South Korea: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

Essential data for planning your trip to South Korea — from population and demographics to economic indicators, healthcare infrastructure, tourism trends, and digital connectivity.

Population & Geography

Population
51,635,256
#27 of 197 countries
Area
99,720 km²
#110 of 248 countries
Density
517.8 / km²
#25 of 245 countries

South Korea has a population of 51,635,256 spread across 99,720 km², giving it an average density of 517.8 people per km². This is a densely populated country where urban areas dominate the landscape.

Most Populous Cities

Seoul
10,349,312
7301 / km²
Busan
3,343,903
9444 / km²
Incheon
3,039,450
10381 / km²
Daegu
2,365,523
6052 / km²
Daejeon
1,470,336
11906 / km²
Gwangju
1,398,538
5664 / km²
Suwon
1,191,063
12796 / km²
Ulsan
1,095,014
4988 / km²
Changwon
1,025,702
4926 / km²
Seongnam-si
914,832
7621 / km²

Demographics

Median Age
47.0
Life Expectancy
83.4 yrs
Government
presidential republic
Religions
GDP by Sector

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. South Korea is classified as a high income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 62% of US levels, meaning costs are moderate and most travellers will find it reasonably affordable.

Income Level
High income
GDP per Capita
$35,674
Cost of Living
62% of US
Inflation
3.6%
Inequality
32.9
Moderate