The statistic shows the total population of South Korea from 1980 to 2024, with projections up until 2030. In 2024, the total population of South Korea was about 51.75 million people. Population of South Korea South Korea, also called Republic of Korea, has one of the highest population densities worldwide, i.e. a very high number of inhabitants per square kilometer. However, this does not equal bad standard of living; on the Human Development Index, which ranks countries by their level of living standards using key factors, such as unemployment rate, literacy rate, fertility and mortality rates, etc., South Korea is among the highest-ranked countries. When looking at the aforementioned key factors, South Korea indeed seems to offer a fairly stable environment for its inhabitants, economically and demographically: The country’s unemployment rate has been relatively steady for the past decade, its gross domestic product (GDP) is constantly increasing, and it is among the countries with the highest trade surplus worldwide. As for standard of living, life expectancy at birth in South Korea is among the highest worldwide – South Korea is even mentioned in a recent ranking of the best birthplaces for children. Despite the high population density, South Korea is now one of the countries with the lowest fertility rates, i.e. the number of babies born by women of childbearing age. This apparent discrepancy could be explained by a high number of immigrants coupled with the aforementioned high life expectancy.

In 2025, the total population of South Korea is projected to be around ***** million. In thirty years, the number of people aged 15 to 64 is estimated to decrease by one-third, while the number of older adults is anticipated to more than double. Additionally, the overall population is expected to decline by around *** million people by that time. Declining birth rate Several factors are contributing to the expected demographic changes in South Korea. Firstly, the birth rate has been declining for years. As of 2024, South Korea had the lowest fertility rate in the world. This trend continues despite the efforts of successive governments to encourage young people to have children. An increasing number of South Korean women are prioritizing their careers, often choosing to focus on work rather than starting a family at a young age. While the employment rate for South Korean women is still lower than that of men, it has steadily risen over the past decade. Increase in life expectancy Secondly, life expectancy in South Korea has steadily increased due to improved living standards and healthcare. The average life expectancy at birth for South Koreans has risen from less than 75 years to almost 83 years over the past twenty years. As a result, the proportion of people aged 65 and older has grown from less than ** percent to around ** percent in the last decade.

SpatioTemporal Asset Catalog (STAC) Item - kor_pop_2030_CN_1km_R2025A_UA_v1 in KOR

SpatioTemporal Asset Catalog (STAC) Item - kor_pop_2030_CN_100m_R2025A_v1 in KOR

The statistic shows the total population in Japan from 2020 to 2024, with projections up until 2030. In 2024, the total population of Japan amounted to around 123.9 million inhabitants. See the figures for the population of South Korea for comparison. Total population in Japan From steadily low fertility rates to a growing elderly population, it is no secret that Japan’s population is shrinking. Population growth rates jump around a little, but are currently following a declining trend. The post-war baby boom generation is now in the 65-and-over age group, and the percentage of the population in that category is expected to keep growing, as is indicated by a high median age and high life expectancy. Japan already has the highest percentage of its population over 65 in the world, and the aging population puts some pressure on the Japanese government to provide welfare services for more people as rising numbers leave the workforce. However, the amount of jobs opened up for the younger generations by the older generations leaving the workforce means that unemployment is kept to a minimum. Despite a jump in unemployment after the global recession hit in 2008, rates were almost back to pre-recession rates by 2013. Another factor affecting Japan is the number of emigrants to other countries. The United States absorbs a number of emigrants worldwide, so despite a stagnating birth rate, the U.S. has seen a steady rise in population.

The statistic shows the unemployment rate in South Korea from 2020 to 2024, with projections up until 2030. In 2028, the unemployment rate in South Korea was at around 2.8 percent. See the figures for the population of South Korea for comparison. Economy of South Korea South Korea is one of the world’s richest countries as well as a member of the G20, an organization made up of the 20 strongest economies in the world. Due to excessive growth from the 1960s to the 1990s, South Korea established itself as a developed country in the world with a strong economy and high wages. Continued economic growth is attributed to a robust export-oriented economy, which was deemed necessary for the country particularly due to a scarcity in natural resources as well as overpopulation in comparison to available living space. During the global financial crisis, South Korea surprised many economists by maintaining a stable economy and even experiencing economic growth, most notably during the peak of the crisis. Through stimulus packages as well as a high level of consumption, South Korea’s strong export-oriented economy was not affected as negatively as many other developed countries. South Korea’s economy primarily revolves around the production and export of technological goods. Some primary exports of the country include electronics, ships and automobiles. South Korea also has some of the largest shipbuilding companies worldwide, which are highly profitable but also have accumulated a rather large sum of debt over the course of several years.

This statistic shows the average inflation rate in South Korea from 1985 to 2024, with projections up until 2030. In 2024, the average inflation rate in South Korea amounted to about 2.32 percent compared to the previous year. For further info, see the South Korean GDP. South Korea's low inflation High rates of inflation are undesireable, just like low rates, and South Korea is currently struggling with the latter. South Korea is actually an affluent country and currently ranks 11th on the list of the 20 countries with the largest GDP, but its inflation rate is subject to concern, as it is currently at levels below 2 percent. However, there is still hope that inflation will return to stable rates between 3 and 4.5 percent in the next few years, and there are also signs that consumer confidence is rising after two years of weak economic growth and sluggish domestic consumption and investment. The unemployment rate remains low with levels staying in the range of 3 percent - close to full employment – yet there are still obstacles including an aging population and a heavy reliance on exports. At present, South Korea is attempting to balance its reliance on exports by expanding the service industry, especially as the export market slows.

The ratio of government expenditure to GDP in South Korea was forecast to increase between 2024 and 2030 by in total 0.55 percentage points. This overall increase does not happen continuously, notably not in 2026 and 2028. The ratio is estimated to amount to 23.38 percent in 2030. Shown here is the general government expenditure as a share of the national gross domestic product. As defined by the International Monetary Fund, the general government expenditure consists of total expense and the net acquisition of nonfinancial assets. The gross domestic product represents the total value of final goods and services produced during a year.Find more key insights for the ratio of government expenditure to GDP in countries like Mongolia, China, and Taiwan.

The ratio of national debt to gross domestic product (GDP) in South Korea was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2030 by in total 6.7 percentage points. After the tenth consecutive increasing year, the ratio is estimated to reach 59.19 percent and therefore a new peak in 2030. Notably, the ratio of national debt to gross domestic product (GDP) was continuously increasing over the past years.This indicator describes the general government gross debt in relation to the country's GDP. According to the International Monetary Fund, gross debt consists of all liabilities that require payment or payments of interest and/or principal by the debtor to the creditor at a date or dates in the future. The GDP, on the other hand, refers to the total value of final goods and services produced during a year.Find more key insights for the ratio of national debt to gross domestic product (GDP) in countries like China, Japan, and Taiwan.