South Korea has reached a historic milestone: for the first time ever, the number of foreign residents in the country has surpassed 2.8 million as of October 2025. This surge reflects Korea’s growing appeal as a destination for work, study, and seasonal employment, signaling a rapidly evolving, multicultural society.
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| Foreign Tourists Experience Hanbook at Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul (2016) |
A Historic Rise in Foreign Residents
According to the Ministry of Justice, the total number of foreign nationals living in South Korea reached 2,837,525, marking a 3.6% increase from September. This rebound highlights Korea’s recovery from the pandemic-related decline in foreign residents:
- 2019: Pre-pandemic peak of 2.524 million
- 2021: Dropped to 1.956 million due to COVID-19 restrictions
- 2023: Rebounded to 2.507 million
- 2024: Increased to 2.65 million
- October 2025: Surpassed 2.8 million
This upward trend demonstrates Korea’s continued attractiveness for foreigners seeking opportunities in education, work, and seasonal employment.
Who Is Moving to Korea?
The rise in foreign residents is led by long-term stays, which now total 2.16 million, up 6.3% year-on-year, while short-term residents reached 676,000, a 2.7% increase.
Breakdown by Visa Type:
- Seasonal E-8 workers: 65,000 (+58.7% YoY)
- D-2 international students: 222,000 (+22.1% YoY)
- E-9 non-professional employment visas: 335,000 (+2.4% YoY)
These numbers highlight how Korea is attracting skilled workers, students, and seasonal employees from around the world.
Top Nationalities Living in Korea
South Korea’s foreign population is increasingly diverse. The largest groups include:
- 🇨🇳 China: 975,000 (34.4%)
- 🇻🇳 Vietnam: 12.5%
- 🇺🇸 United States: 6.9%
- 🇹🇭 Thailand: 6%
This mix reflects Korea’s expanding global connections in business, education, and cultural exchange.
What This Means for Korea
The growth in foreign residents signals a more multicultural, globally connected society. Cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon are becoming hubs of international exchange, while Korean workplaces, schools, and communities increasingly reflect global diversity.
For residents and visitors alike, this trend means more opportunities to experience international culture, cuisine, and perspectives right in South Korea.
Credit: Yonhap News, Korea Herald
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