Korea, Rep. Population 2026
As of 2025, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) has a population of 51,751,065, ranking 29th in the world by population size. The country is classified as a high-income nation in the East Asia & Pacific region. Its population growth has slowed considerably, with a one-year growth rate of just 0.07%.
Population Trend (Korea, Rep.)
Population by Decade
Population milestones
How Korea, Rep.'s population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).
Overview
The Republic of Korea, commonly referred to as South Korea, is a high-income country in East Asia & Pacific with a population of approximately 51.75 million in 2025. This figure places it as the 29th most populous country globally, reflecting moderate demographic scale within the region. The country's population growth has decelerated sharply in recent years, with a one-year growth rate of only 0.07%, signaling a near-stagnant population trajectory. Over the past decade, the average annual growth rate was 0.20%, indicating a long-term trend of declining growth that has accelerated recently.
Korea's demographic profile is shaped by low fertility rates and an aging population, consistent with trends in other high-income East Asian economies. The minimal 0.07% growth in 2024–2025 suggests that the population may soon peak or begin to decline, a pattern seen in neighboring countries like Japan. Despite its high-income status and advanced economy, Korea faces challenges related to workforce contraction and social support systems due to its slowing population dynamics.
Regionally, Korea is part of East Asia & Pacific, a region that includes both rapidly growing and declining populations. While some countries in the region experience robust growth, Korea's near-zero growth rate highlights its demographic maturity. The 10-year average growth of 0.20% underscores a sustained slowdown, making it one of the slower-growing high-income nations globally.
Overall, Korea's population statistics reflect a mature, high-income society entering a phase of demographic stagnation. With a global rank of 29, it maintains a significant population size but faces the demographic realities common to many developed nations in East Asia. Policy responses, including immigration and family support programs, may influence future population trends, but current data show minimal growth.
Key Facts
- The latest population of Korea, Rep. in 2025 is 51,751,065.
- South Korea's one-year population growth rate from 2024 to 2025 is just 0.07%.
- The average annual population growth over the past 10 years is 0.20%.
- Korea, Rep. ranks 29th in the world by population size.
- The country is classified in the high-income group and belongs to the East Asia & Pacific region.
- The near-zero growth rate suggests the population may be approaching or at a peak.