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Busan Population 2018

Busan is a city that is located in South Korea. It is one of the country’s most populous cities, coming in second place only behind Seoul. The city has a population of approximately 3.5 million people. The metro area’s population exceeds 4.6 million. The total area of the city is over 296 square miles, which gives it a population density of around 12,000 people per square mile. The city’s total land area makes up less than 1% of the Korean peninsula. The city’s large industrial area, thriving port, and position as a cultural and educational center makes it a place that draws in residents from all around the world.

The majority of the residents in Busan are Buddhist, with over 41% following this religion. Trailing just behind are non-religious residents or people that follow indigenous religions, which account for almost 40% of the total population. The remainder follow Protestantism and Catholicism. Like other cities throughout South Korea, the population of Busan is expected to stabilize through the early 2020s after years of ups and downs.

Busan Population Data (Urban Area)

Year Population Growth Rate (%) Growth
2030 3,264,000 1.59% 51,000
2025 3,213,000 1.23% 39,000
2020 3,174,000 -0.19% -6,000
2018 3,180,000 -1.12% -36,000
2015 3,216,000 -3.39% -113,000
2010 3,329,000 -3.51% -121,000
2005 3,450,000 -4.01% -144,000
2000 3,594,000 -2.79% -103,000
1995 3,697,000 -1.99% -75,000
1990 3,772,000 9.65% 332,000
1985 3,440,000 10.82% 336,000
1980 3,104,000 28.37% 686,000
1975 2,418,000 33.37% 605,000
1970 1,813,000 32.82% 448,000
1965 1,365,000 18.28% 211,000
1960 1,154,000 10.33% 108,000
1955 1,046,000 10.34% 98,000
1950 948,000 0.00% 0
Busan Population Growth

Busan's 2018 population is now estimated at 3,180,000. In 1950, the population of Busan was 948,000. Busan has grown by -36,000 in the last year, which represents a -1.12% change. These population estimates and projections come from the latest revision of the UN World Urbanization Prospects. These estimates represent the Urban agglomeration of Busan, which typically includes Busan's population in addition to adjacent suburban areas.

Data Sources
  1. World Urbanization Prospects - United Nations population estimates and projections of major Urban Agglomerations