Alan Turing vs Kim Ung-yong
Alan Turing (IQ 185) vs Kim Ung-yong (IQ 210). Side-by-side comparison of intellect, achievements, era and cultural impact.
| Born | 1912 | 1962 |
|---|---|---|
| Died | 1954 | — |
| Country | ENG | KR |
| Estimated IQ | 185 | 210 |
| Best known for | Cryptanalysis of the Enigma • Turing's proof • Turing machine • Turing test • Unorganised machine • Turing pattern • Turing reduction • The Chemical Basis of Morphogenesis | Having one of the biggest IQs in the world. |
Who had the higher IQ?
By the most cited estimates, Kim Ung-yong tops this matchup with an estimated IQ of 210, a 25-point margin over Alan Turing (185). IQ estimates for historical figures are reconstructions, not test results — they sit on top of biographical evidence, productivity, and the difficulty of the problems each person solved. Treat the number as a directional signal, not a verdict.
Achievements compared
Alan Turing is best known for: Cryptanalysis of the Enigma • Turing's proof • Turing machine • Turing test • Unorganised machine • Turing pattern • Turing reduction • The Chemical Basis of Morphogenesis Kim Ung-yong is best known for: Having one of the biggest IQs in the world.
Recognition. Alan Turing: Smith's Prize (1936). Kim Ung-yong: —.
Different eras, different boards
The two were born roughly 50 years apart (1912 vs 1962), which matters: scientific tools, available knowledge, and intellectual culture compound. Comparing minds across eras is comparing players on different boards.
The verdict
So who was greater? The honest answer: they're not strictly comparable. By raw IQ proxy, Kim Ung-yong edges out. By measurable, lasting influence in their respective field, both are anchors of the human record. If you have to pick one to bet civilization on, pick the one working on the problem you care about.