What to Know About the South Korean Population

What to Know About the South Korean Population

South Korea is a fascinating country with a rich culture, history, and population. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with approximately 51 million people living in a land area of 100,363 square kilometers. The population of South Korea is diverse, with a mixture of ethnic Koreans and foreigners. In this article, we will explore some of the facts you should know about the South Korean population.

Demographics of the South Korean Population

The population of South Korea has been growing steadily over the years, with a current growth rate of 0.44%. The life expectancy is quite high, with an average age of 83.2 years for women and 77.6 years for men.

According to the Korea National Statistical Office, the number of births decreased by 7.4% in 2020 compared to the previous year, reaching an all-time low of 272,400, while deaths increased by 1.7% to 305,100. As a result, the natural population decrease exceeded 30,000 for the first time, going beyond 32,700 people.

Ethnicity and Nationality

The people of South Korea are mostly ethnic Koreans, with small populations of Chinese, Japanese, and Filipinos making up a significant portion of foreigners. There are also several minority groups, such as the Chinese-Koreans, who have lived in Korea for several generations.

South Korea has a strict citizenship policy that only recognizes the nationality of the father. Children born in South Korea to foreign mothers are not automatically given South Korean citizenship. The mother’s nationality is not recognized, and the child is considered a citizen of the country of the father’s nationality. However, if a child is born to a South Korean father and a foreign mother, he or she is eligible for South Korean citizenship, regardless of where the child is born.

Urbanization

South Korea is one of the most urbanized countries globally, with over 83% of its population living in urban areas. The megacity of Seoul, the capital of South Korea, has a population of over ten million people, making it one of the largest cities in the world. The Seoul metropolitan area has a population of about 25 million, accounting for almost half of the country’s entire population.

Education

South Korea places a significant emphasis on education. It has a literacy rate of over 99%, and education is mandatory for nine years, with almost all students going on to attend high school. The country is well known for its high academic achievements, with South Korean students consistently ranking among the top performers in international standardized tests.

Language

The official language of South Korea is Korean. There are only a few similarities between the Korean language and other languages, making it a unique language. English is widely spoken and taught in schools as a second language.

Religion

South Korea is a multireligious country with the majority of the population following Buddhism, Christianity, or Confucianism. Buddhism and Confucianism were the dominant religions in Korea before the introduction of Christianity in the late 18th century. Today, about 32% of the population is Christian, while about 23% of the population is Buddhist, and 1.5% belong to other religions.

FAQs

Q. What is the population of South Korea?

A. The population of South Korea is approximately 51 million people.

Q. What is the life expectancy in South Korea?

A. The average life expectancy in South Korea is 83.2 years for women and 77.6 years for men.

Q. What is the majority religion in South Korea?

A. The majority of the population in South Korea follows Buddhism, Christianity, or Confucianism.

Q. What is the official language of South Korea?

A. The official language of South Korea is Korean.

Q. How urbanized is South Korea?

A. Over 83% of the South Korean population lives in urban areas, making it one of the most urbanized countries globally.

Conclusion

South Korea is a vibrant country with a diverse population and rich culture. Its emphasis on education, high life expectancy, and urbanization are some of the key features of the country. Understanding the demographics of South Korea can help to foster better communication and relationships between the country and the rest of the world. Overall, South Korea is a fascinating country that is worth exploring.