About Seoul
Seoul is a major metropolitan area located in South Korea, in the Seoul region. According to the latest available data (2026), the population of Seoul is approximately 9,668,465 residents, making it the largest city in South Korea.
Globally, Seoul ranks #49 among the world's most populated cities. With over 5 million residents, Seoul is considered a major metropolitan hub in the region.
The broader Seoul Metropolitan Area, encompassing Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and Incheon, emerged as the world's sixth largest metropolitan economy in 2022, behind New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Paris, and London, and hosts more than half of South Korea's population. Although Seoul's population peaked at over 10 million, it has gradually decreased since 2014, standing at about 9.6 million residents as of 2024. Seoul is the seat of the South Korean government.
Seoul City Statistics
| City | Seoul |
| Country |  South Korea |
| Population | 9,668,465 |
| Global Rank | #49 |
| Rank in South Korea | #1 of 136 cities |
| City Category | major metropolitan area |
| Region | Seoul |
| Latitude | 37.56 |
| Longitude | 126.99 |
| Data Year | 2026 |
Seoul Overview
Seoul is a major metropolitan area in South Korea, situated in the Seoul area. With a population of 9,668,465 people, it represents approximately 39% of the total urban population in South Korea.
As one of the largest cities in the world, Seoul is a significant hub for commerce, culture, and transportation. The city's metropolitan area extends well beyond its official boundaries, encompassing numerous satellite cities and suburban areas.
Population Comparison
To put Seoul's population of 9,668,465 into perspective:
- Seoul's population is comparable to that of small European countries like Norway or Ireland.
- The city has more than 9 million inhabitants, making it a significant urban center globally.
- It ranks #1 among all cities in South Korea.
Where is Seoul Located?
Seoul is located in South Korea, in the Seoul region, at coordinates 37.56° latitude and 126.99° longitude. Seoul sits in the subtropics, typically enjoying warm temperatures year-round.
Nearby Cities
Other Cities in South Korea
Largest Cities in South Korea
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Busan | 3,453,198 |
| 3 | Suwon | 1,234,300 |
| 4 | Ulsan | 1,127,553 |
| 5 | Yongin | 1,084,817 |
| 6 | Goyang | 1,061,929 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Seoul?
The population of Seoul is approximately 9,668,465 residents according to the latest available data (2026).
Where is Seoul located?
Seoul is located in South Korea at approximately 37.56° latitude and 126.99° longitude.
Is Seoul one of the largest cities in South Korea?
With a population of 9,668,465, Seoul is one of the major urban areas in South Korea. It ranks #1 out of 136 cities in the country.
