Seoul: The number of foreign nationals residing in South Korea approached 1.7 million as of May last year, government data showed Tuesday. The total number came to 1.69 million as of last May, marking an 8.4 percent increase from a year earlier. The figure accounts for foreigners aged 15 and older who have resided in the country for more than 91 days.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the data released by the Ministry of Data and Statistics revealed that overseas Koreans with foreign nationalities made up the largest share, at 24.2 percent. This was followed by non-professional employment visa holders at 19 percent, international students at 14 percent, and permanent residents at 9.6 percent.

Among the foreign nationals, ethnic Koreans with Chinese nationality were the largest group, comprising 29.9 percent of the total, followed by those from Vietnam at 16 percent. Additionally, the data showed that 65.5 percent of foreign nationals had jobs as of May.

Among those employed, 10.8 percent of foreign workers reported seeking new jobs, primarily due to low income. Approximately 32 percent of foreign nationals reported earning a monthly income between 2 million won (US$1,362) and 3 million won. Furthermore, 12.9 percent of foreigners reported experiencing financial difficulties over the past year.