Top-20 Nationalities Living in South Korea in 2026
As a global expert living in Korea and counseling multicultural families, I have seen our neighborhoods transform into truly international hubs. In 2026, South Korea has officially crossed the threshold into a multicultural society, with over 2.7 million foreign residents.
If you are planning to move here, you are likely wondering about the size of your own national community. Let’s look at the hard numbers and the stories behind the top 20 countries represented in Korea today.
The Pillars of the Community: China and Vietnam
China remains the largest group, with nearly 960,000 residents. This diverse group includes ethnic Koreans (Joseonjok) and a growing number of specialized professionals. However, the most explosive growth has come from Vietnam, now home to over 340,000 people in Korea.
Vietnam has become the primary source of international students, with over 115,000 young Vietnamese scholars currently energizing Korean campuses. This community is incredibly tight-knit and has established a massive cultural footprint in every major city.
Steady Growth from the West and Southeast Asia
The United States holds a strong position with approximately 196,000 residents, reflecting long-standing military, educational, and corporate ties. Close behind is Thailand with over 173,000 people, a community that is indispensable to Korea’s manufacturing and agricultural sectors.
The Philippines also maintains a robust presence of over 70,000, contributing significantly to both the skilled labor force and the education sector.
The Rising Stars: Central and South Asia
One of the most significant shifts in 2026 is the rise of Central Asian nationalities. Uzbekistan has nearly reached the 100,000 mark, becoming a major player in Korea’s industrial and academic sectors.
Nepal and Indonesia have also seen their numbers climb past 70,000, driven by expanded labor quotas and the high demand for dedicated, skilled workers. These communities are not just numbers; they have built vibrant social networks, mosques, and community centers that help newcomers integrate quickly.
The Complete Top 20 Nationality Rankings (2026 Estimate)
Based on the latest immigration and census data, here are the top 20 countries by resident population in South Korea:
- China: 958,959
- Vietnam: 341,153
- United States: 196,664
- Thailand: 173,710
- Uzbekistan: 98,457
- Nepal: 74,641
- Indonesia: 73,180
- Philippines: 70,392
- Russia: 69,252
- Japan: 65,216
- Cambodia: 63,681
- Mongolia: 57,093
- Myanmar: 53,914
- Kazakhstan: 44,549
- Taiwan: 35,838
- Sri Lanka: 35,792
- Bangladesh: 31,220
- Canada: 28,604
- Australia: 19,430
- Pakistan: 18,355
Why These Numbers Matter for Your Move
Understanding these figures is crucial for anyone using Studying-Korea.com. A larger community means more infrastructure for you more authentic restaurants, more language support, and more people who have already successfully navigated the visa and housing systems.
For example, if you are from Uzbekistan or Vietnam, you will find massive communities in cities like Anans, Hwaseong, and Gimhae that offer a “home away from home” experience.
A Professional Community for Every Background
It’s also important to note the qualitative shift. While manufacturing was once the primary draw, 2026 shows a huge increase in D-2 (student) and E-7 (skilled professional) visas across all top 20 nationalities.
Korea is actively recruiting global talent, and the diverse population of over 2.7 million is proof that the country is succeeding. From Canadian tech experts in Pangyo to Pakistani researchers in Daejeon, the diversity of the workforce is at an all-time high.
Final Thoughts: You are Not Alone in Korea
The data is clear: Korea is a global destination. Whether your country is number 1 or number 20 on this list, you will find a supportive network ready to welcome you.
As someone who counsels people from all these backgrounds, I can tell you that the most successful expats are those who engage with both their own community and the local Korean culture. Korea is more open than it has ever been, and your journey here is part of a much larger, beautiful global story.