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S. Korea's population slightly up in 2025 on immigration: census
South Korea's total population inched up in 2025, driven by record immigration amid low birth rates. The census also showed an aging population, a declining working-age share, and separate data on newlywed relocation patterns.
South Korea's population saw a slight increase in 2025 from a year earlier, a turnaround attributed to a rise in immigration, according to data released by the Ministry of Data and Statistics. The total population of Asia's fourth-largest economy reached 51.82 million, up 0.02 percent from the previous year, with the share of foreigners hitting a record high.
The number of South Korean nationals fell 0.1 percent over the period to 49.71 million, accounting for 95.9 percent of the total, Yonhap News reported. Meanwhile, the number of foreigners in the country rose 3.2 percent to 2.11 million, making up a record 4.1 percent of the population.
Coverage Comparison
Two Yonhap News reports covered different aspects of the census. The first, published July 16, focused on newlywed couples' regional relocation patterns and their links to childbirth and home ownership. The second, published July 28, provided the overall population figures, highlighting immigration gains against low birth rates and presenting broader demographic trends. Both reports drew on data from the Ministry of Data and Statistics, with Yonhap attributing official sources.
Key Claims
Population Change: South Korea's total population came to 51.82 million in 2025, up 0.02 percent from a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Data and Statistics. This increase occurred despite low birth rates, driven by a rise in immigration.
Foreigner Share: The number of foreigners rose 3.2 percent to 2.11 million, a record 4.1 percent share of the population. South Korean nationals fell 0.1 percent to 49.71 million.
Aging Demographics: The median age reached 46.8, up 5.7 years from 2015. Seniors aged 65 and older accounted for 20.7 percent of the population, up from 11.2 percent in 2010 and 16 percent in 2020.
Working-Age Population: The working-age population (15-64) came to 35.87 million, making up 69.2 percent of the total, continuing a steady decline since 2018.
Households: The census showed 23.25 million households in 2025, up 1.1 percent from a year earlier, with average household size at 2.16, down 0.37 from 2015. Single-person households accounted for 36.6 percent of the total, up from 23.9 percent in 2010, while households with four or more members fell to 15.2 percent from 30.5 percent.
Newlywed Relocation: A separate survey reported that 57.1 percent of newlywed couples relocated to other areas after marriage, with 61.6 percent of those moving settling in Seoul or Gyeonggi Province. The survey covered first-married couples with husbands born 1984-1990 and wives born 1985-1991.
Childbirth and Home Ownership: Among couples who did not relocate, 69.3 percent had a baby within three years of marriage, compared with 68.2 percent of those who relocated. Non-relocated couples also had higher home ownership rates within three years, at 33.9 percent versus 27.5 percent.
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Claim
Confidence
Status
Claim57.1 percent of newlywed couples relocated to other areas after marriage. 61.6 percent of those who moved settled in Seoul or the surrounding Gyeonggi Province.