# South Korea migrant-background population growth

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korea-migrant-background-population-growth
> Updated: 2026-10-26T03:00:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

South Korea is experiencing significant demographic shifts driven by a growing migrant-background population, which reached 2.81 million people, or 5.4% of the total population, by late 2024. This group, comprising foreign nationals, naturalized citizens, second-generation immigrants, and North Korean defectors, has helped stabilize the national population as the number of native-born citizens continues to decline. Data from the National Data Agency indicates this group grew by 94,510 people (3.5%) over the past year, effectively offsetting a decline of 82,558 native-born citizens.

The migrant-background demographic is notably younger than the general public, with approximately 10% of citizens in their 20s belonging to this group. Additionally, 81.9% of this population falls within the working-age bracket, significantly higher than the national average.

While 56% of this population resides in the Seoul metropolitan area, growth rates are higher in provinces such as Jeonnam and Gyeongbuk. In specific industrial hubs like Yeongam in Jeonnam and Eumseong in Chungbuk, the proportion of migrant-background residents exceeds 20%, supporting local labor markets in manufacturing and construction.

Within the education sector, there is a notable surge in high school students with migrant backgrounds, which increased by 124.9% over a four-year period. However, experts have identified a critical gap in support, noting that while most Korean language classes are allocated to elementary schools, high schools receive only 7.5% of such resources, leading to high student-to-class ratios.

## Claims

- The migrant-background population in South Korea reached 2,809,584 people as of November 1, 2024. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The migrant-background population accounts for 5.4% of South Korea's total population. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Native-born citizens decreased by 82,558 people over the same period. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The migrant-background population increased by 94,510 people (3.5%) over the previous year. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Approximately 10% of South Koreans in their 20s have a migrant background. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The proportion of migrant-background residents in Yeongam-gun exceeds 20%. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The proportion of migrant-background residents in Eumseong-gun exceeds 20%. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Foreigners make up 75.1% of the migrant-background population. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: South Korea's migrant-background population reaches 2.81 million

South Korea's migrant-background population has grown to 2.81 million, making up 5.4% of the total population and helping to offset the decline in native-born citizens.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-koreas-migrant-background-population-reaches-281-million

### 2026-10-19: South Korea high school migrant student numbers surge 124%

High school students with migrant backgrounds in South Korea have increased by 124.9% since 2022, yet Korean language support remains disproportionately focused on elementary schools.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-high-school-migrant-student-numbers-surge-124

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Cite as: South Korea migrant-background population growth. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korea-migrant-background-population-growth