South Korea Population 2026: 51.7M People, High Density
South Korea is one of the most densely packed nations on Earth: 51.7M people across 100,210 km², giving a density of 516/km².
GDP per capita stands at $32,300: placing it among the world's wealthiest nations per person. The capital, Seoul, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About South Korea's Population
With a population of 51.7M, South Korea is home to a significant number of people within its 100,210 km² of territory. The population density of 516/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: an extremely high density, placing it among the most densely populated nations on Earth.
The capital city, Seoul, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of South Korea. South Korea has a coastline of 2,413 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, South Korea has a total GDP of $1.67T, translating to $32,300 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Won (₩).
South Korea gained independence in 1945 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is Korean, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the East Asia region, South Korea sits alongside China (1.41B), Japan (125.7M), Mongolia (3.4M). This regional context helps illustrate how South Korea's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about South Korea's Population
What is the population of South Korea in 2026?
The population of South Korea is approximately 51.7M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of South Korea?
The capital city of South Korea is Seoul, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is South Korea?
South Korea has a population density of 516/km². This is considered high, one of the more densely populated countries in its region.
What is the GDP per capita of South Korea?
South Korea has a GDP per capita of $32,300, with a total GDP of $1.67T. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in South Korea?
The official language of South Korea is Korean.
How big is South Korea?
South Korea covers a total area of 100,210 km². With a population of 51.7M, that gives a density of 516/km².
When did South Korea gain independence?
South Korea gained independence in 1945.
What currency is used in South Korea?
The official currency of South Korea is the Won (₩).
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