After voting for the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections ended at 6 p.m. on the 3rd, ballot counting began. In areas with large margins, winners are expected to be determined around 12 a.m. In fiercely contested areas, winners are likely to be decided around 3–4 a.m. on the 4th.
Ballot counting begins with the declaration to start counting after ballot boxes from each polling station arrive at the counting center. The arrival time of ballot boxes varies by region, but it is generally expected to be around 6:20 p.m. that day.
The first counting results are scheduled to be released around 7:30 p.m., and in areas with many voters or depending on counting conditions, the first results may be released after 8–9 p.m. The voting results are released after going through stages such as opening the ballot boxes, sorting ballots by election, operating the ballot sorter, inspection tables, and Commissioner review.
According to exit polls by the three terrestrial broadcasters, among 16 metropolitan mayors and governors, the Democratic Party of Korea was ahead in 11, and the People Power Party was ahead in one (North Gyeongsang). Four (Busan, Daegu, Gangwon, and North Jeolla) were classified as toss-ups.