Top 10 Areas in South Korea with the Largest Foreign Resident Populations

Top areas in South Korea where foreigners live the most.

The areas in Korea where foreigners reside the most are generally those with industrial facilities, foreign companies, international schools, diplomatic facilities, and foreign communities. Below are the top 10 areas where foreigners reside based on statistics and actual purposes of stay.

Top 10 Areas in South Korea with the Largest Foreign Resident Populations

1. Seoul (especially Yongsan, Gangnam, Songpa, Mapo)

Embassies, expat communities, global companies, international schools.

2. Ansan (Danwon & Sangnok Districts)

Industrial zone with large populations of Chinese, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian workers.

3. Suwon (Gyeonggi Province)

Home to Samsung HQ; many foreign engineers and factory workers.

4. Hwaseong (Gyeonggi Province)

Hyundai Motor and other manufacturing plants attract many foreign workers.

5. Incheon (especially Yeonsu & Namdong Districts)

Songdo International City, home to expats and international institutions.

6. Seongnam (Bundang & Sujeong Districts)

Nearby Pangyo Tech Valley and foreign tech professionals.

7. Daegu (Dalseo & Dalseong Districts)

Textile and machinery industries with foreign labor presence.

8. Eumseong & Jincheon (Chungcheongbuk-do)

Industrial complexes, many Cambodian and Vietnamese migrant workers.

9. Busan (Haeundae & Suyeong Districts)

Foreign students, tourists, and long-term residents.

10. Jeju Island

Popular with Chinese investors and nature-based immigrants.

Regional Highlights📍

🏙️ Seoul

Yongsan (Itaewon): 

U.S. military base, embassies, strong expat community.

Mapo (Hongdae/Yeonnam): 

Young international residents, cultural scene.

Gangnam & Songpa: 

Home to global companies and high-end residential areas with many expat families.

🏭 Gyeonggi/Incheon Area

Ansan, Hwaseong, Suwon: 

Industrial hubs with many Southeast Asian migrant workers.

Songdo (Incheon): 

Planned international city with many foreign professionals.

🌊 Busan & Jeju

Busan (Haeundae): 

Tourist-friendly and popular with foreign retirees and students.

Jeju:

Chinese real estate investors, international schools, natural living.

By Purpose of Stay🧑‍💼

Industry/Manufacturing
Ansan, Hwaseong, Eumseong, Jincheon

Mostly Southeast Asian laborers and Chinese ethnic Koreans.

Diplomacy/Business
Yongsan, Gangnam, Songdo

Embassies, international schools, global firms.

Study/Language Training
Mapo, Haeundae, Daegu

Near major universities and language centers.

Investment/Leisure
Jeju, Bundang, Haeundae

Preferred by real estate investors and retirees.

📊 Estimated Foreign Population in South Korea (as of 2024)

Total registered foreign residents: Over 2.1 million

Top nationalities:

• China (including ethnic Koreans)
• Vietnam
• Thailand
• Uzbekistan
• USA

Top regions by foreign population:

• Seoul
• Gyeonggi-do
• Incheon
• Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Chungcheongbuk-do