Korea is expected to see the number of emigrants fall below 1,000 this year for the first time in a decade.
The statistics compiled by the foreign ministry shows that 694 Koreans had moved overseas during the first nine months this year.
If the current trend persists, about 900 South Koreans will have moved out of the country by the end of this year, the ministry said.
"The global economy is still not completely out of slowdown, and it's difficult to find jobs overseas," a ministry official said. "The situation at home has improved in comparison, and that may explain the drop in the number of emigrants."
The number of emigrants peaked at 15,307 in 2000 but has steadily decreased to just over 8,000 in 2005 and then to fewer than 2,300 in 2008 and about 1,100 last year.
By countries, the United States was the most popular destination this year with 393, followed by Canada with 174.
The ministry also said 3,205 Koreans have returned home after emigrating through September this year. There were 4,301 such people a year ago.