South Korea's centenarian population swells to over 8,600 in ten years
South Korea now counts 8,604 people aged 100 or older, nearly three times the 2015 figure, according to official statistics.
Data released by the Ministry of Data and Statistics show that the nation’s centenarian count rose from 3,159 in 2015 to 8,604 as of November 1, 2025. The share of people aged 100 per 100,000 residents increased from 10.9 to 17.3. Men represent about 16.6% of the total, with 1,428 male centenarians. Gyeonggi Province hosts the largest share, followed by Seoul and North Gyeongsang Province, and one in five seniors lives alone.
Why it matters
The surge in centenarians highlights South Korea's aging society and the need for policies supporting elderly care.
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