Demographics of South Korea - statistics & facts
South Korea is currently grappling with a declining and aging population. As of 2023, the country had the second-highest life expectancy in the world, while also reporting the lowest fertility rate globally. Following the Korean War (1950-1953), the population experienced rapid growth until the 1990s. However, in recent years, the growth rate has slowed down, leading to South Korea's population decreasing for the first time in 2021. As of 2024, the estimated population of South Korea stood at approximately 51.75 million. Despite concerted efforts, the nation has thus far been unable to reverse this concerning decline in birth rates.
With demographic shifts, the family structure in South Korea has changed significantly in recent decades. In 1983, the average household size was over four people, but by 2023, it had decreased to 2.2 people. Single-person households represent the largest portion of all households, largely because more young people are delaying marriage and choosing to live alone. Women are choosing to marry later or not at all for various reasons, such as difficulties in returning to work after childbirth and the perception that marriage is now optional rather than a necessity.
Aging population and changing family structures
The life expectancy of South Koreans has increased to over 83 years, while the birth rate has dropped to 0.72 births per woman in 2023. In the same year, only 230,000 children were born, which was almost one-third of the level 20 years ago. At the same time, the share of older people in the country continues to rise. South Korea is expected to become a “super-aged” society by 2025, with people aged 65 years and older accounting for over 20 percent of the total population. The elderly population is projected to more than double by 2050.With demographic shifts, the family structure in South Korea has changed significantly in recent decades. In 1983, the average household size was over four people, but by 2023, it had decreased to 2.2 people. Single-person households represent the largest portion of all households, largely because more young people are delaying marriage and choosing to live alone. Women are choosing to marry later or not at all for various reasons, such as difficulties in returning to work after childbirth and the perception that marriage is now optional rather than a necessity.
