The number of immigrants coming to South Korea increased by 50.9% last year, the second-highest growth rate among the 38 member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), according to data published Nov. 14 in the OECD’s “International Migration Outlook 2024.”
The report showed that 6.5 million people migrated to OECD countries in 2023, the highest figure since data collection began in 2006. The United States received the largest number of immigrants at 1.18 million, followed by the United Kingdom (740,000), Germany (690,000), and Canada (470,000).
The OECD’s immigration figures encompass a broad range of migrants, including those who settle permanently with citizenship or permanent residency, as well as refugees, international students, and short-term workers. S. Korea reported its figures to the OECD based on foreigners registered to stay in the country for more than 90 days.
According to the data, in 2023, 87,100 immigrants came to S. Korea, up 50.9% from 57,800 the previous year, ranking the country second in growth after the United Kingdom (52.9%). Australia (40%), Greece (16%), and the United States (13%) followed.
The sharp increase in S. Korea was attributed to policy changes beginning in 2022 that eased visa requirements for seasonal workers to address labor shortages in rural areas. These measures included raising the cap on foreign workers per business from 9 to 12 and reducing the minimum employment period from one month to one week. A government official noted that the issuance of short-term C-4 visas, which allow a stay of up to three months, and long-term E-8 visas, valid for up to eight months, had both risen.
Consequently, the number of work-related immigrants to South Korea jumped 129% from 5,700 in 2022 to 12,900 in 2023. Additionally, the quota for non-professional E-9 work visas was expanded by 10,000 to 120,000 in 2024, and the government expects employment-based immigration to continue growing. The number of international students coming to South Korea has also surged, rising from 85,923 in 2013 to 181,842 in 2023, an increase of 111% over the decade.
Experts say S. Korea’s growing cultural influence through the Korean Wave (Hallyu) has inspired more people to explore living in the country. Positive online reviews citing S. Korea’s strict gun control, advanced public transportation, and diverse cuisine have also contributed to the rise in its appeal as an immigration destination. Additionally, foreign residents in the nation highlighted safety, infrastructure, and affordability as S. Korea’s major advantages.
Kaye Sebras, a 25-year-old English teacher from the United States now in her third year in South Korea, said she appreciates the country’s high-quality and affordable healthcare. “Unlike in the U.S., where health insurance is expensive, I can access excellent medical services here for a fraction of the cost,” Sebras said. “Groceries are also about a third of the price in New York, and dining out is very affordable. S. Korea excels in all aspects of living standards—it’s a true first-world country.”
Phillip Makaningo, a 33-year-old from Kenya who has lived in S. Korea since 2011, emphasized the country’s safety and hospitality. “Unlike my hometown, where gun violence is common, there are no shootings here, and petty crimes like pickpocketing are rare,” Makaningo said. “Koreans are also incredibly kind to foreigners, which makes living here even more enjoyable.”
