enjoy the article?

You'll love my daily email! Learn something new about South Korea every single day. It's completely free. <3

    About The Author

    Photo of author

    Jason Park

    Jason has been living in Seoul for over 4 years, and during that time, he has experienced many of the city's hidden stores. He loves to write about his experiences and share them with others. Jason has been quoted and referenced by different major media companies like Mashed, Distractify, ThePrint and TastingTable. In his free time, he likes to watch Korean dramas and learn more about Korean culture.

    You May Also Like