Smallest Cities in South Korea

Top 100 cities ranked by smallest cities

Smallest Cities - South Korea

1 Ponggae-dong 01 5,166
2 Sanji 01 8,866
3 Pyeongchang 06 9,013
4 Dodong-ri 14 9,169
5 Songgangdong 19 10,000
6 Yongsan-dong 11 12,612
7 Sintansin 19 15,000
8 Beolgyo 16 19,842
9 Jumunjin 06 20,600
10 Jenzan 14 20,673
11 Puan 03 22,267
12 Hwacheon 06 22,965
13 Taesal-li 17 23,149
14 Namsa 03 23,587
15 Gaigeturi 01 23,717
16 Yanggu 06 24,027
17 Yŏnmu 17 25,015
18 Kinzan 17 25,243
19 Neietsu 06 25,413
20 Ganghwa-gun 12 25,535
21 Imsil 03 25,999
22 Changsu 03 26,463
23 Goseong 20 26,704
24 Hayang 14 27,236
25 Seonghwan 17 29,239
26 Waegwan 14 29,691
27 Kurye 16 30,000
28 Jinan-gun 03 31,273
29 Cheongsong gun 14 31,313
30 Kunwi 14 34,293
31 Jangheung 16 34,544
32 Yeonil 14 34,560
33 Heunghae 14 36,080
34 Boseong 16 37,164
35 Jungpyong 05 37,207
36 Yesan 17 39,409
37 Cheorwon 06 40,646
38 Hadong 20 40,909
39 Jangseong 16 42,129
40 Munsan 13 43,208
41 Yeongdong 05 43,680
42 Koesan 05 44,461
43 Damyang 16 44,800
44 T’aebaek 06 46,715
45 Yeongam 16 51,573
46 Yeonggwang 16 51,688
47 Sinan 16 53,150
48 Yecheon 14 54,873
49 Gapyeong 13 55,415
50 Okcheon 05 56,634
51 Hwasun 16 59,914
52 Chinch'ŏn 05 60,964
53 Seonwon 12 62,021
54 Kosong 06 62,446
55 Hwawŏn 15 64,718
56 Haenam 16 65,831
57 Santyoku 06 69,509
58 Mungyeong 14 71,863
59 Koch'ang 03 72,996
60 Changnyeong 20 74,668
61 Hongch’ŏn 06 75,251
62 Sokcho 06 79,846
63 Nangen 03 80,499
64 Naesŏ 20 80,987
65 Kimje 03 81,644
66 Sinhyeon 20 82,560
67 Ungsang 20 83,360
68 Yangp'yŏng 13 83,367
69 Wanju 03 84,009
70 Hongseong 17 89,174
71 Kwangyang 16 89,281
72 Muan 16 92,009
73 Naju 16 92,582
74 Eisen 14 95,730
75 Wabu 13 96,775
76 Miryang 20 99,425
77 Donghae City 06 101,128
78 Boryeong 17 101,852
79 Sangju 14 102,892
80 Gongju 17 102,960
81 Yeongju 14 109,266
82 Jeongeup 03 110,194
83 Yeoju 13 114,167
84 Nonsan 17 115,925
85 Tongyeong 20 116,924
86 Siheungdong 11 128,142
87 Gimcheon 14 135,076
88 Gwangyang 16 152,160
89 Andong 14 153,131
90 Tangjin 17 163,762
91 Seosan 17 169,221
92 Gijang 10 176,388
93 Guri-si 13 180,063
94 Seogwipo 01 183,858
95 Anseong 13 193,220
96 Gangneung 06 206,780
97 Chungju 05 207,839
98 Icheon-si 13 209,003
99 Pubal 13 209,003
100 Mokpo 16 214,701

The smallest cities in South Korea (with populations above 5,000) offer a different quality of life compared to major metropolitan areas. Ponggae-dong has a population of just 5,166. These communities often feature lower costs of living, stronger neighborhood connections, and less congestion.

Small cities can offer significant advantages for residents seeking affordable housing, shorter commutes, and a close-knit community feel. Many serve as regional centers for surrounding rural areas, providing essential services while maintaining a small-town atmosphere.

Despite their smaller size, many of these cities have thriving local economies, good school systems, and access to outdoor recreation. They represent an alternative to the fast-paced lifestyle of major metropolitan areas.

Did You Know?

  • 1. At 5,166 residents, Ponggae-dong is smaller than a single large apartment complex in New York City.
  • 2. Small cities (5,000-10,000) make up the majority of incorporated places in the United States.
  • 3. Many of the smallest cities serve as county seats or regional service centers for surrounding rural communities.

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