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Demography of the Korean Peninsula

Understanding the population figures and characteristics of both South and North Korea is crucial for context.

South Korea (대한민국 - Daehanminguk)

Population Size (Estimated Early 2025): Approximately 51.7 million (Source: Statistics Korea - KOSIS).
Population Density (2024): Roughly 515 people per square kilometer, one of the highest in the world, with significant concentration in the Seoul Metropolitan Area.
Age Structure (2024):
- 0-14 years: ~11.5%
- 15-64 years: ~70.3%
- 65 years and over: ~18.2% (Rapidly aging society).
The increasing elderly population presents challenges for the national pension system and healthcare.
Urbanization (2023): Over 81% of the population resides in urban areas, with Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, and Gwangju being major centers.
The Seoul Metropolitan Area alone houses over 50% of the total population.
Birth Rate and Fertility (2024): Total fertility rate (TFR) is critically low, estimated at around 0.8-0.9 births per woman, one of the lowest globally (Source: KOSIS).
This low birth rate poses a significant threat to long-term demographic stability and workforce size.
Key Demographic Trends: Rapid aging, low birth rate, continued urbanization (though at a slower pace), increasing multiculturalism due to immigration.
Link to Statistics Korea (KOSIS)

North Korea (조선민주주의인민공화국 - Joseonminjujuuiinmin'gonghwaguk)

Population Size (Estimated Early 2025): Approximately 25-26 million (Source: UN estimates, acknowledging data limitations).
Population Density (Estimated 2024): Around 208 people per square kilometer, lower than South Korea but still significant given arable land limitations.
Age Structure (Estimated 2024):
- 0-14 years: ~20-21%
- 15-64 years: ~65-66%
- 65 years and over: ~13-14% (Aging, but at a slower rate than South Korea).
Precise age structure data is limited, but UN reports suggest a less aged population compared to the South.
Urbanization (Estimated 2023): Around 60-65% of the population is estimated to live in urban areas, with Pyongyang being the largest city.
Birth Rate and Fertility (Estimated 2024): Estimated TFR is around 1.9 births per woman (Source: UN estimates), higher than South Korea but still below replacement level.
Key Demographic Trends: Slower aging than South Korea, relatively higher birth rate (though declining), limited international migration, significant internal movement often linked to economic hardship.
(Acknowledge the significant limitations in publicly available and reliable demographic data for North Korea.)

South Korean Diaspora: Global Presence (재외한인 - Jaeoehanin)

Exploring the communities of South Koreans living outside of South Korea.

Major Countries with South Korean Populations (Estimates from Various Sources, Late 2024)

United States: Estimated 1.9-2.0 million (including Korean Americans). Major settlement areas include Los Angeles (Koreatown), New York City (Flushing), Chicago, and Northern Virginia.
The first significant wave of Korean immigration to the US occurred in the early 20th century, followed by larger waves after the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act.
China: Estimated 2.3-2.5 million (primarily Korean-Chinese or Joseonjok), concentrated in northeastern provinces like Jilin and Liaoning.
The Joseonjok have a long history in China, with many settling there in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Japan: Estimated 800,000 - 900,000 (Zainichi Koreans), with significant communities in Osaka and Tokyo.
Zainichi Koreans are mostly descendants of Koreans who immigrated to Japan during the Japanese colonial period.
Canada: Estimated 250,000 - 300,000, with major populations in Toronto and Vancouver.
Korean immigration to Canada saw significant growth in the latter half of the 20th century, driven by educational and economic opportunities.
Australia: Estimated 150,000 - 180,000, with significant communities in Sydney and Melbourne.
Korean migration to Australia has increased steadily in recent decades, attracted by the lifestyle and economic prospects.
Other Significant Populations: Russia (~150,000 - Koryo-saram, descendants of Koreans who settled in the Russian Far East), Uzbekistan (~180,000 - Koryo-saram), Philippines (~100,000, often students and business professionals), Vietnam (~180,000, significant business and marriage migration).
(Note: These figures are estimates and can vary depending on the source and definition of "Korean population" - including citizenship status.)

Reasons for Emigration (Examples from Different Eras)

Early 20th Century: Political instability and economic hardship under Japanese colonial rule led to migration to Manchuria, Russia, and the Americas.
Post-Korean War (1950s-1960s): Economic hardship and the search for opportunities led to emigration, particularly to the US and Latin America.
1970s-1980s: Increased economic development in South Korea but also a desire for international education and professional opportunities fueled emigration to North America and Europe.
1990s-Present: Globalization, educational pursuits, economic migration for skilled workers and entrepreneurs, and marriage migration continue to drive the diaspora.

Contributions of the South Korean Diaspora (Examples)

Economic: Korean-owned businesses have significantly contributed to local economies in Koreatowns around the world. Remittances sent back to South Korea have historically been an important source of foreign currency.
Cultural: The global popularity of K-Pop and Korean dramas (Hallyu) is significantly driven and supported by the diaspora communities. Korean cuisine has gained international recognition, with diaspora communities often leading the way.
Political: Korean American and other diaspora communities have become increasingly active in local and national politics in their adopted countries, advocating for issues relevant to their communities and fostering stronger ties with South Korea.

North Korean Diaspora: Domestic and Global (탈북민 및 해외 북한인 - Talbukmin mich haeoe Bukhanin)

Examining the migration of North Koreans both within and outside of North Korea.

Internal Migration within North Korea (Based on Reports and Observations)

Internal movement is heavily restricted by the North Korean government through a complex system of permits.
Motivations for unauthorized internal migration often include seeking food and basic necessities, particularly during times of famine or economic hardship in certain regions.
During the "Arduous March" famine in the 1990s, significant internal movement occurred as people sought food and survival.
Challenges faced by internal migrants include lack of legal status in new areas, difficulty accessing resources, and potential punishment if caught.

North Korean Refugees/Defectors (탈북민 - Talbukmin) (Data as of Early 2025)

Motivations for leaving North Korea include severe food shortages, lack of political and personal freedoms, human rights abuses, and limited access to information.
Common routes of escape typically involve crossing the border into China, often facing exploitation and danger, and then attempting to reach Southeast Asian countries like Thailand or Vietnam before seeking asylum in South Korea or other nations.
Challenges faced during their journey include the risk of being caught and repatriated (especially in China), exploitation by brokers, and dangerous travel conditions. Upon arrival, they often face cultural and linguistic barriers, economic hardship, and psychological trauma.
Major countries of resettlement (Estimated Early 2025):
- South Korea: Over 33,000 North Korean defectors have registered in South Korea (Source: South Korean Ministry of Unification).
- Canada and the United States: Smaller but growing numbers have been granted asylum.
- Europe: A smaller number have also sought refuge in various European countries.
Experiences and integration of North Korean refugees in South Korea are varied, with many facing difficulties in employment, social integration, and overcoming trauma. Support organizations exist to aid their resettlement.
(Note: The situation of North Korean refugees is complex and often involves significant risks. Data on those residing outside South Korea is less readily available.)

North Koreans Working Abroad (Based on Reports and Estimates)

The North Korean government sends citizens to work abroad, primarily to earn foreign currency. Common sectors include construction in the Middle East, logging in Russia, and working in North Korean-operated restaurants in Southeast Asia.
Conditions of their employment are often reported to be harsh, with long working hours, limited freedoms, and significant portions of their wages being sent back to the North Korean government.
Geographic distribution includes Russia, China, the Middle East (e.g., Qatar, UAE), and Southeast Asia (e.g., Thailand, Malaysia). Estimates of the total number vary widely, ranging from tens of thousands to over 100,000.
(It's important to acknowledge the numerous human rights concerns and reports of exploitation associated with North Korean workers abroad.)

Korean People: Demography and Global Presence (Data as of Late 2024/Early 2025)