Republic of Korea is a country in Eastern Asia, Asia. In 2025 it has about 51.7 million people (UN estimate), the 29th most people of the 193 UN member states.
UN member since 1991Population: 29th
Republic of Korea韓国
Region
Eastern Asia, Asia
Population
about 51.7 million (29th)
Area
100,460 km² (105th)
UN member since
September 17, 1991
Ranks are among the 193 UN member states, from most people and from largest area.
Republic of Korea in numbers
In 2025 the population is about 51.7 million, the 29th most people of the 193 UN member states. That is about 1/2 of Japan’s (about 123 million).
The area is 100,460 km², the 105th largest of the 193. That is about 1/3 of Japan’s area.
If we work out the number of people per square kilometer (population density), it is about 514.
Joining the United Nations
Republic of Korea joined the United Nations on September 17, 1991.
That was 35 years after Japan joined in 1956.
Countries that joined on the same day: Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Marshall Islands, Micronesia(Federated States of).
Think about it
Q1Compare Republic of Korea’s population rank and area rank. What do you notice?
Q2Find Republic of Korea on a map or globe. Which countries are around it?
Q3Choose one thing you want to know more about Republic of Korea, and look it up.
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — There are 5 UN member states in Eastern Asia. The one with the most people is China.