SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - The number of foreign nationals residing in South Korea has surged to an all-time high, surpassing 2.73 million, driven by a post-pandemic rebound in entries for academic, employment, and tourism purposes.
As of the end of June this year, the total foreign resident population in the country reached 2,732,797, according to data released by the Ministry of Justice's Korea Immigration Service, Sunday. This figure represents a 1.5 percent increase, or 40,068 people, compared with the previous month.
The rising numbers reflect a steady recovery from the pandemic-induced slowdown.
The foreign population in South Korea rebounded to over 2.51 million in 2023, and continued to climb to approximately 2.65 million last year.
After reaching roughly 2.72 million in March of this year, the total saw slight dips to around 2.71 million in April and 2.69 million in May, before setting a new record of over 2.73 million last month.
Of the total, long-term residents comprise the majority. Registered foreign nationals accounted for 1,559,975, while foreign citizens of Korean descent who have reported their domestic residence numbered 552,419. Short-term visitors, including tourists, made up 620,403.
By nationality, Chinese citizens constituted the largest group, with 972,176 individuals, representing 35.6 percent of all foreign residents. Vietnam followed with 341,153, then the United States with 196,664, Thailand with 173,710, and Uzbekistan with 98,457.
A significant concentration of registered foreign residents, more than half, were found to be living in the Seoul metropolitan area. Other major regions included Yeongnam, with 317,286 people (20.3 percent); Chungcheong, with 200,939 (12.9 percent); and Honam, with 136,990 (8.8 percent).
reporter
Candice Kim
candicekim1121@ajupress.com
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