SEOULroulettesimulation, July 11 (Xinhua) -- The number of foreigners entering South Korea grew in double digits last year as more foreigners came to get a job in the Asian country, statistical office data showed Thursday.

The number of inbound foreigners soared 16.2 percent to 480,000 in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to Statistics Korea.

Of the total, 36.1 percent, or 173,000 foreigners, came to the country to get a job last year.

It was up 25.5 percent from the previous year, marking the second-highest reading since relevant data began to be compiled in 2000.

The double-digit increase was attributable to a higher quota for non-professional employment visas (E-9) for foreign jobseekers and the eased rules on employment of overseas South Koreans.

Foreigners who came here for a short-term stay accounted for 21.0 percent of the total, trailed by 17.3 percent for study and training programs, and 12.1 percent for marriage and permanent residency.

The number of foreigners who left the country jumped 30.5 percent to 319,000 in 2023.■