How many foreign nationals were in Korea in August 2026, and what was the annual change?

The total reached 2.87 million as of end-August, marking a 5.3 percent increase from a year earlier. That compares with 2.73 million in August 2025 and 2.9 million in July 2026.

Which nationalities made up the largest groups of foreign nationals in Korea in August 2026?

Chinese nationals were the largest group at 995,562, followed by Vietnamese nationals at 383,244 and Americans at 181,325. Chinese nationals accounted for 34.6 percent of all foreign nationals.

Where did most registered foreign nationals in Korea live at the end of August 2026?

Of the 1.64 million registered foreign nationals, 51.5 percent lived in the greater Seoul area. Another 21.3 percent lived in the southeastern provinces of North and South Gyeongsang.

Number of foreigners in Korea reaches 2.8 million in August

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Summary

The number of foreign nationals in Korea reached 2.87 million last month, up 5.3 percent from a year earlier, government data showed Saturday. Long-term foreign residents numbered 2.25 million, and short-term stays, including tourists, totaled 629,406. The figure was down from 2.9 million in July but has risen steadily since 2021, when it fell below 2 million during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Facts

Chinese nationals made up the largest share at 995,562, or 34.6 percent of the total.
Vietnamese nationals numbered 383,244, and Americans numbered 181,325.
Among 1.64 million registered foreign nationals in Korea, 51.5 percent lived in the greater Seoul area and 21.3 percent lived in North and South Gyeongsang provinces.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 26, 2026 7:53 am KST

Foreign walk around the shopping district of Myeongdong in central Seoul, Sept. 20. Yonhap

The number of foreign nationals in Korea reached 2.87 million last month, up 5.3 percent from a year earlier, government data showed Saturday.

As of end-August, long-term foreign residents stood at 2.25 million, while those on short-term stays, including tourists, came to 629,406, according to immigration data from the justice ministry.

By nationality, Chinese nationals accounted for the largest share of 34.6 percent, or 995,562 people, followed by Vietnamese at 383,244 and Americans at 181,325.

While the total number of foreign nationals rose from 2.73 million in August 2025, last month's figure marked a decline from 2.9 million in July.

Among the 1.64 million registered foreign nationals in Korea, 51.5 percent of them lived in the greater Seoul area, followed by 21.3 percent in the southeastern provinces of North and South Gyeongsang.

The number of foreigners has steadily risen since 2021 when the figure dropped below 2 million amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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