What is the population of Seoul?
Seoul has a city population of 10,349,312. That is the population within the city's own boundary, not its wider metropolitan area. City population, GeoNames.
Capital city · South Korea · Asia
Seoul
City population
10,349,312
#1
in South Korea
#20
worldwide
37.566, 126.978
About Seoul
Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea, with a metropolitan population exceeding 25 million—about half of South Korea's total population. One of the world's most technologically advanced cities, Seoul is a global center for technology, pop culture (K-pop, K-drama), fashion, and innovation. The city rose from Korean War ruins to become a leading global metropolis in just decades.
Metro population
9,733,509
0.117% of world population
Archive estimateAnnual growth
−0.25%
Archive estimateDensity
16,088/km²
605 km² metro area
Key Facts
Country
Region
Seoul
Founded
1395
Leadership
Oh Se-hoon
Coordinates
37.566, 126.978
Record updated
1 December 2024
Entry edited, not measured
City population, GeoNames. GeoNames publishes no year for its population figures, so “record updated” is when the entry was last edited — not the date the population was measured. Elevation is modelled from a digital elevation model rather than surveyed, so it is approximate.
Nearby Cities
All 144 in South KoreaClosest listed cities by great-circle distance from the city centre.
Compared with the World's Largest Cities
City-proper population against the fifteen largest cities in the dataset.
| Name | City population |
|---|---|
| Shanghai | 24.9M |
| Beijing | 19M |
| Shenzhen | 17.5M |
| Guangzhou | 16.1M |
| Kinshasa | 16M |
| Istanbul | 15.7M |
| Lagos | 15.4M |
| Ho Chi Minh City | 14M |
| Chengdu | 13.6M |
| Lahore | 13M |
| Mumbai | 12.7M |
| São Paulo | 12.4M |
| Mexico City | 12.3M |
| Karachi | 11.6M |
| Tianjin | 11.1M |
| Seoul | 10.3M |
Airports
Scheduled-service airports within 100 km, nearest first.
- Seoul Gimpo International AirportGMP
17 km from the city centre
- Incheon International AirportICN
48 km from the city centre
- Wonju Airport / Hoengseong Air Base (K-38/K-46)WJU
88 km from the city centre
Source: OurAirports, matched by distance.
History
Seoul has been Korea's capital for over 600 years since the Joseon Dynasty established it in 1394. The city was devastated during the Korean War (1950-53) and rebuilt from scratch. Rapid industrialization from the 1960s transformed it into a modern metropolis. Seoul hosted the 1988 Olympics, announcing Korea's arrival as a developed nation. Today it's a showcase of Korean modernity.
Economy
Seoul generates about 50% of South Korea's GDP. It hosts headquarters of chaebols (conglomerates) including Samsung, Hyundai, LG, and SK. Key sectors include technology, electronics, automotive, finance, and entertainment. Gangnam is famous as a wealthy business district (and a viral song). The startup ecosystem is vibrant. The city is a global leader in broadband, 5G, and smart city initiatives.
Culture
Seoul's cultural influence is extraordinary. K-pop and K-drama have global fanbases. Traditional palaces coexist with neon-lit entertainment districts. Korean cuisine (kimchi, Korean BBQ, bibimbap) is increasingly global. Skincare and fashion set trends. Nightlife in Hongdae and Itaewon is legendary. Despite modernity, Confucian values remain influential. Temple stays offer spiritual retreats within the city.
Transportation
Seoul has one of the world's best metro systems—clean, efficient, with 23 lines. High-speed KTX trains connect to all major cities. Incheon International Airport (consistently rated world's best) is 60km away. Buses are extensive. Taxis are affordable. The city has excellent public Wi-Fi everywhere. Traffic is managed with technology and congestion pricing.
Current Challenges
Seoul faces challenges including extreme housing costs (jeonse system under stress), low birth rates (world's lowest fertility rate), aging population, youth unemployment, air pollution from China, income inequality, and intense academic/work pressure. North Korean threat adds security considerations. Work-life balance remains difficult in the 'ppalli ppalli' (hurry hurry) culture.
Highlights
Landmarks & Attractions
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- N Seoul Tower
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza
- Myeongdong shopping district
- Lotte World Tower (555m)
- Cheonggyecheon Stream
- War Memorial of Korea
What Seoul Is Known For
- K-pop
- Technology
- Korean BBQ
- Skincare
- Palaces
- Night markets
Universities
- Seoul National University
- Yonsei University
- Korea University
- KAIST (nearby)
Sports Teams
- FC Seoul
- Kiwoom Heroes (baseball)
- Seoul Dynasty (esports)
Interesting Facts
- Seoul has the world's fastest average internet speed
- The city has 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Gangnam Style put the wealthy district on the global map
- Seoul's subway has heated seats, phone chargers, and 4G/5G throughout
- South Koreans average 72 hours of work per week—among the highest globally
- The DMZ (border with North Korea) is just 35km from central Seoul
Population Trend in South Korea
No free source publishes city population back to 1950, so the parent country's series is shown instead.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 19,757,321 |
| 1960 | 26,115,379 |
| 1970 | 32,542,197 |
| 1980 | 38,141,107 |
| 1990 | 44,081,427 |
| 2000 | 46,766,661 |
| 2010 | 48,769,332 |
| 2020 | 51,858,482 |
| 2030 | 51,188,584 |
| 2040 | 48,948,687 |
| 2050 | 45,143,134 |
| 2060 | 39,857,228 |
| 2070 | 34,452,987 |
| 2080 | 29,671,508 |
| 2090 | 25,449,094 |
| 2100 | 21,848,791 |
Seoul Population FAQ
Where is Seoul?
Seoul is in Seoul, South Korea. Its coordinates are 37.566, 126.978.
How big is Seoul compared with other cities in South Korea?
It is the 1st largest of the 144 cities listed in South Korea, holding 20.0% of the national population.