Overview of South Korea

Profile

From being among the poorest countries in the 1950s, South Korea achieved the "Miracle on the Han River" through rapid growth and now holds top global market shares in semiconductors, smartphones, and shipbuilding. About half the population is concentrated in the capital region, and cultural exports such as K-POP, films, and dramas are thriving. Major social challenges include low birth rates, aging population, income inequality, and capital region concentration.

Official name: Republic of Korea
Common name: South Korea
Numeric code: 410
Alpha-3 code: KOR
Alpha-2 code: KR
Population: Approximately 51.8 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 520
Primary languages: Korean
Major religions: Buddhism, Protestantism, Catholicism, Non-religious
National anthem: Aegukga (Patriotic Song)
Calling code: +82
Internet TLD: .kr

History

From the Syngman Rhee administration through military rule, democratization occurred in 1987.

Following US military rule in 1945, the republic was founded in 1948. Devastated by the 1950 Korean War, the country pursued export-led industrialization under developmental dictatorship from the 1960s onward, achieving rapid growth. After the 1987 democratization declaration, a presidential system with direct elections was established. From the 2000s, IT and cultural industries expanded, and international standing rose through co-hosting the 2002 World Cup and the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics.

Geography & climate

Mountains account for 70% of territory, with the Taebaek Mountain Range running east-west like a backbone.

Humid subtropical / Temperate summer rain climate (continental humid in northern interior)

Area: Asia / 100339 km²
Capital: Seoul Special City
Largest city: Seoul Special City
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Natural resources

Coal, Tungsten, Molybdenum, Limestone, Hydropower, Hot springs, Abundant wind resources, Ocean energy, Ginseng, Seaweed farms

Politics

Government: Republic (Presidential system)

Economy

Currency: Won (KRW)

GDP (nominal): 1.7 Trillion Dollars (2023)

GDP (PPP): 2.6 Trillion Dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Korean

Time zone: Korea Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Korean, Overseas Chinese Koreans, Chinese Koreans, Koryo-saram, Marriage migrants

Life expectancy

82.7

Literacy rate

98

National sports

Taekwondo, Football, Baseball, Short Track, Archery, Esports