South Korea’s 21st presidential election has recorded the highest voter turnout in nearly 30 years, with preliminary data showing 79.4% of eligible voters casting ballots, according to the National Election Commission.
As of polls closing at 8 p.m. on June 3, more than 35.24 million of the country’s 44.39 million registered voters had voted. The figure includes early voting, overseas ballots, at-sea votes, and votes submitted by proxy.
It’s the highest turnout since the 1997 election — held during the height of the Asian financial crisis — when voter participation reached 80.7%. This year’s numbers mark a notable rise compared to recent elections: 77.1% in 2022 and 77.2% in 2017.
Regional turnout trends
Voter enthusiasm was strongest in Gwangju, which posted the highest turnout at 83.9%. Jeju recorded the lowest participation at 74.6%. Seven of the 17 major administrative regions surpassed the 80% mark.
Here’s a breakdown by region:
- Seoul: 80.1%
- Busan: 78.4%
- Daegu: 80.2%
- Incheon: 77.7%
- Daejeon: 78.7%
- Ulsan: 80.1%
- Sejong: 83.1%
- Gyeonggi: 79.4%
- Gangwon: 77.6%
- Chungbuk (North Chungcheong): 77.3%
- Chungnam (South Chungcheong): 76.0%
- Jeonbuk (North Jeolla): 82.5%
- Jeonnam (South Jeolla): 83.6%
- Gyeongbuk (North Gyeongsang): 78.9%
- Gyeongnam (South Gyeongsang): 78.5%
