SEOUL - South Korea has officially crossed a significant demographic threshold, with the population of individuals with a migrant background exceeding 5% of the total population, firmly classifying the nation as a de facto multicultural society. The latest statistics, released by the National Data Office (NDO) on December 8, reveal that this rapidly growing group is poised to become a crucial pillar supporting the country's economy amidst a deepening demographic crisis driven by low birth rates and rapid aging.

According to the NDO's "2024 Migration-Background Population Statistics," as of November 1, 2024, the number of people residing in South Korea for three months or more with a migrant background totaled 2,715,000. This figure represents 5.2% of the nation's total population of 51,806,000, marking a substantial increase of 134,000, or 5.2%, from the previous year—a growth rate significantly higher than the total population's marginal 0.1% increase.

A New Demographic Reality

The "migration-background population" includes not only foreign nationals but also naturalized citizens, individuals recognized through parentage, and the second generation of immigrants (children of foreign-born parents). Academics and international organizations commonly classify a country as a multicultural society when this demographic segment surpasses the 5% mark. This statistical milestone signals a profound shift from Korea’s traditional narrative as an ethnically homogeneous nation toward a more diverse, immigration-driven future.

A deeper dive into the composition shows that foreign nationals account for the largest share at 2,043,000 (75.2%), with the remaining 672,000 (24.8%) being native Koreans (naturalized, recognized, or second-generation immigrants). The surge in foreign nationals (5.6% increase) outpaced the growth of native Koreans with a migrant background (4.1% increase), driven primarily by an influx of foreign workers, international students, and marriage migrants who are increasingly settling down and forming families in Korea.

The Backbone of the Economy

The most striking finding in the report is the age structure of the migrant-background population, which stands in stark contrast to the country’s rapidly aging general populace. A commanding 81.9% (2,223,000) of the migrant-background population is comprised of working-age individuals (15-64 years old). In sharp relief, the proportion of seniors aged 65 and over is a mere 5.5% (148,000), a drastic difference from the general Korean population, where the elderly account for over 20%.

The bulk of this population falls into the prime working age groups, with those in their 30s (24.3%) being the largest segment, followed closely by those in their 20s (21.0%). Notably, the 20-something cohort saw the steepest annual rise, surging by 8.0%. This data underscores the critical role this population plays as a core pipeline for labor supply, particularly in industrial sectors facing severe workforce shortages.

Geographic Concentration and Local Impact

The migrant-background population is heavily concentrated in the capital region (Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon), which accounts for 56.8% (1,542,000) of the total. Gyeonggi Province leads the pack with 887,000 individuals.

At the municipal level, the industrial belt known for manufacturing—Ansan City (113,000), Hwaseong City (85,000), and Siheung City (81,000)—shows the highest concentration.

Furthermore, this demographic is playing a significant role in mitigating the crisis of local extinction (지방 소멸). In certain high-need areas, the concentration is exceptionally high: Yeongam County in Jeollanam-do registered the highest percentage, with 21.1% of its residents having a migrant background, followed by Eumseong County in Chungcheongbuk-do at 19.9%. In 17 out of 229 cities, counties, and districts, the migrant-background population makes up 10% or more of the local community, serving as a vital bulwark against population decline in these regions.

A Multicultural Future for Children and Youth

The trend is also reshaping the future of Korean society, as reflected in the growing number of children and adolescents. The migrant-background population under the age of 24 increased by 7.9% to 738,000, representing 27.2% of the overall migrant-background population.

The parents' nationality breakdown reveals a significant shift: Vietnam is now the most common parental nationality at 27.2%, surpassing China (16.5%) and China-Korean ethnicity (12.0%). This reflects a recent trend where the second generation of immigrants is rapidly increasing due to the settlement of marriage migrants and international students from Vietnam, replacing the dominance of Chinese and Korean-Chinese immigrants seen in previous decades.

As South Korea grapples with the world's lowest fertility rate and a shrinking workforce, the continued integration and strategic utilization of its migrant-background population will be central to the nation's economic survival and social resilience in the years to come.