What is the population of South Korea in 2026?
South Korea has a population of 51,684,564 people (2025 estimate), which is 29th in the world and about 0.62% of the global total.
Officially Republic of Korea
Population 2025
51,684,564
0.62% of world population
World Bank, 2025Annual Growth
−0.13%
−66,673 people a year
World Bank, 2025Density
530/km²
97,600 km² land area
World Bank, 2023Median Age
45.6 years
Life expectancy 83.6 years
Our World in Data, 2025About South Korea
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, occupies the southern half of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. It is a global leader in technology, electronics, automobiles, and pop culture (K-pop, K-drama). South Korea has the world's 12th-largest economy and transformed from one of the poorest countries in 1960 to a high-income developed nation—the 'Miracle on the Han River.' It is a vibrant democracy and a key US ally facing North Korea across the DMZ.
Country Facts
- Capital
- Seoul
- Continent
- Asia
- ISO codes
- KR · KOR
- Demonym
- South Korean
- Currency
- South Korean won (KRW ₩)
- Government
- Presidential system, Republic
- State inception
- 1948
- Time zone
- UTC+09:00
- Driving side
- Right
- Calling code
- +82
- Internet TLD
- .kr, .한국
- Land neighbours
- 1
Languages
- Korean
Religions
- None (56%)
- Protestantism (20%)
- Buddhism (16%)
- Catholicism (8%)
Demographics
South Korea faces a demographic crisis with the world's lowest fertility rate (0.72 in 2023) and rapid aging. The population is projected to decline from 52 million to under 40 million by 2070. About 92% live in urban areas, with the Seoul metropolitan region housing half the population. South Korea is ethnically homogeneous but increasingly multicultural through immigration. The median age of 44.6 years reflects advanced aging.
Economy
South Korea is a major global economy led by chaebols (conglomerates) like Samsung, Hyundai, SK, and LG. It leads globally in semiconductors, shipbuilding, automobiles, steel, and electronics. Samsung alone contributes 20% of GDP. South Korea has transformed from an aid recipient to a donor nation. The economy is export-oriented, making it vulnerable to global trade fluctuations. High household debt and housing costs are concerns.
Major exports
- Semiconductors
- Automobiles
- Ships
- Machinery
- Petrochemicals
- Electronics
- Steel
- Batteries
Major imports
- Crude petroleum
- Semiconductors
- Natural gas
- Coal
- Machinery
- Electronics
- Steel
Health
Education
Environment
Infrastructure
Quality of Life
Geography
South Korea occupies 100,210 km² of the Korean Peninsula, plus thousands of islands. About 70% of the territory is mountainous, with the Taebaek Mountains dominating the east. The Han and Nakdong are major rivers. Climate is humid continental with monsoons. The peninsula's southern and western coasts feature numerous islands. The DMZ with North Korea is one of the world's most heavily militarized borders.
Natural resources
- Coal
- Tungsten
- Graphite
- Molybdenum
- Lead
- Hydropower potential
Climate
- Humid continental, humid subtropical in south
Military
Age & Gender Distribution
Population by five-year age band, UN World Population Prospects 2024.
Male Female
- Age 0–14
- 10.6%
- Age 15–64
- 70.2%
- Age 65+
- 19.3%
| Age band | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100+ | 462 | 9,492 |
| 95-99 | 8,159 | 62,605 |
| 90-94 | 64,691 | 231,399 |
| 85-89 | 234,049 | 510,560 |
| 80-84 | 516,903 | 804,857 |
| 75-79 | 763,108 | 946,785 |
| 70-74 | 1,086,690 | 1,234,350 |
| 65-69 | 1,690,976 | 1,802,710 |
| 60-64 | 2,083,712 | 2,127,667 |
| 55-59 | 2,103,762 | 2,111,505 |
| 50-54 | 2,235,990 | 2,188,010 |
| 45-49 | 1,963,649 | 1,894,230 |
| 40-44 | 2,056,887 | 1,944,050 |
| 35-39 | 1,732,331 | 1,570,076 |
| 30-34 | 1,925,236 | 1,671,036 |
| 25-29 | 1,871,506 | 1,663,614 |
| 20-24 | 1,483,967 | 1,354,897 |
| 15-19 | 1,187,441 | 1,114,648 |
| 10-14 | 1,174,536 | 1,112,593 |
| 5-9 | 971,576 | 924,341 |
| 0-4 | 658,506 | 624,028 |
Population History & Projection (1950–2100)
Observed population to 2024, then the UN medium-variant projection.
| 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 |
History
Korea's 5,000-year history includes the Three Kingdoms period, unified Silla, Goryeo, and Joseon dynasties. Japanese occupation (1910-1945) was followed by division at the 38th parallel. The Korean War (1950-1953) devastated the peninsula and ended in armistice, not peace. Under authoritarian leaders Park Chung-hee and successors, South Korea industrialized rapidly. Democratic transition came in 1987, with direct presidential elections.
Culture
Korean culture has achieved global prominence through K-pop (BTS, BLACKPINK), K-drama (Squid Game), and Korean cuisine (kimchi, bulgogi, Korean BBQ). Traditional culture includes hanbok (clothing), hanok (architecture), and Confucian values emphasizing education and hierarchy. Esports and gaming are major cultural phenomena. Korean beauty (K-beauty) products are globally popular. Education is intensely competitive, with high stress on students.
Current Challenges
South Korea faces an existential demographic crisis with the world's lowest birth rate threatening economic and social sustainability. North Korean nuclear threat remains. High youth unemployment, extreme competition, high household debt, and suicide rates (especially among elderly and youth) are pressing issues. Work-life balance is poor, with one of the longest work hours among OECD nations. Gender inequality persists.
Future Outlook
South Korea aims to maintain technological leadership in semiconductors, batteries, and AI. Population decline will require immigration expansion, automation, and productivity increases. Reunification with North Korea remains a long-term aspiration but uncertain prospect. South Korea seeks to balance its US alliance with China relations while projecting soft power through culture and technology.
Highlights
What South Korea Is Known For
- World's lowest fertility rate
- Global leader in semiconductors and shipbuilding
- K-pop and K-drama have become global phenomena
- 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Highest rate of PhD holders per capita
Interesting Facts About South Korea
- South Korea has the world's fastest average internet speed
- Plastic surgery per capita is the highest globally
- Koreans add one year to age at birth (Korean age system)
- There are more Christians in South Korea than Buddhists
- Blood type is believed to indicate personality in Korea
- The number 4 is considered unlucky, so buildings often skip the 4th floor
- Taekwondo originated in Korea and is now an Olympic sport
How South Korea Compares
Population against the ten most populous countries.
- India1.46B
- China1.41B
- United States341.8M
- Indonesia285.7M
- Pakistan255.2M
- Nigeria237.5M
- Brazil212.8M
- Bangladesh175.7M
- Russia143.5M
- Ethiopia135.5M
- South Korea51.7M
| Name | Population |
|---|---|
| India | 1.46B |
| China | 1.41B |
| United States | 341.8M |
| Indonesia | 285.7M |
| Pakistan | 255.2M |
| Nigeria | 237.5M |
| Brazil | 212.8M |
| Bangladesh | 175.7M |
| Russia | 143.5M |
| Ethiopia | 135.5M |
| South Korea | 51.7M |
Major Cities in South Korea
1 metropolitan area in our city dataset.
- Seoul9.73M · −0.25%
Countries Bordering South Korea
1 land border.
- North Korea26.6M · +0.27%
South Korea Population FAQ
Is the population of South Korea growing or shrinking?
South Korea's population is shrinking at −0.13% per year, a change of roughly 66,673 people annually.
What is the capital of South Korea?
The capital of South Korea is Seoul.
What is the largest city in South Korea?
Seoul is the largest metropolitan area in South Korea, with about 9.73M people.
How densely populated is South Korea?
South Korea has 530/km² across 97,600 km² of land area.
What is life expectancy in South Korea?
Life expectancy at birth in South Korea is 83.6 years (2024).
What is the median age in South Korea?
The median age in South Korea is 45.6 years, meaning half the population is younger than that and half older.
Which continent is South Korea in?
South Korea is in Asia.