1.6 Million and Counting: Registered Foreign Residents in South Korea Hit Record High

The number of foreigners staying in South Korea for longer than 90 days has officially surpassed 1.6 million. According to recent data from the Justice Ministry, this figure reached the milestone in November 2025, marking an 8% jump from the previous year. It's a clear indicator of the country's rapid transition toward a more diverse demographic landscape.

Demographic Shift and Regional Concentration

The upward trend has been consistent, growing from 1.1 million in 2021 to 1.3 million in 2023. Now at 1.6 million, the distribution shows a heavy concentration in the Greater Seoul area, where 54% of registered foreigners reside. Major industrial hubs like Hwaseong (54,584), Siheung (42,158), and Ansan (38,398) lead the list, primarily driven by employment opportunities in manufacturing and services.

Diversity by Nationality

By nationality, Chinese citizens make up the largest group at 29.8%, followed by Vietnam at 18.4%. Other notable populations include those from Nepal (5.5%), Uzbekistan (4.3%), and Cambodia (4.1%). These registered residents are eligible for registration cards and must report any change of address within 14 days to maintain their legal status.