How to Use KOSIS Data in a University Assignment

How to Use KOSIS Data in a University Assignment

“How has Busan’s population changed?” is a more useful starting point for a class project than “Find statistics about Korea.” It tells you which place, measure and time period to look for. KOSIS, the Korean Statistical Information Service, lets you download statistical tables in formats including Excel and CSV. kosis.kr

Before downloading a table, read its title, unit and notes. A column labeled “thousand persons” needs a different chart axis from one labeled “persons.” Check whether the figure is an annual average or a count on a particular date. If two tables use different definitions of resident population, choose one consistent series rather than joining them because the year labels match.

For a first chart, select one city, one measure and a manageable run of years. Keep the original download untouched and make the chart in a working copy. Leave missing values distinct from zero: a blank observation does not establish that nobody lived there.

Under the chart, name the producing agency, the table, the unit and the years shown. Save the table link and access date. Before submitting, try to find one plotted value again in the original table. If you can reproduce it, your reader can too.

KOSIS guide to statistical tables and downloads · Checked November 9, 2026.