The experience of happiness and what influences happiness is the subject of many papers and research. Given that happiness is a rather complex concept and that it is influenced by several factors, among which is the development and economic prosperity of society, this paper compares the experience of happiness and the perception of the determinants of happiness between two different cultures, i.e.. between Croatians and Koreans. In the first part of the paper, the definition of happiness is given and it is related to economic activity and the development of society. The fundamental determinants of the human development and happiness index and the impact of quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic on various aspects of people's lives are also described. Furthermore, the paper investigated and compared the similarities and differences in the subjective experience of happiness and the determinants of happiness between the inhabitants of Croatia and South Korea. An interview was conducted on a small sample of 10 respondents (5 from each country), and further analysis revealed that there are no significant differences in the experience of happiness. But there are visible differences in the determinants of happiness. Croatians give priority to friends and family, while respondents from South Korea point out that business success takes priority. However, since the research was conducted on a small sample, for more specific results and comparisons it is necessary to conduct research on a larger sample, which would contribute to a better understanding of the experience and perception of the determinants of happiness between Croatians and Koreans.