Seoul: The number of foreign workers in South Korea reached a record high in 2025, surpassing 1.1 million, as the proportion of employed international students also saw a significant increase, a recent survey revealed.

According to Yonhap News Agency, as of May, there were 1.69 million foreigners aged 15 or older residing in Korea, marking an 8.4 percent increase from the previous year. The Ministry of Data and Statistics conducted the survey, noting that more than 1.1 million of these individuals were employed, representing a 9.8 percent rise from the previous year. This figure is the highest since the ministry began collecting such data in 2017.

The survey highlighted a sharp rise in the employment of international students, with their numbers jumping by 23,000, or 71.8 percent, to 56,000. This increase aligns with the growing global popularity of Korean culture and government efforts to attract more international students. Additionally, the number of non-professional workers increased by 6.1 percent to 321,000, while professional workers saw a 25.7 percent rise to 82,000. Workers with permanent residence visas also increased by 17.1 percent, totaling 123,000.

By nationality, the survey indicated that there were 341,000 Chinese nationals with ethnic Korean backgrounds working in South Korea, along with 149,000 Vietnamese workers and 54,000 Chinese workers. In terms of age distribution, 33 percent of foreign workers were in their 30s, followed by 25.7 percent between the ages of 15 and 29, and 18.7 percent in their 40s.

The survey also detailed the sectors in which foreign workers are employed, with nearly 45 percent working in the manufacturing and mining industries. Meanwhile, 20.4 percent were employed in retail, wholesale, accommodation, and food services. Approximately nine percent of foreign workers were engaged in the agro-fisheries sector, and another nine percent in construction.

The employment rate for foreigners in South Korea rose to 65.5 percent this year, up 0.8 percentage points from 2024. However, the unemployment rate also increased by 0.7 percentage points to 6.4 percent. More than half of foreign wage workers reported earning an average monthly salary between 2 million won (US$1,353) and 3 million won, while 36.9 percent earned over 3 million won. Nearly 70 percent of these workers expressed satisfaction with their jobs.

The survey further noted that the number of foreigners aged 15 or older granted naturalization in Korea reached 52,000 this year, an increase of 1,000 from 2024.