The number of foreign residents in the Republic of Korea has surpassed 2.73 million, marking an all-time high.
According to data released by the Ministry of Justice's Immigration Policy Headquarters on the 27th, the total number of foreign residents in the Republic of Korea as of the end of June 2023 stands at 2,732,797, which is a 1.5% (40,068 people) increase compared to the previous month.
When examining foreign residents by type, the number of long-term residents includes 1,559,975 registered foreigners and 552,419 overseas compatriots reporting domestic residence, making a total of 2,112,394.
In contrast, the number of short-term foreign residents, such as tourists, is recorded at 620,403. Notably, the number of foreign residents for tourism purposes has surged by 29.6% compared to the previous month, clearly indicating the recovery of the tourism industry following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recovery of the tourism industry after COVID-19
Distribution by nationality, region, and status of residence
By nationality, Chinese nationals represent the largest group at 972,176 (35.6%). Following them are Vietnamese at 341,153, Americans at 196,664, Thais at 173,710, and Uzbekistanis at 98,457. This distribution reflects the economic and geographical ties with Korea.
When looking at the residential areas of long-term foreign residents, more than half are concentrated in the metropolitan area, with 317,286 in the Yeongnam region (20.3%), 200,939 in the Chungcheong region (12.9%), and 136,990 in the Honam region (8.8%). This indicates that foreigners tend to concentrate in the metropolitan area due to greater job and educational opportunities.
By age group, those aged 30 to 39 years make up the largest percentage at 25.7%, followed by those aged 20 to 29 years at 23.1%, 40 to 49 years at 16.7%, those aged 60 and over at 13.5%, 50 to 59 years at 12.3%, and those aged 19 and under at 8.7%.
The fact that nearly half of the total population comprises young people in their 20s and 30s highlights the growing importance of foreigners in the domestic labor market and universities.
By residency status, overseas compatriots (F-4) make up the largest group at 554,895, followed by Employment Permit System non-professional employment (E-9) at 341,453, permanent residents (F-5) at 214,036, students (D-2) at 191,297, and tourist visa entrants (B-2) at 171,063.
The number of foreign residents in the Republic of Korea recorded 2.52 million in 2019, followed by a decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, dropping to 2.04 million in 2020 and 1.96 million in 2021 for two consecutive years.
However, after the pandemic, in 2023, this number rebounded to the 2.51 million range, with 2.65 million last year and 2.72 million in March this year, ultimately reaching an all-time high in June. This trend indicates an enhancement of Korea's international standing and a rapid transition to a multicultural society.
Enhancement of Korea's international standing and rapid transition to a multicultural society
Image source: News1
