Disability Statistics: 2.63 Million People, 5% of Population
Disability Statistics in South Korea Show Aging Trend
Seoul – The number of registered disabled people in South Korea totaled 2,631,356 at the end of last year, representing approximately 5.1% of the nation’s registered residents, according to statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on Tuesday.

The figures indicate a slight decrease of 0.07%, or 1,906 individuals, compared to the 2,633,262 registered at the end of the previous year. The most prevalent disability type was physical impairment, accounting for 43.0% of the total. Following this were hearing impairments at 16.8% and visual impairments at 9.4%.
Aging Population and Disability
A notable trend within the statistics is the increasing proportion of disabled individuals aged 65 and older. This demographic comprised 55.3% of the total disabled population, marking a 13 percentage point increase from the 42.3% recorded in 2015.
In the past year, 85,947 individuals were newly registered as disabled. Among these new registrants, physical disabilities were the most common, accounting for 31.7%. Intellectual disabilities followed at 16.6%, and developmental disabilities at 15.8%.
Gender Breakdown
Of the total number of registered disabled individuals, 966,428 (36.7%) were classified as severely disabled, while 1,664,928 (63.3%) were classified as less severely disabled. Men accounted for 1,525,056 (58.0%) of the disabled population, and women accounted for 1,106,300 (42.0%).
The decrease in population and aging impacts have led to a decrease in the number of registered people and the proportion of people with disabilities aged 65 or older.
Son Ho-jun, director at the Ministry of Welfare
Disability Statistics in South Korea: Your Questions Answered
What are the Key Findings from South Korea’s Disability Statistics?
According too the Ministry of Health and Welfare, at the end of last year, there were 2,631,356 registered disabled people in South Korea, representing approximately 5.1% of the nation’s registered residents. This data reveals several key trends, including a slight decrease in overall numbers.
Is the Number of Registered Disabled People in South korea Increasing or Decreasing?
The statistics show a slight decrease in the number of registered disabled people. There was a 0.07% reduction, equating to 1,906 fewer individuals compared to the previous year.
What Are the Most Common Types of Disabilities in South Korea?
The most prevalent type of disability is physical impairment, accounting for 43.0% of the total. Following this are hearing impairments at 16.8% and visual impairments at 9.4%.
What Role Does the Aging Population Play in Disability Statistics?
An important trend is the growing proportion of disabled individuals aged 65 and older. This demographic made up 55.3% of the total disabled population, a significant increase from the 42.3% recorded in 2015. This reflects the broader aging of the South Korean population.
What Types of Disabilities Are Most Common Among New Registrants?
Among the 85,947 individuals newly registered as disabled in the past year, physical disabilities were the most common (31.7%). intellectual disabilities (16.6%) and developmental disabilities (15.8%) followed.
How Does the Gender Breakdown of Disability in South korea Look?
There’s a difference in the number of disabled people between genders.Here’s a breakdown:
men: 1,525,056 (58.0%)
Women: 1,106,300 (42.0%)
What is the Severity Breakdown of Disability in south Korea?
The data also provides a breakdown of disability severity:
Severely Disabled: 966,428 (36.7%)
Less Severely Disabled: 1,664,928 (63.3%)
can you Summarize the Key Data Points in a Table?
Certainly. Here’s a quick summary:
| Statistic | Value | Percentage of Total |
| :———————————————— | :————— | :—————— |
| Total Registered Disabled (End of Last Year) | 2,631,356 | 5.1% |
| Decrease from Previous Year | 1,906 individuals | 0.07% |
| Physical Impairment | – | 43.0% |
| Hearing Impairment | – | 16.8% |
| Visual Impairment | – | 9.4% |
| Disabled individuals aged 65+ | – | 55.3% |
| Newly Registered (Physical) | – | 31.7% |
| Newly Registered (Intellectual) | – | 16.6% |
| Newly Registered (Developmental) | – | 15.8% |
| men | 1,525,056 | 58.0% |
| Women | 1,106,300 | 42.0% |
| Severely disabled | 966,428 | 36.7% |
| less Severely Disabled | 1,664,928 | 63.3% |
What is the Impact of an Aging Population on Disability Statistics?
As stated by Son Ho-jun, director at the Ministry of Welfare, the aging impacts and a decrease in population has contributed the slight decrease in the overall number of registered disabled people. The statistics clearly show the growing proportion of older adults within the disabled population (55.3% comprised of individuals aged 65 and older).
