What is the population of Seoul?
Seoul's metropolitan area has about 9,733,509 people, making it the 35th largest metro area in our dataset of 140 major cities.
In South Korea · Also known as Soul of Asia, The Miracle on the Han River, K-Wave Capital
Metro population
9,733,509
0.117% of world population
Archive estimateAnnual growth
−0.25%
About 67 people a day
Archive estimateDensity
16,088/km²
605 km² metro area
City proper
10,349,312
Within the administrative boundary
GeoNamesAbout 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.
Key Facts
- Country
- South Korea
- Continent
- Asia
- World rank
- #35 of 140
- Share of country
- 18.8%
- Founded
- 1395
- Leadership
- Oh Se-hoon
- Elevation
- 38 m
- Coordinates
- 37.566, 126.978
- Climate
- Humid continental; cold dry winters; hot humid summers; pleasant spring and fall; monsoon in summer
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
Compared with the World's Largest Cities
Metropolitan population against the fifteen largest metro areas.
| Name | Metro population |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | 37.4M |
| Delhi | 32.9M |
| Shanghai | 29.2M |
| São Paulo | 22.6M |
| Dhaka | 22.5M |
| Mexico City | 22.3M |
| Cairo | 22.2M |
| Mumbai | 21.7M |
| Beijing | 21.5M |
| Osaka | 19M |
| New York | 18.9M |
| Karachi | 17.1M |
| Kinshasa | 17.1M |
| Chongqing | 16.9M |
| Lagos | 15.9M |
| Seoul | 9.73M |
Population Trend in South Korea
No free source publishes metropolitan 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 |
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities in our dataset by great-circle distance.
Seoul Population FAQ
What is the difference between Seoul's city and metro population?
About 10,349,312 people live within the city proper, while the wider metropolitan area holds roughly 9,733,509. Metro figures include surrounding commuter areas that fall outside the city's administrative boundary.
Is Seoul growing or shrinking?
Seoul is shrinking at −0.25% a year.
What share of South Korea's population lives in Seoul?
Seoul's metro area holds about 18.8% of South Korea's total population.
How densely populated is Seoul?
Seoul has roughly 16,088 people per km² across a metro area of about 605 km².
Which airports serve Seoul?
The nearest major airports are Seoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP), Incheon International Airport (ICN), Wonju Airport / Hoengseong Air Base (K-38/K-46) (WJU).
Which country is Seoul in?
Seoul is in South Korea, in Asia.
Explore More Cities
- #1 TokyoJapan · 37.4M · −0.14%
- #2 DelhiIndia · 32.9M · +2.78%
- #3 ShanghaiChina · 29.2M · +0.86%
- #4 São PauloBrazil · 22.6M · +0.75%
- #5 DhakaBangladesh · 22.5M · +2.89%
- #6 Mexico CityMexico · 22.3M · +0.80%