In this article, we look at the Average height in South Korea in 2023.
South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, is situated in East Asia. It’s the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and shares its border with North Korea along the Korean Demilitarized Zone.
The country is surrounded by the Yellow Sea on the west and the Sea of Japan on the east. South Korea asserts itself as the legitimate government for the entire peninsula and its neighboring islands. The population stands at around 51.96 million, with about half residing in the Seoul Capital Area, ranking as the world’s fourth most populous metropolitan area. Other significant cities include Incheon, Busan, and Daegu.
A Historical Glimpse
The Korean Peninsula has been inhabited since the early Lower Paleolithic period. The region’s first kingdom emerged in Chinese records around the early 7th century BCE. After the unification of the Three Kingdoms of Korea into Silla and Balhae in the late 7th century, Korea saw the rule of the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) and the Joseon dynasty (1392–1897). Subsequently, the Korean Empire (1897–1910) was annexed by the Empire of Japan in 1910.
After World War II, Korea was divided into two zones: a northern zone occupied by the Soviet Union and a southern zone occupied by the United States. Attempts at reunification fell through, resulting in the establishment of the Republic of Korea in the southern zone in August 1948, while the northern zone became the communist Democratic People’s Republic of Korea the following month.
Population Trends in South Korea
By April 2016, South Korea‘s population was roughly 50.8 million according to Statistics Korea. There’s been a decline in the number of people in the workforce and in the total fertility rate. In a significant shift, 2020 marked the first time the country had more deaths than births since they started keeping modern records, showcasing a decrease in population. In 2021, the fertility rate was just 0.81 children per woman.
Population Density and Urban Living
South Korea stands out for its high population density, estimated at about 505 people per square kilometer in 2015—more than 10 times the global average. It’s the world’s third most densely populated country, except for micro-states and city-states. Most South Koreans live in urban areas due to rapid migration from rural areas during the rapid economic growth in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
City Sizes
Seoul had a population of 10 million people in 2005, and the Seoul National Capital Area hosts 24.5 million inhabitants, roughly half of the entire South Korean population, making it the world’s second largest metropolitan area. Other major cities include Busan (3.5 million), Incheon (3.0 million), Daegu (2.5 million), Daejeon (1.4 million), Gwangju (1.4 million), and Ulsan (1.1 million).
Ethnic Composition in South Korea
South Korea is known for being very homogeneous, with ethnic Koreans making up roughly 96% of the population. Exact figures are hard to pin down because statistics don’t specifically track ethnicity. This is because many immigrants are ethnically Korean, and some South Korean citizens aren’t ethnically Korean.
Sure, here’s a more straightforward take on the data:
Average height in South Korea (2023)
Men’s Average Height In South Korea:
In South Korea, the average height for men is about 175.05 centimeters (around 5 feet 9 inches). This is higher than the global average for men, which is about 173.74 centimeters (5 feet 8 inches).
Women’s Average Height In South Korea:
For women in South Korea, the average height is approximately 163.00 centimeters (around 5 feet 4 inches). This is above the global average height for women, which is about 160.02 centimeters (5 feet 3 inches).
Compare the Average height in South Korea with other nations
The Average Height in South Korea Surpasses that of the Following Nations:
- Iran
- Egypt
- Italy
- Iraq
- Qatar
- Japan
- Oman
- Mexico
- South Africa
- Malaysia
- Vietnam
- Uganda
- Afghanistan
- Tajikistan
- Pakistan
- Tanzania
- Indonesia
- Yemen
- Nepal
Nonetheless, the average height in South Korea falls below that of the following countries:
- Netherlands
- Iceland
- Denmark
- Czech Republic
- Finland
- Ukraine
- Croatia
- Lithuania
- Finland
- Norway
- Sweden
- Germany
- Greece
- Belgium
- Australia
- Canada
- Switzerland
- France
- Austria
- Luxembourg
- Romania
- New Zealand
- United States
Limb-Lengthening Surgery for South Koreans
Dr. Nader Motallebizadeh, located in Iran, specializes in limb-lengthening surgery for men and women from South Korea. The International Limb Lengthening Center of Iran provides services for those seeking to increase their height.
Dr. Motallebizadeh is a highly experienced surgeon, having successfully completed over 500 limb-lengthening procedures (More than 200 with the MTN method). However, available appointments for this surgery are limited. It’s recommended to reach out promptly to secure a spot.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Average height in South Korea
What is the average height in South Korea for Males?
Recent data reveals that the average height of adult males in South Korea is approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175.05 centimeters). The South Korean male population is above the global average height of 5 feet 8 inches (173.74 cm).
What is the average height in South Korea for Females?
Recent data indicates that the average height of adult females in South Korea is approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163.00 cm). This places South Korean women above the global average height of 5 feet 3 inches (160.02 cm).
