AsiaMap.net

About South Korea

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, occupies the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, bordered by North Korea to the north and surrounded by the Yellow Sea and East Sea (Sea of Japan). Covering an area of approximately 100,363 square kilometers, South Korea is home to over 51 million people, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Despite its relatively small size, South Korea has emerged as a global economic and cultural powerhouse.

South Korea was established in 1948 following the division of the Korean Peninsula after World War II, and it has developed into a vibrant democracy with a dynamic culture. Korean is the official language, written in the unique Hangul alphabet created in the 15th century. The population practices a mix of Buddhism, Christianity, and traditional Confucian values, though many identify as non-religious. South Korea has achieved global cultural influence through K-pop music, Korean dramas, cinema, and cuisine, a phenomenon known as the "Korean Wave" or Hallyu.

South Korea's geography is predominantly mountainous, with the Taebaek Mountains running along the eastern coast and providing spectacular scenery. The western and southern coasts feature plains and river valleys suitable for agriculture and dense urban development. The country experiences four distinct seasons with a temperate climate, including cold winters and hot, humid summers with monsoon rains. Notable natural features include volcanic Jeju Island, a popular tourist destination, and numerous national parks preserving the country's natural heritage.

South Korea boasts the world's 10th largest economy, built on advanced technology, automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, and electronics. Global brands like Samsung, Hyundai, LG, and Kia have made South Korea a leader in innovation and exports. Seoul, the capital and largest city, is a bustling metropolis of over 25 million people in its greater area, serving as the political, economic, and cultural heart of the nation. Other major cities include Busan (the second-largest city and major port), Incheon, Daegu, and Gwangju, each contributing to South Korea's highly urbanized and technologically advanced society.

Major Cities

• Seoul - The capital and largest city with 9.4 million people (25.6 million metro), serving as South Korea's political, economic, and cultural center with its cutting-edge technology and ancient palaces
• Busan - The second-largest city with 3.3 million people, South Korea's main port and gateway with beautiful beaches and the annual Busan Film Festival
• Incheon - Major port city with 2.9 million people, home to the main international airport and a key free economic zone
• Daegu - Southeastern city with 2.4 million people, known as the textile and fashion capital of South Korea
• Daejeon - Central city with 1.5 million people, known as South Korea's "Silicon Valley" with numerous research institutions and tech companies

Interesting Facts

• South Korea has the world's fastest average internet speed and highest smartphone penetration rate
• The Korean alphabet Hangul is considered one of the world's most scientific writing systems, invented in 1443 by King Sejong the Great
• South Korea is the world's largest producer of semiconductors, with Samsung and SK Hynix leading global memory chip production
• K-pop phenomenon BTS became the first Korean act to top the Billboard Hot 100, spreading Korean culture globally
• The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea has inadvertently become one of Asia's most important wildlife sanctuaries
• South Korea achieved remarkable economic development from one of the world's poorest countries in the 1960s to a high-income economy, known as the "Miracle on the Han River"