South Korea
Republic of Korea
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.07%
With a population of roughly 51.8 million, South Korea ranks in the upper quartile of countries by population size. The country extends across 100,210 km², translating to a density of 516 people per km². Its capital is Seoul, and Korean is the official language, while the South Korean won serves as the national currency.
Population
51,751,065
Area
100,210 km²
Density
516/km²
World Rank
#29
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Deaths (6 per thousand) now equal or exceed births (4.5 per thousand), resulting in natural population decline. The population skews older, with 19.3% aged 65 or above and 10.6% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Seoul
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Eastern Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Korean
- Currencies
- South Korean won (₩)
- Calling Code
- +82
- Top-Level Domain
- .kr, .한국
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+09:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 51,751,065
- Land Area
- 100,210 km²
- Population Density
- 516 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.07%
- Annual Growth
- +36,226 people
- Daily Growth
- +99 people
- World Population Share
- 0.64%
- Coordinates
- 37.00°, 127.50°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $36.2k, South Korea sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 2.7%—well below the world average. The Gini index of 32.9 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
83.4 years
GDP per Capita
$36,239
Birth Rate
4.5 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.0 per 1,000
Urban Population
81.2%
Fertility Rate
0.72 births/woman
Infant Mortality
2.3 per 1,000
Unemployment
2.7%
Literacy Rate
98.0%
Internet Users
97.9%
Under 15
10.6%
Over 65
19.3%
Health Spending
8.7% GDP
Gini Index
32.9
Age Distribution
0-14 years
5.5M
15-64 years
36.3M
65+ years
10.0M
Urbanization
Urbanization is well advanced, with roughly 81.2% of the population residing in towns and cities, above the global mean of 56%. Seoul, the capital, anchors a broader network of metropolitan centers that drive economic activity. High density and high urbanization together create both efficiency gains and challenges around housing, transport, and environmental quality.
42.0M
81.2%
9.7M
18.8%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy reaches 83.4 years, ranking among the highest globally and reflecting robust healthcare systems and living standards. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 2.3 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. The literacy rate of 98% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in South Korea
South Korea has 58 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that South Korea is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 0.7 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, South Korea participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 51,751,065 |
| 2030 | 52,006,419 |
| 2035 | 52,553,793 |
| 2040 | 53,328,292 |
| 2045 | 54,307,694 |
| 2050 | 55,474,741 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for South Korea.
Largest Cities in South Korea
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in South Korea by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of South Korea?
The population of South Korea is approximately 51.8 million as of 2026, making it #29 in the world by population.
What is the capital of South Korea?
The capital of South Korea is Seoul.
What languages are spoken in South Korea?
The main languages spoken in South Korea are Korean.
How big is South Korea?
South Korea covers an area of 100,210 km² with a population density of 516 people per km².
Is South Korea growing or shrinking?
South Korea is growing at a rate of 0.07% per year, adding approximately 36,226 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in South Korea?
The average life expectancy in South Korea is 83.4 years.
What is the GDP per capita of South Korea?
The GDP per capita of South Korea is $36,239.