The population of Seoul has increased, and most of the new arrivals are foreigners.

The Information Planning Group of Seoul said Monday that the population of the metropolitan city increased for five years running, exceeding 10.46 million. Some 76.3 percent, or 26,135 people, of the increase were immigrant foreigners, 88.7 percent or 23,204 people of which were Chinese, including ethnic Koreans settled in China. The foreigner population decreased 3,689 in the fourth quarter, slowing the population increase.

Seoul's birthrate increased in 2006 and 2007, though last year's rate dropped 3,866 from that of 2007. Seoul City said the number of newborn babies began to decline after 2006 and 2007 had passed, as these were considered lucky years for marriage and childbirth.