Korea Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Korea's net migration was 65,731 in 2025, ranked 197th globally. This represents a 13.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Korea's net migration stood at 65,731 in 2025, a decline of +10,232 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 106,058 by 2026. Korea ranked 197th globally.
South Korea’s net migration has risen modestly from 47,245.00 in 1960 to 65,731.00 in 2025, placing the country 197th worldwide according to the World Bank. The most pronounced surge occurred in 2014, when net inflows peaked at 308,037.00, reflecting a period of heightened labor demand and favorable immigration policies. Conversely, the all‑time trough of –270,754.00 in 1991 underscored a sharp outflow during the post‑industrial restructuring of the late 1980s. Compared with peers of similar rank, South Korea’s recent net migration is lower than Italy’s 75,448.00 but higher than Sweden’s 47,079.00, indicating a middle‑of‑the‑road position among mid‑ranked economies. The gradual increase since the early 2000s suggests a slow but steady attraction of foreign workers and students, yet the trajectory will likely hinge on future labor market reforms, demographic pressures and the country’s openness to skilled immigration.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 136,694 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 121,376 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 106,058 | - | - |
| 2025 | 65,731 | −10,232 | #197 |
| 2024 | 75,963 | −11,837 | #195 |
| 2023 | 87,800 | +0 | #194 |
| 2022 | 87,800 | +104,578 | #185 |
| 2021 | -16,778 | −129,409 | #40 |
| 2020 | 112,631 | −15,991 | #203 |
| 2019 | 128,622 | +10,402 | #200 |
| 2018 | 118,220 | +14,191 | #196 |
| 2017 | 104,029 | +12,461 | #197 |
| 2016 | 91,568 | −184,859 | #190 |
| 2015 | 276,427 | −31,610 | #206 |
| 2014 | 308,037 | +6,111 | #209 |
| 2013 | 301,926 | +20,060 | #208 |
| 2012 | 281,866 | +11,908 | #210 |
| 2011 | 269,958 | +217,916 | #209 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Korea matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2006. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Korea's net migration was 65,731 in 2025. Ranked 197th globally. This represents a 13.5% decrease from the previous year.
Korea's net migration peaked at 308,037 in 2014.
The lowest net migration in Korea was -270,754 in 1991.
Korea ranks 197th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Korea's net migration is projected to reach 106,058 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Korea in 2025 was 65,731. This ranks 197th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_korea_net-migration,
title = {Korea Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/korea/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}