First of all, we indicate where Seoul is located. This is a huge metropolis located on the Korean peninsula and is the capital of South Korea. This city is one of the largest cities in the world. The official name of the country is the Republic of Korea. This democratic state was formed in the summer of 1945 after the separation of spheres of influence on the Korean Peninsula. Under the agreement, this part of the peninsula passed under the jurisdiction of the United States, and its northern part fell under the influence of the USSR. Today, South Korea is divided into 9 provinces with different populations. And Seoul is the most populated point of the country.
Population size
The total population of South Korea for this year is 50 719 904 people. Compared with 2016, the figure increased by 244,066 souls. In statistical calculations, South Korea ranks 27th in terms of population (data from 2015). In the "metropolitan area", that is, in Seoul and its suburbs, more than 19 million people live. And directly the population of Seoul - more than 11 million people. It turns out that almost 40% of the country's population lives in the capital and its suburbs. Some might argue that the suburbs of Seoul are not administratively part of it. But in fact, they have long merged into a giant metropolis.
Population density
In the Republic of Korea, the Seoul District and the city of Seoul itself are the most densely populated. The population density here is more than 27 thousand people per 1 m². In comparison, only 20 people live in Gangwon-do Province per 1 m². Thus, the average population density in the country is 480 people. on 1 m².
It is very difficult to divide the inhabitants of the “metropolitan area”. In fact, this is a huge territory, the radius of which is more than 80 km, penetrated by common highways, electric trains and metro lines. Part of the population lives in the suburbs, and studies or works in the capital. Part, on the contrary, lives in Seoul, and travels to satellite towns to work. All this agglomeration is called Seoul-Incheon. It ranks fifth in the world ranking in size and is one of the main financial centers of the region.
Name and Area
This information is not really related to population size or density. But it may be interesting to the reader. The literal translation of the name of the main city of South Korea, Seoul (Soul) - "capital". The origins of the name lie in the days of the kingdom of Silla, which existed before 935.
The area of Seoul, according to 2015, was more than 605 km². The city itself was built on the banks of a river open for shipping. Its name is Hangan. Sometimes Koreans call their main city Hansan. The literal translation of the name is "city on the Hangan." This name most accurately indicates where Seoul is located.
Ethnic composition of the population
In fact, 99% of the population of South Korea is ethnic Koreans. They consider themselves descendants of Altai tribes. This confidence is based on archaeological finds proving the migration of Proto-Altai tribes from Siberian regions to the Korean Peninsula. Migration time - Neolithic and Bronze Age.
The population of Seoul, as well as the Republic of Korea as a whole, is also quite ethnically homogeneous. Representatives of other nationalities account for only 1%. Often these are labor migrants from the Philippines, Malaysia, Japan, India or China.
And also in the territory of South Korea there are several large military bases. Therefore, in the country there are constantly more than 28 thousand military personnel from the USA who are assigned to these bases.
Population growth, age groups
At the beginning of 2017, calculations were made according to which the population of South Korea is divided into 3 age groups :
- a group of children under 15 years old makes up 15.7% of the total number;
- a group of people of working age from 15 to 65 - 72.9%;
- in the group of people over 65 years old - 11.4% of the population.
The natural growth for this year, according to estimates, should be more than 184 thousand people. If the level of external migrants remains, then additional growth will increase by more than 61 thousand people, since more people arrive in the country than leave it.
Threatening pace of aging
Seoul's population is aging rapidly. Experts attribute this phenomenon to increased life expectancy and declining birth rates. Over the past 10 years, the number of young people has been declining, but the number of older people is getting higher. If this trend continues until 2030, more than 3 million people will be over 65 in the capital of South Korea. By this time, Seoul may take 8th place in the ranking of “aging” cities in the world.
Statistics recorded that in 2013, Seoul, with a population of more than 9 million, had about 11% of the “age” population. According to estimates, by 2019 this figure may increase to 14.3%, and by 2030 it will amount to 31% of the society. Young people, on whose shoulders the burden of keeping pensioners will fall, will be under great pressure. It can lower the standard of living.
To avoid aging societies, governments and employers need to develop a global strategy to increase fertility.
A bit about currency
The currency of Seoul (Republic of Korea) is Korean Won. This currency unit consists of 100 chons. The South Korean won was put into circulation in 1962, and since 1980 it has been firmly attached to the dollar. Since South Korea is an economically developed state, the population has a fairly high income level. A large percentage of the population works in the shipbuilding and engineering industries. At purchasing power parity, South Korea is 13th in the world ranking.
The currency of Seoul has the official abbreviation KRW, its international symbol is ₩.
Character Features
Koreans are a hardworking people. They work a lot and enjoy it. For young people, a career is a top priority. This, in particular, is associated with low birth rates in the country.
Tourists can not always correctly assess the nature of Seoul people. It seems to them that everything around is closed and inhospitable. In fact, the population of Seoul does not have the habit of publicly expressing their emotions. They consider this a manifestation of bad manners. To understand the soul of a resident of a country, you need to enter trust in him and become a friend.
The culture of communication among Koreans also has its own traditions:
- South Koreans do not shout at each other, do not show grudges and do not discuss their enemies behind their backs. They are sure that all these are signs of weakness.
- The best dishes are always prepared for guests. Respect for the guest is another important feature of a national character.
- South Koreans respect old age. They never argue with elders, even when they are wrong. The younger must remain silent.
Residents of the Republic of Korea are patriots of their country. They stand by the mountain for it and are always ready to come to the aid of their fellow citizens anywhere in the world. If a tourist speaks disrespectfully of South Korea, then he inflicts a deep insult to everyone who heard him.