Population Distribution
As of 2023, the latest population of South Korea is 51,835,110, based on our calculation of the current data from UN (United Nations).
| Total population | 51,835,110 |
| Population growth rate | 0.39% |
| Birth rate | 8.30 births per 1,000 people |
| Life expectancy | |
| Overall | 79.55 years |
| Men | 76.40 years |
| Women | 82.91 years |
| Age structure | |
| 0-14 years | 13.03% |
| 15-64 years | 72.41% |
| 65 years and above | 14.55% |
| Median age | 40.80 years |
| Gender ratio (Male to Female) | 1.00 |
| Population density | 519.81 residents per km² |
| Urbanization | 80.30% |
| Ethnicities | |
| almost 100% Koreans, homogeneous, around 20,000 Chinese | |
| Religions | |
| No religious affiliation 46% Christians 26%, Buddhists 26%, Confucians 1%, Others [Shamanist, Chondogyo (Religion of the Heavenly Way)] 1% | |
| Human Development Index (HDI) | 0.906 |
| HDI ranking | 22nd out of 194 |
People in South Korea
The area of Korea belonged to the Silla Empire for a very long time and thus formed a political unit for a long time (from the 7th century to 1945). The population is therefore quite uniform. That is still the case today, but other ethnic groups also live in the country through migration, even if only as small minorities.
These are mainly people from other Asian countries who have found work there. Because South Korea is doing quite well economically, so that people from Thailand, the Philippines and India have immigrated. The largest minorities are Chinese, Americans and Vietnamese.
With ten million residents, South Korea’s capital Seoul is by far the largest city. The conurbation around the metropolis is the second largest conurbation in the world with over 23 million residents. Of the more than 51 million people who live in South Korea, most live near the south or west coast.
Out of 100 people, 92 live in one of the cities. That is a very high value! These cities are very modern while people in the rural parts of South Korea are still very traditional. Long-term coastal areas and impressive nature attract many tourists to the country year after year.
Languages in South Korea
Korean is spoken in the Republic of Korea. Only a few minorities, such as the Chinese in the country, maintain their own language. There are hardly any dialects in Korean and when they do, the differences are very small.
English is also often spoken in the Republic of Korea, which is the first foreign language in schools. Most children in South Korea learn English in school.
Religions in South Korea
46 percent of South Koreans say they have no religion. That is a high percentage. 26 percent each are Buddhists and Christians. The two largest religions in the country are thus Buddhism and Christianity. The number of Christians in Korea has been growing since the 1960s. But the influence of Confucianism is also great.
South Korea Overview
South Korea, located on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, is renowned for its dynamic blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation. The country is famous for its vibrant pop culture, including K-pop music, Korean dramas, and cutting-edge technology. Seoul, the capital city, is a bustling metropolis known for its futuristic skyscrapers, historic palaces, and bustling street markets. South Korea’s rich culinary scene, with dishes like kimchi, bulgogi, and bibimbap, has gained worldwide acclaim. With its stunning natural landscapes, such as Seoraksan National Park and Jeju Island, South Korea offers visitors a captivating mix of tradition, culture, and natural beauty.
- Capital City: Seoul
- Population: Approximately 51 million
- Area: 100,210 square kilometers
- Full Country Name: Republic of Korea
- Currency: South Korean Won (KRW)
- Language: Korean
- ISO Country Codes: KR, KOR
Bordering Countries of South Korea
South Korea is a small, densely populated East Asian country located on the south-eastern tip of the Korean Peninsula. It is bordered by North Korea to the north, China to the west and Japan to the east. To its south lies the Yellow Sea, and to its southwest lies the East China Sea. South Korea has four distinct bordering countries that each offer unique experiences for visitors.
North Korea, which shares a land border with South Korea along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), is one of the most isolated countries in the world and remains largely closed off to foreign visitors. However, there are some opportunities for travel between North and South Korea, including trips to Mount Kumgang or Kaesong City.
China borders South Korea along its western side and offers an array of attractions from ancient temples and historic sites like The Great Wall of China to modern cities like Shanghai or Beijing. Visitors can also explore diverse landscapes from deserts in Gansu Province to tropical beaches in Hainan Island or even explore rural areas like Yunnan or Guizhou Province where you can find traditional villages as well as stunning natural scenery.
Japan lies just across the Sea of Japan (East Sea) from South Korea’s eastern coastline and is known for its vibrant cities such as Tokyo which offers attractions ranging from ancient shrines like Meiji Shrine to modern skyscrapers like Tokyo Skytree while Kyoto offers a more traditional Japanese experience with ancient temples such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple or Nijo Castle. Other highlights include hot springs resorts in Beppu or Hakone, modern theme parks such as Fuji-Q Highland near Mt Fuji as well as many other attractions throughout Japan’s numerous islands.
Finally, Taiwan lies just across the Taiwan Strait from South Korea’s southern coastline and offers an array of attractions including stunning natural scenery such as Taroko Gorge National Park or Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area where you can explore lush forests and crystal clear lakes surrounded by emerald green mountains. Additionally, visitors can explore vibrant cities such as Taipei with its bustling night markets or Kaohsiung where you can find art galleries and museums among other cultural attractions.