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Asia · Eastern Asia

South Korea

Republic of Korea

South Korea is a highly developed country on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. Known as the 'Miracle on the Han River', South Korea transformed from a war-torn nation to one of Asia's most dynamic economies. It is renowned for its technology industry, K-pop culture, cuisine, and ancient palaces.

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Quick Facts

Capital: Seoul
Population: 51,744,876
Area: 100,210 km²
Currency: KRW (₩)
Languages: Korean
Continent: Asia
Calling Code: +82
Driving Side: Right-hand
Internet TLD: .kr
Timezone(s): KST (UTC+9)
Highest Point: Hallasan (Jeju Island) (1,950 m)
Coastline: 2,413 km

Administrative Divisions

Seoul

Special City · Seoul

Gyeonggi-do

Province · Suwon

Busan

Metropolitan City · Busan

Incheon

Metropolitan City · Incheon

Daegu

Metropolitan City · Daegu

Jeju-do

Special Autonomous Province · Jeju City

Major Cities

Seoul

Population: 9,776,000

The dynamic capital, one of Asia's leading megacities and a global tech and culture hub

Busan

Population: 3,404,000

South Korea's second city and major port on the southeast coast

Incheon

Population: 2,960,000

Home to South Korea's main international airport

Daegu

Population: 2,427,000

Major city in southeastern Korea known for its textile industry

Jeju City

Population: 490,000

Main city on Jeju Island, a UNESCO World Heritage volcanic island

Seoul palace and urban cityscape, South Korea — Historic Gyeongbokgung Palace grounds framed against modern high-rises in Seoul.Photo by Ciaran O'Brien on Unsplash

Geography

South Korea occupies the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. Most of the country is mountainous, with the Taebaek Mountains running down the eastern side. Major rivers include the Han and Nakdong.

Climate

South Korea has a humid continental climate. Winters are cold and dry, influenced by Siberian air masses. Summers are hot and humid, with a monsoon season (jangma) from late June to July.

Famous Landmarks

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Seoul

The largest of the five grand palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul

Jeju Island

Jeju Province

Volcanic island and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for Hallasan Mountain

Bukhansan National Park

Seoul

Granite peak national park rising directly above the capital Seoul

Haeinsa Temple

South Gyeongsang

UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist temple housing the Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks

Interesting Facts

South Korea has 17 administrative divisions: 1 special city (Seoul), 6 metropolitan cities, 1 special autonomous city, 8 provinces, and 1 special autonomous province.
South Korea has the world's fastest average internet connection speeds.
Korean BBQ (gogigui) is one of the world's most popular culinary experiences.
The Korean Wave (Hallyu) has made K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cinema globally popular.
South Korea is the world's largest shipbuilder and a major producer of semiconductors.
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art and an Olympic sport since 2000.

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