The number of South Koreans aged 100 and above has nearly tripled over the past decade, according to newly released government data, highlighting the impact of improvements in healthcare and living conditions.
According to Yonhap News Agency, data from South Korea’s Ministry of Data and Statistics showed that 8,604 people were aged 100 or older as of November 1, 2025, compared with 3,159 in 2015.
The number of centenarians per 100,000 people also increased significantly, reaching 17.3 in 2025, up from 10.9 a decade earlier.
Women accounted for the overwhelming majority of South Koreans aged 100 and above. Men represented only 16.6% of the total, with 1,428 male centenarians recorded.
The figures reflect a broader demographic shift in South Korea, where longer life expectancy and an aging population are increasingly shaping social and economic priorities.
Regional data showed that Gyeonggi Province was home to the largest number of centenarians, with 2,052 people, accounting for nearly one-quarter of the total. Seoul ranked second with 1,268 centenarians, followed by North Gyeongsang Province with 559.
The sharp increase over the past 10 years underscores the growing number of people reaching extreme old age in South Korea, while the strong predominance of women among centenarians continues to reflect the significant gender gap in longevity.
