South Korea

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia. It makes up the southern half of the Korean Peninsula and shares a border with North Korea along the Korean Demilitarized Zone. The country has the Yellow Sea to its west and the Sea of Japan to its east, and its capital and largest city is Seoul, which is part of the world's ninth most populous metropolitan area.

The Korean Peninsula has been home to people for thousands of years, with early kingdoms like Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla forming between the mid-first century BC and the late seventh century AD. After periods of foreign rule, Korea was divided following World War II into two separate governments in 1948. This division led to the Korean War in 1950, a major conflict during the Cold War that involved many countries.

Today, South Korea is known for its strong democracy, advanced economy, and rapid development. It is one of the world's largest exporters and has a highly educated population. The country is also famous worldwide for its popular culture, including music, television dramas, and movies, often called the Korean Wave. South Korea continues to play an important role in global affairs and remains a key ally of the United States.

Etymology

See also: Names of Korea

The name Korea comes from an old Korean kingdom called Goryeo. This name was used by traders from Arab and Persian countries, who called the people "Korea". Later, maps made by Portuguese explorers in the 1500s and 1600s also used the name Corea or Korea.

When a new kingdom called Joseon began in 1392, it used an older name from an ancient kingdom called Gojoseon. In 1897, the country changed its name again to the Korean Empire. After World War II, the country became known as the Republic of Korea. Many South Koreans still use the name Daehan Minguk, which means Great Han Republic.

History

Main articles: History of Korea and History of South Korea

Ancient Korea

The Korean Peninsula has been home to people since very early times. Legends say it began with a man named Dangun in 2333 BC. Over many years, different kingdoms grew there. One important kingdom, Goguryeo, fought with nearby Chinese empires and sometimes won.

Three Kingdoms of Korea

Three big kingdoms once ruled the land: Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. Goguryeo was strong and often fought with China. Baekje loved the sea and helped spread Buddhism to places like Japan. Silla was smaller but clever, using friends to grow stronger.

Unified dynasties

Later, a new kingdom called Goryeo united the land. They created amazing inventions like early printing. But tough times came when warriors from Mongolia invaded. Finally, a leader named Yi Seong-gye started a new kingdom called Joseon. He made a special writing system called Hangul so everyone could read.

Japanese occupation and World War II

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Japan took control of Korea. They tried to change Korean culture and language. After World War II, the world split Korea into two parts at the 38th parallel.

Division of Korea

In 1948, Korea became two separate countries: North Korea and South Korea. The United Nations helped create South Korea, while the Soviet Union helped North Korea. The two new leaders didn't get along.

Korean War

In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, starting a big war. The United Nations helped South Korea, and China helped North Korea. The war ended in 1953 with a stalemate, meaning neither side won or lost completely. Many people suffered during this time.

Miracle on the Han River

In the 1960s, a leader named Park Chung Hee took charge. He helped South Korea grow very fast by building roads, trains, and strong businesses. But he was strict and didn't allow much freedom.

Democracy

In 1987, South Korea began to become a democracy. People could vote for their leaders. In 1988, Seoul hosted the Olympic Games, which showed the world how beautiful and strong South Korea had become. Leaders worked to make peace with North Korea, although sometimes things were difficult.

Contemporary history

In recent years, South Korea has had many changes in leadership. A leader named Park Geun-hye was removed from office after being accused of doing bad things. New leaders have tried to improve relations with North Korea and host big events like the Winter Olympics. The country continues to grow and change while facing new challenges.

Geography

Main articles: Geography of South Korea and Geology of South Korea

South Korea is located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, a long, narrow landform that stretches about 1,100 km (680 mi) from the Asian mainland. It is surrounded by water, with the Yellow Sea to the west and the Sea of Japan to the east. The country’s southern edge touches the Korea Strait and the East China Sea. South Korea is mostly mountainous, with narrow coastal plains along the west and southeast. It includes many islands, the largest being Jeju Island, which lies about 100 km off the southern coast and features Hallasan, an inactive volcano that is the country’s highest point at 1,950 meters (6,400 feet).

South Korea has a humid continental and humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and wet, influenced by the East Asian monsoon, while winters can be cold, especially in the mountains. The country faces challenges such as air pollution and has worked on projects to improve its environment, including restoring natural areas and promoting green energy.

Government and politics

Main articles: Government of South Korea and Politics of South Korea

South Korea's government is organized into three branches: the executive, judicial, and legislative, as outlined in its constitution. The executive and legislative branches work at the national level, with local governments having their own executive and legislative bodies. South Korea is a constitutional democracy, with a presidential system led by an independent chief executive.

The country's political landscape is divided between liberal and conservative camps, represented by the Democratic Party and the People Power Party, respectively. Despite a history of military rule, South Korea has developed into a strong liberal democracy. It is highly ranked for electoral democracy and has a low level of corruption, though some experts discuss ongoing political challenges.

Economy

Main article: Economy of South Korea

See also: List of largest companies of South Korea

South Korea has a strong mixed economy and is one of the largest in the world. It is known for its advanced technology and famous brands like LG Electronics and Samsung. The country became very industrialized and is highly educated, with many people going to college.

South Korea's economy grew very fast from the 1960s to the 1990s, and it continued to grow strongly in the 2000s. It exports a lot of goods and has large amounts of money saved up. Even during tough economic times like the 2008 financial crisis, South Korea managed to do well.

Transportation

Main article: Transport in South Korea

South Korea has modern transportation, including fast trains, highways, buses, and airports. Major cities have subways, and there are express buses everywhere. The biggest airport is Incheon International Airport, and there are several other airports. Airlines like Korean Air and Asiana Airlines fly both inside and outside the country.

Energy

Main article: Energy in South Korea

South Korea produces a lot of electricity using nuclear power, ranking fifth in the world. It builds and exports nuclear reactors to other countries. South Korea cannot enrich uranium on its own due to agreements with the United States but has developed other nuclear technologies.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in South Korea

Tourism in South Korea is growing because of popular culture like music and TV shows, known as the Korean Wave or Hallyu. Many people from around the world visit South Korea to experience its culture and attractions. In 2019, over 17 million foreign tourists visited the country.

Science and technology

Main article: History of science and technology in Korea

See also: List of Korean inventions and discoveries

South Korea has become a leader in science and technology. It spends a lot of money on research and development, more than most other countries. The country is known for its mobile technology, robotics, and biotechnology. South Korea has developed advanced robots and has been involved in space exploration, sending satellites into orbit. The country also produces vaccines and medicines, including some used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of South Korea

See also: Koreans and List of cities in South Korea

South Korea had an estimated population of about 51.7 million in 2022. The population grew from 21.5 million in 1955 to around 50 million by 2010. However, it is expected to peak at 52 million in 2024 and then decline to 36 million by 2072 because of a sharp drop in birth rates that started in 1960. The birth rate became the lowest in the world in 2009, with about 9 births for every 1,000 people. It stayed very low, but recent government policies and a rebound in marriages may have helped increase births slightly in late 2024.

Most South Koreans live in cities. About half the population, or 24.5 million people, live in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, making it the world's second largest city area. Other major cities include Busan (3.5 million), Incheon (3.0 million), Daegu (2.5 million), Daejeon (1.4 million), Gwangju (1.4 million) and Ulsan (1.1 million). The country has a high population density, with about 514.6 people per square kilometer.

South Korea has become more diverse in recent years. After World War II, many people from North Korea moved to South Korea. Now, there are also many foreign residents, including workers, students, and migrants from China, the United States, Japan, and Canada. About 5% of the population are foreign nationals, a number that has been growing quickly.

Language

Main articles: Korean language and Korean dialects

Korean is the official language of South Korea. It uses a special writing system called Hangul, created in 1446 by Sejong the Great. Korean also includes many words borrowed from Chinese. There are several dialects of Korean spoken across the country, and most students learn English in school.

Religion

Main article: Religion in South Korea

More than half of South Koreans say they are not part of any religious group. Among those who are, most are Christians or Buddhists. There are also smaller groups practicing Islam, Won Buddhism, and other indigenous religions. Freedom of religion is protected by the country's constitution.

Education

Main article: Education in South Korea

South Korea has a strong focus on education. Children attend school from kindergarten through high school, with the school year starting in March. The country is known for its high performance in reading, math, and science. Many families place a lot of importance on education, and students often attend extra classes after school to prepare for important exams.

Health

Main article: Health in South Korea

South Korea has a universal health care system and is ranked among the best in the world for health care quality. The country has advanced medical facilities and a high life expectancy. Hospitals are well-equipped, and there are many hospital beds available for patients.

Culture

Main article: Culture of South Korea

See also: Culture of Korea

South Korea shares its traditional culture with North Korea, but the two have developed distinct contemporary forms since 1945. Historically influenced by neighboring China, South Korea has developed its own unique cultural identity. As of 2024, South Korea has 24 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages and 16 World Heritage Sites. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism supports traditional and modern arts through funding and education. South Korea also has the second highest level of press freedom in Continental and East Asia, behind Taiwan.

Modern life in South Korea has changed due to industrialization and urbanization. People have moved to cities, especially Seoul, and many families now live in smaller, nuclear arrangements rather than large multi-generational homes.

Art

Main article: Korean art

Korean art has been shaped by Buddhism and Confucianism, seen in paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and performing arts. Famous types include Korean pottery and porcelain, such as Joseon's baekja and buncheong, and Goryeo's celadon. Traditional performances like the Korean tea ceremony, pansori, talchum, and buchaechum are also important. Modern Korean art began to grow in the 1960s and 1970s, focusing on geometric shapes and harmony with nature. Social issues became common themes in the 1980s.

Architecture

Main article: Architecture of South Korea

See also: Korean architecture

Traditional Korean architecture focuses on harmony with nature, using thatched roofs and heated floors called ondol. Upper-class homes had larger, elegantly curved roofs. Examples include palaces, temples, preserved old houses called hanok, and special sites like Hahoe Folk Village, Yangdong Folk Village, and Korean Folk Village. Western architecture arrived in the late 19th century, and Japanese rule brought modern styles. After the Korean War, architecture evolved with modern trends, especially after the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Entertainment

Main articles: Cinema of South Korea, Korean drama, Korean Wave, K-pop, and Mass media in South Korea

South Korea's entertainment industry has become internationally popular, exporting television dramas, films, and music. This phenomenon, known as Hallyu or the "Korean Wave," has made South Korea a major cultural exporter, rivaling Western nations. Until the 1990s, trot and traditional folk music were popular. The pop group Seo Taiji and Boys in 1992 changed the scene, leading to the rise of K-pop. K-pop has grown by mixing many global music styles with traditional Korean roots. Films like Parasite have also gained worldwide recognition.

South Korean television dramas, known as K-dramas, have become popular internationally, often focusing on romance or historical themes. The 2021 drama Squid Game received widespread attention globally.

Holidays

Main article: Public holidays in South Korea

South Korea celebrates several important holidays. The Korean New Year, or "Seollal," occurs on the first day of the Korean calendar. Korean Independence Day is on March 1, honoring the 1919 independence movement. Memorial Day on June 6 honors those who died for independence. Constitution Day on July 17 marks the adoption of the constitution, and Liberation Day on August 15 celebrates freedom from Japanese rule in 1945. The Midautumn Festival occurs on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, and other holidays include Armed Forces Day, National Foundation Day, and Hangul Day.

Cuisine

Korean cuisine has evolved through centuries of change. It features rice, noodles, tofu, vegetables, fish, and meats, with many side dishes called banchan. Kimchi, a spicy fermented vegetable dish, is a staple. Common dishes include bulgogi (grilled marinated beef), gimbap, and tteokbokki (spicy rice cake). Soups and stews like guk and jjigae are also popular. Traditional drinks include Soju, Makgeolli, and Bokbunja ju. Korea uniquely uses metal chopsticks.

Sports

Main article: Sport in South Korea

Taekwondo, a martial art, originated in Korea and became an Olympic sport in 2000. Other popular sports include football (soccer), which is the most followed, and baseball, which is second. The national football team has achieved notable successes in the World Cup. Baseball in South Korea is very popular, with a professional league established in 1982. The country has also excelled in archery, shooting, table tennis, badminton, short track speed skating, and many other sports. South Korea hosted the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul and the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Competitive video gaming, known as esports, is also growing in popularity, especially with games like League of Legends and StarCraft.