South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, is located in East Asia, occupying the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It shares a land border with North Korea to the north and is bordered by the Yellow Sea to the west and the Sea of Japan (East Sea) to the east. The country’s strategic location has historically made it a crossroads of culture and commerce in the region.
Geography
Climate
South Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), while winters are cold and dry, with temperatures dropping below freezing, especially in the northern regions. Spring and autumn are characterized by mild temperatures and colorful foliage, making them popular seasons for travel.
Fauna
South Korea is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with various ecosystems including mountains, forests, and coastal areas. Common wildlife species include deer, wild boar, and small mammals such as squirrels and raccoon dogs. The country’s national parks and protected areas provide habitats for numerous bird species, including cranes, eagles, and pheasants.
Longest Rivers
The longest river in South Korea is the Han River, which flows for approximately 514 kilometers (319 miles) through the capital city of Seoul before emptying into the Yellow Sea. Other major rivers include the Nakdong River, the Geum River, and the Seomjin River, which play important roles in agriculture, transportation, and industry.
Highest Mountains
South Korea is mountainous, with several peaks rising to impressive heights. The highest mountain is Mount Baekdu, also known as Mount Paektu in North Korea, which reaches an elevation of 2,744 meters (9,003 feet) above sea level. Other notable mountains include Mount Halla on Jeju Island, Mount Jiri in the southern region, and Mount Seorak in the northeastern part of the country.
History
Prehistory
The Korean Peninsula has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years, with evidence of early human settlements dating back to the Paleolithic era. The region saw the rise of early agrarian societies, known as the Neolithic period, with communities cultivating rice and domesticating animals.
Three Kingdoms Period
The Korean Peninsula was divided into several competing states during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE – 668 CE), including Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. These kingdoms vied for power and influence, engaging in both alliances and conflicts with one another. The period saw the flourishing of Korean culture and the spread of Buddhism from China.
Unified Silla and Goryeo Dynasty
The Silla kingdom emerged victorious in the late 7th century, unifying the Korean Peninsula under its rule. The Unified Silla period (668-935) saw the consolidation of power and the flourishing of arts and culture. In the 10th century, the Goryeo dynasty replaced Silla as the ruling power, establishing a centralized government and adopting Confucianism as the state ideology.
Joseon Dynasty
The Joseon dynasty, founded in 1392, ruled Korea for over five centuries, establishing a Confucian-based bureaucracy and promoting Neo-Confucianism as the state philosophy. The Joseon period saw significant cultural and technological advancements, including the development of the Korean alphabet, Hangul, by King Sejong the Great in the 15th century.
Japanese Occupation and Modern Era
In the late 19th century, Korea came under increasing pressure from imperial Japan, culminating in the annexation of Korea in 1910. The period of Japanese colonial rule (1910-1945) was marked by repression and exploitation, as Koreans endured forced labor and cultural assimilation policies. Following Japan’s defeat in World War II, Korea was liberated and divided into North and South Korea, leading to the Korean War (1950-1953) and the subsequent establishment of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) in 1948.
Demographics
South Korea has a population of approximately 52 million people, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The majority of the population resides in urban areas, with the capital city of Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area being the most populous. South Korea has a homogeneous ethnic makeup, with ethnic Koreans (Han) comprising the vast majority of the population. The official language is Korean, and the dominant religion is Buddhism, followed by Christianity.
Administrative Divisions
South Korea is divided into eight provinces and six metropolitan cities, each with its own local government and administrative structure. Here are the administrative divisions along with their respective populations:
- Seoul – Population: 9.7 million
- Busan – Population: 3.4 million
- Incheon – Population: 2.9 million
- Daegu – Population: 2.4 million
- Daejeon – Population: 1.5 million
- Gwangju – Population: 1.5 million
- Ulsan – Population: 1.1 million
- Sejong – Population: 350,000
10 Largest Cities by Population
The largest cities in South Korea by population are:
- Seoul
- Busan
- Incheon
- Daegu
- Daejeon
- Gwangju
- Ulsan
- Suwon
- Changwon
- Goyang
Education Systems
Education in South Korea is highly valued and prioritized, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and excellence. Public education is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 15, and the country boasts a high literacy rate. South Korea is home to several top universities, including Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University, which consistently rank among the best in Asia and the world.
Transportation
Airports
South Korea has several major airports, with Incheon International Airport near Seoul being the largest and busiest. Other significant airports include Gimpo International Airport, which primarily serves domestic flights, and Busan’s Gimhae International Airport.
Railways
South Korea has a highly developed railway network, operated by the state-owned Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail). The country’s high-speed rail system, known as the KTX (Korea Train Express), connects major cities and regions, with trains reaching speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour (186 miles per hour).
Highways
South Korea has an extensive network of highways and expressways, connecting cities and regions across the country. The major highways include the Gyeongbu Expressway, which runs from Seoul to Busan, and the Honam Expressway, linking Seoul to Gwangju and Mokpo.
Ports
South Korea has several major ports, including the Port of Busan, which is one of the busiest container ports in the world. Other significant ports include the Port of Incheon, the Port of Ulsan, the Port of Gwangyang, and the Port of Yeosu.
Country Facts
- Population: 52 million
- Capital: Seoul
- Language: Korean
- Religion: Buddhism, Christianity
- Ethnicity: Korean (Han)
- Currency: South Korean won (KRW)
- ISO Country Code: KR
- International Calling Code: +82
- Top-Level Domain: .kr