Demographics of South Korea

This article is about the demographic features of the population of South Korea, including population density, ethnicity, education level, health of the populace, economic status, religious affiliations and other aspects of the population.

On June 23, 2012 South Korea's population touched 50 million, making it the 26th country to reach that mark.

Although a variety of different Asian peoples had migrated to the Korean Peninsula in past centuries, very few have remained permanently, so by 1990 both South Korea and North Korea were among the world's most ethnically homogeneous nations. The number of indigenous minorities was negligible. In South Korea, people of foreign origin, including Chinese, Japanese, Westerners, Southeast Asians, South Asians, and others were a small percentage of the population whose residence was generally temporary.

Koreans tend to equate nationality or citizenship with membership in a single, homogeneous ethnic group and "race" (injong 인종, in Korean). A common language and race also are viewed as important elements in Korean identity. The idea of multiracial and multiethnic nations still strikes many South Koreans as odd or even contradictory. Although immigration from first world nations is generally seen as a good thing, accepting immigrants who are dark-skinned is seen as absurd and unacceptable. Most immigrants who come from countries such as Pakistan and Indonesia are usually prevented from putting down roots due to the employment permit system.

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