World · Vietnam Bureau
Foreign residents in South Korea reach record 2.66 million
South Korea's foreign resident population has surpassed 2.66 million people, representing more than five percent of the country's total population. The growth has been driven significantly by a surge in international student enrollments.
LSN Vietnam ·
South Korea's foreign resident population has climbed to a record 2.66 million in 2025, according to official figures, marking a substantial increase in the country's international presence.
The milestone represents more than one in every 20 residents in South Korea, underscoring the nation's growing role as a destination for foreign nationals. The expansion reflects broader demographic and economic trends reshaping the country.
International students have been a primary driver of this growth, with their numbers climbing sharply in recent years. The surge reflects South Korea's appeal as an educational hub, particularly for students from across Asia seeking quality higher education and career opportunities in one of the region's most developed economies.
The increasing foreign population presents both opportunities and challenges for South Korea, touching on issues of labor market integration, social services, and cultural adaptation. Policymakers have been grappling with how to manage this influx while addressing workforce shortages in key sectors.
The record figures underscore South Korea's transformation into an increasingly multicultural society, a significant shift from its historically homogeneous population composition.