* No official census: South Korea doesn't conduct a census specifically asking about language proficiency.
* Variable fluency: Even if there was a census, "speaking Chinese" could mean different things. Some people might understand basic phrases, others might be conversational, and some might be fluent.
* Language learning trends: Chinese language learning has increased in South Korea in recent years due to economic and cultural connections, but it's not a widespread skill like English.
What we do know:
* English is the dominant foreign language: English is the most widely learned and spoken foreign language in South Korea.
* Chinese is gaining popularity: Chinese language programs are growing in schools and universities, and Chinese media is becoming more accessible.
* Business and tourism are driving factors: South Korean businesses are increasingly active in China, and many South Koreans travel to China for tourism, creating a need for Chinese language skills.
Instead of a specific percentage, it's more accurate to say that:
* A growing number of South Koreans are learning Chinese.
* Fluency levels vary widely.
To get a better sense of Chinese language proficiency in South Korea, you could look at data on:
* Chinese language program enrollment
* Chinese media consumption
* Travel to China
* Business relations with China