#South Korea #Seoul #Population Census #Korean Statistics #Ahn Hyung Jun

Engage in the 2025 Population and Housing Census

As Korea prepares to celebrate a century of statistical tradition with the 2025 Population and Housing Census, the Ministry of Data and Statistics, under the leadership of Minister Ahn Hyung Jun, is making a strong appeal for participation. This significant census not only commemorates 100 years of data collection but also plays a crucial role in informing policies that affect the daily lives of all residents, including foreign citizens.

A Century of Statistical Tradition

The upcoming census marks a pivotal moment in Korea’s history, grounding current governance on a legacy of data collection that began with the 'Simplified National Census' in 1925. Over the decades, the census has evolved into a cornerstone for formulating policies in sectors such as population, housing, education, and welfare. From navigating the aftermath of war in the 1950s to facilitating Korea’s rapid economic growth in subsequent decades, the census has provided essential data that continues to guide the nation's progression as an advanced society.

Korea's advancement in statistical methodologies has garnered international recognition, with many countries now seeking to emulate Korea's innovative register-based census approach. The integration of administrative data and cutting-edge technology, from electronic surveys to digital mapping techniques, showcases Korea's commitment to accuracy in data collection. Yet, the true success of the census is attributed to the active participation of citizens throughout its century-long history.

New Features in the 2025 Census

This year, the census has expanded its scope, including a total of 55 items—identical to the previous census. However, among these, seven new topics have been added to better reflect the diverse social and economic landscape. Notable new items include:

• - Family care time and marriage intentions, addressing concerns related to declining birth rates and an aging population.
• - Questions regarding languages spoken at home and Korean language proficiency, catering to multicultural households.
• - Information on rental providers to capture the dynamics of rental living arrangements.
• - A cyclical survey on religion and bicycle ownership, which align with current policy discussions.
• - An update to relationship status, now including unmarried cohabitation to reflect changing social norms surrounding partnerships.

These additions aim to provide a clearer picture of the various factors influencing households and communities in Korea, ultimately informing better policies.

Engaging Foreign Residents

With the foreign resident population in Korea growing significantly—from approximately 590,000 in 2010 to over 2 million today—the census also emphasizes the need for their active engagement. For the first time, the census will offer surveys in 20 different languages, expanding from the previous 10, thus ensuring inclusivity for those from diverse backgrounds. Whether via internet, telephone, or in-person interviews, foreign residents can contribute to the census through accommodating methods.

Dedicated language consultants will assist participants over the phone, providing crucial support in navigating the survey process. Moreover, statistical enumerators equipped with tablets will make house visits equipped with multi-language capabilities to facilitate communication.

Assuring Confidentiality and Legal Status

It’s essential to note that the census aims to include all individuals, regardless of their legal status in Korea. Foreign residents are encouraged to participate without fear, as the census does not collect information about their legal status, thus maintaining confidentiality. The Ministry of Data and Statistics has strict regulations surrounding the privacy of the information collected, ensuring it is solely used for statistical purposes.

Looking Ahead: Census Outcomes

The data collected during the 2025 Census is expected to be thoroughly processed and made public by late November 2026. This data will serve as a critical resource for various policy formulation, academic research, and business strategies. Since it will be available at intricate local levels, this census will provide a crucial foundation for community-specific governance and planning.

Minister Ahn urges all selected participants to recognize the importance of their contributions, emphasizing that the success of this census hinges on accurate and comprehensive responses. The goal is not merely to count but to understand and serve the needs of a growing and diverse population residing in Korea. Therefore, this historic moment calls for active engagement from both Korean and foreign residents alike, promising a future shaped by informed decisions based on reliable data.

In closing, as we reflect on a century of census-taking, we invite all individuals to cooperate with this essential survey, which impacts the trajectory of policies benefitting everyone in our society.