Last year, the number of centenarians in South Korea surpassed 8,600, marking a 2.7-fold increase over the past decade, with more than 80% being women.
According to the National Data Agency's report on the "2025 Population and Housing Census for Centenarians" released on August 20, the number of individuals aged 100 and older was recorded at 8,604 as of November 1 last year.
This figure represents an increase of 5,445 (172.4%) from 3,159 in 2015. The number of centenarians per 100,000 people rose from 6.4 to 17.3, an increase of 10.9.
By gender, women accounted for 7,176, or 83.4%, while men numbered 1,428, making up 16.6%. The sex ratio, indicating the number of men per 100 women, was 19.9.
Regionally, Gyeonggi Province had the highest number of centenarians at 2,052, followed by Seoul with 1,268, North Gyeongsang with 559, South Jeolla with 541, and Incheon with 528. Urban areas housed 65.8% of the total, with 5,663 individuals, while rural areas accounted for 34.2%, or 2,941 individuals.
When adjusted for population size, South Jeolla had the highest rate of centenarians at 31.8 per 100,000, followed by Jeju at 30.4 and Gangwon at 28.6.
In terms of specific districts, Goyang City in Gyeonggi Province led with 188 centenarians, followed by Yongin City with 169 and Suwon City with 152. Seven of the top ten districts were located in Gyeonggi Province.
Per 100,000 people, Goheung County in South Jeolla had the highest concentration at 91.8, followed by Yeongyang County in North Gyeongsang at 89.6, Bonghwa County in North Gyeongsang at 86.8, and Hadong County in South Gyeongsang at 78.8.
The National Data Agency surveyed 4,280 centenarians living at home to assess their living conditions and health status.
Among those surveyed, 48.5% lived in single-family homes, while 41.2% resided in apartments. The proportion of those living in their own homes was 76.3%, and 83.9% had at least one elder-friendly feature, such as removed thresholds, safety handrails, or emergency bells.
Seventy-five point one percent of centenarians lived with family, with the highest cohabitation rate of 68.4% being with children and their spouses. Those living alone accounted for 20.7%.
Caregivers were primarily children and their spouses at 73.5%, while paid caregivers, including nursing aides and attendants, made up 35.6%. Eighty point two percent reported that their living expenses were supported by children or relatives, while 67.2% received assistance from the government or local authorities.
Ninety percent of centenarians living at home reported having chronic illnesses. Hypertension was the most common condition at 56.7%, followed by arthritis at 39.9%, dementia at 29.1%, and diabetes at 15.7%.
Of those surveyed, 87.4% knew their own names, and 87.8% recognized family members. Sixty-one point nine percent accurately knew their age, while 43.6% could perform simple calculations.
Seventy point seven percent expressed no intention of entering a care facility if their health deteriorated or they needed assistance, citing a preference for family care or staying in familiar surroundings as key reasons.
When asked about the secrets to longevity, 59.7% attributed it to a moderate diet, followed by regular lifestyle habits at 44.5%, genetic factors at 32.1%, and an optimistic personality at 25.8%. Seventy-five point eight percent of centenarians reported never having consumed alcohol or smoked throughout their lives.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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