In 2025, South Korea's male population is projected to reach about ***** million, while the female population is estimated at ***** million. In the long term, South Korea's population is expected to decline, reaching about ***** million in 2072.

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Further information about South Korea population data

• In the latest reports, South Korea Unemployment Rate increased to 2.6 % in Oct 2025
• Monthly earnings of the South Korea population was 3,110.1 USD in Sep 2025
• South Korea Labour Force Participation Rate dropped to 64.8 % in Oct 2025

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.

Historical dataset showing total population for South Korea by year from 1950 to 2025.

The total population in South Korea was estimated at 51.8 million people in 2024, according to the latest census figures and projections from Trading Economics. This dataset provides - South Korea Population - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Population density (people per sq. km of land area) in South Korea was reported at 530 sq. Km in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Korea - Population density (people per sq. km) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on November of 2025.

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.

The total population of South Korea was estimated to reach around **** million in 2025. While South Korea's population has increased since the 1960s, it is expected to fall to about ** million by 2072.

Historical dataset of population level and growth rate for the Seoul, South Korea metro area from 1950 to 2025.

Actual value and historical data chart for South Korea Population Growth Annual Percent

Comprehensive socio-economic dataset for South Korea including population demographics, economic indicators, geographic data, and social statistics. This dataset covers key metrics such as GDP, population density, area, capital city, and regional classifications.

Historical dataset of population level and growth rate for the Ulsan, South Korea metro area from 1950 to 2025.

Historical dataset of population level and growth rate for the Suweon, South Korea metro area from 1950 to 2025.

Actual value and historical data chart for South Korea Population Ages 65 And Above Percent Of Total

South Korea Population: Working Age: Age 15-74 data was reported at 42,010,872.566 Person in 2026. This records a decrease from the previous number of 42,025,890.729 Person for 2025. South Korea Population: Working Age: Age 15-74 data is updated yearly, averaging 32,663,722.033 Person from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2026, with 67 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 42,057,808.031 Person in 2024 and a record low of 14,586,439.479 Person in 1960. South Korea Population: Working Age: Age 15-74 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Korea – Table KR.OECD.EO: Labour Force: Forecast: OECD Member: Annual. POP1574 - Working-age population, age 15-74 Population data are based on data reported to the OECD Statistics Directorate by member countries via an annual national accounts questionnaire. For the projection period, series are extended using Eurostat projections (EUROPOP2023) for European countries, and United Nations (WPP2022) for other countries. The data is further adjusted by the OECD.

Graph and download economic data for Infra-Annual Labor Statistics: Working-Age Population Total: From 15 to 64 Years for Korea (LFWA64TTKRM647N) from Jun 1999 to Sep 2025 about working-age, 15 to 64 years, Korea, and population.

As of February 2025, online video giant YouTube had a total potential advertising reach of around ** percent of the total population in South Korea. This put them far ahead of other social media platforms' potential ad reach, with Instagram coming in second at about ** percent of the population.

Korea Population Projection: 64 Years data was reported at 627,898.000 Person in 2065. This records a decrease from the previous number of 653,533.000 Person for 2064. Korea Population Projection: 64 Years data is updated yearly, averaging 452,836.000 Person from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2065, with 106 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 916,606.000 Person in 2025 and a record low of 88,330.000 Person in 1960. Korea Population Projection: 64 Years data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics Korea. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Korea – Table KR.G003: Population Projection: Statistics Korea.

Historical dataset of population level and growth rate for the Gumi, South Korea metro area from 1950 to 2025.

Historical dataset of population level and growth rate for the Incheon, South Korea metro area from 1950 to 2025.