Ministry of Justice Releases Two Types of Nationally Approved Statistics on the Movement, Inflow, and Outflow of Foreign Residents

The newly released statistics are the “Statistics on the Movement of Foreign Residents in Korea” and the “Statistics on the Inflow and Outflow of Foreign Residents in Korea.” Both sets of statistics were newly designated as nationally approved statistics in April 2026 following a review by the National Data Agency.

The Ministry of Justice explained that it developed these statistics to transparently disclose information on the inflow and settlement of foreigners, noting that the number of foreigners residing in Korea has grown to approximately 2.78 million as of 2025—accounting for 5.4% of the total population—and that interest in immigration policy is increasing. The corresponding press release was made public immediately upon distribution on Friday, April 24.

The “Statistics on the Movement of Foreign Residents in Korea” utilizes data on reports of changes in residence, including those of compatriots, to compile quarterly statistics on inter-regional movements such as moves into and out of a region. This allows for the analysis of changes in the distribution of foreign residents by region and movement patterns linked to industries, education, and housing.

The “Statistics on New Inflows and Outflows of Foreigners Residing in Korea” defines new foreigner registrations as inflows and departures following the cancellation of foreigner registration as outflows, and compiles these figures on a monthly basis. The statistical data is made available through the National Statistical Portal (KOSIS) and the Ministry of Justice website, and is expected to be utilized for calculating appropriate levels of foreign inflow, implementing region-based immigration and emigration policies, and designing tailored immigration policies by residency status.

Source: Policy Briefing (korea.kr), Ministry of Justice, [https://www.korea.kr/briefing/pressReleaseView.do?newsId=156757674&call_from=rsslink](https://www.korea.kr/briefing/pressReleaseView.do?newsId=156757674&call_from=rsslink)