South Korea’s Foreign Resident Population Nears 1.7 Million

As of May 2025, the number of foreign nationals residing in South Korea has approached 1.7 million, marking an 8.4 percent increase from the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Data and Statistics.

Growth and Demographics

The total number of foreign residents aged 15 and older who have resided in the country for more than 91 days reached 1.69 million. Overseas Koreans with foreign nationalities constitute the largest group, accounting for 24.2 percent of the total. Non-professional employment visa holders represent 19 percent, while international students make up 14 percent, and permanent residents 9.6 percent.

Nationalities and Employment

Among the foreign national population, individuals of Korean ethnicity with Chinese nationality are the most prevalent, comprising 29.9 percent. Vietnamese nationals follow, representing 16 percent of the total. As of May 2025, 65.5 percent of foreign nationals in South Korea were employed.

Economic Considerations

A notable 10.8 percent of employed foreign workers indicated they were seeking latest employment opportunities, with low income being the primary reason cited. Approximately 32 percent of foreign nationals reported a monthly income between 2 million won (US$1,362) and 3 million won. 12.9 percent of foreign nationals reported experiencing financial difficulties in the past year.

Political Context

President Lee Jae Myung has addressed issues related to the nation’s economic and geopolitical landscape. In March 2026, President Lee stated that a potential relocation of military assets owned by the U.S. Military stationed in South Korea would not affect the deterrence posture against North Korea Korea Times. Lee Jae-myung also recently appealed a suspended sentence related to violations of election law during a previous presidential campaign Yonhap News Agency.