The statistic shows the total population of South Korea from 2020 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.

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.

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.

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

Population, female (% of total population) in South Korea was reported at 50.09 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Korea - Population, female (% of total) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

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.

Population ages 65 and above (% of total population) in South Korea was reported at 19.27 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Korea - Population ages 65 and above (% of total) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

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.

Population ages 0-14, male (% of male population) in South Korea was reported at 10.86 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Korea - Population ages 0-14, male (% of total) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

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.

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

Population, male (% of total population) in South Korea was reported at 49.91 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Korea - Population, male (% of total) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Graph and download economic data for Infra-Annual Labor Statistics: Working-Age Population Total: From 15 to 24 Years for Korea (LFWA24TTKRM647N) from Jun 1999 to Jul 2025 about working-age, 15 to 24 years, Korea, and population.

Population in urban agglomerations of more than 1 million (% of total population) in South Korea was reported at 50.89 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Korea - Population in urban agglomerations of more than 1 million - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

As of February 2025, YouTube's advertising reach in South Korea was split mostly evenly between male and female users. YouTube has a potential reach of around **** million people in South Korea, which amounts to about ** percent of the total population.

Graph and download economic data for Infra-Annual Labor Statistics: Working-Age Population Total: From 15 to 24 Years for Korea (LFWA24TTKRQ647N) from Q3 1999 to Q2 2025 about working-age, 15 to 24 years, Korea, and population.

Urban population (% of total population) in South Korea was reported at 81.5 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Korea - Urban population (% of total) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

As of February 2025, Facebook's advertising reach in South Korea skewed around ** percent in favor of male users, while the remaining ** percent consisted of female users. Facebook has a potential reach of *** million people in South Korea, which amounts to roughly ** percent of the total population.

As of February 2025, Twitter's advertising reach in South Korea skewed around ** percent in favor of female users, while the remaining ** percent consisted of male users. Twitter has a potential reach of about ** million people in South Korea, which amounts to roughly ** percent of the total population.

Population ages 15-64 (% of total population) in South Korea was reported at 70.16 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Korea - Population ages 15-64 (% of total) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.