South Korea's expatriate population topped 1 million for the first time in history. 1,000,254 to be exact. That means the expatriate population makes up 2% of South Korea's population (now 49 million).

There are estimates that over 200,000 expats are in South Korea illegally. I guys South Korea has the same problem the U.S. has with illegal immigration.

Mike

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Similar problems, yes. But Korea doesn't have welfare and free medical and attractions like the US does. And racial discrimination laws do not exist, although there is a government agency that is attempting to sponsor such a law. Sexual discrimination is becoming less, and women forced to party late with the boss and other workers have won lawsuits and compensation. There may be laws soon to protect the ladies. A Racial Discrimination law will be much harder to pass. No one wants to be told who they can hire or refuse to serve. It can be seen as an infringement on citizens personal rights.

I know plenty of military retirees who are in Korea illegally.

May be some military retirees are " illegal ". Their income, spent here, should be welcome in their community, and would not be taxed anyway. Unless they are working somewhere and being paid wages under the table, without paying taxes, no one cares. They are not sucking off welfare or medical care or schooling from the government, as some illegal immigrants in the U.S. do.
A retiree can live here legally and own one home. I don't know what steps need to be taken to do it properly. Yet.

A note on discrimination in Korea. I'm reading that Korea is talking about paying foreign workers equal wages, like the Southeast Asians and other Asians who do the work Koreans no longer want to do. They are like the illegal Mexicans in the U.S. Not sure how they will do it. Maybe we can learn from them. Maybe it is just politicians talking.
Anyway, what I wanted to say was that my friend Dave, who owned the computer store "Solutions" in Itaewon has sold out and is going back to Canada. He was teaching English for a few years at a local University, but finally quit because of discriminatory practices whereby he could not be eligible for a pension, nor be granted tenure. He partnered with a Korean, opened the computer shop, and was doing fine. Then he was turned down for Korean citizenship two years in a row, even after meeting all the requirements! His lawyer couldn't figure out why, either. So even though he was making money, and would be paying more taxes, etc. he still got a no.
He was pretty down about it. His Korean partner is leaving for Canada also!
Wish them luck!

Wow, that is a terrible way to be treated. It is sad how Korea can be some times. I wish Dave the best of luck.

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I'm not positive Dave applied for Korean citizenship-perhaps it was permanent residency-
Anyway he was pretty disappointed, as he had done everything required, and was an ideal example as a successful businessman.
Korea has some hurdles to overcome in order to remain in the upper eschelons of international trade. Other countries will soon get the bigger international deals if Korea does not get smart in hiring good English speaking sales people in international business and trade. Entertaining business prospects by offering sea urchin soup and octopus tentacles with soju is also something that could be improved upon. Korea has lobster and king crab and other delicious seafood, which is more appealing to foreign pallets.