South Korea

Seal of South Korea

File:National anthem of South Korea, performed by the United States Navy Band.wav

History of Korea-476

창덕궁 전경 (2014) (cropped)

Janganmun 2017

War Memorial of Korea main building

South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country located in East Asia, on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. It is bordered by North Korea to the north, the Sea of Japan (also known as the East Sea) to the east, the Yellow Sea to the west, and the Korea Strait to the south. South Korea has a population of approximately 51 million people, making it the 27th most populous country in the world. Its capital and largest city is Seoul, which is among the largest metropolitan economies globally.

History

The history of South Korea begins with its establishment on August 15, 1948, following the division of Korea at the end of World War II. The division resulted in two separate governments: the Republic of Korea in the south, supported by the United States and its allies, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) in the north, backed by the Soviet Union and later China. The Korean War (1950-1953) was a significant early conflict, ending in an armistice that created the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two nations, without a formal peace treaty.

Economy

South Korea has a mixed economy, which ranks as the 10th largest in the world by nominal GDP and 13th by purchasing power parity (PPP). It is a member of the OECD and the G20. The country has seen rapid economic growth since the Korean War, known as the "Miracle on the Han River." This economic development has been driven by exports, particularly in industries such as electronics, automobiles, ships, machinery, petrochemicals, and robotics.

Culture

South Korean culture is a blend of traditional Korean culture and Western influences. The country is well-known for its music (K-pop), movies (Korean cinema), and television dramas (K-dramas), which have gained international popularity. Traditional arts such as calligraphy, music, and dance remain important, and the country celebrates various festivals based on the Lunar calendar.

Politics

South Korea is a democratic republic with a presidential system. The president is the head of state and government, elected by direct popular vote. The country's political landscape has been shaped by its history of military dictatorships, democratic movements, and the ongoing tensions with North Korea. South Korea maintains a strong alliance with the United States, and its military is primarily focused on the potential threat from the North.

Geography

The geography of South Korea is characterized by mountainous terrain, with the Taebaek Mountains stretching along the eastern coast. The country has a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons. South Korea is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes. The country's environmental policies focus on sustainable development and conservation.

Education

South Korea places a high value on education, with a strong emphasis on competitive entrance exams. The country is known for its rigorous education system, which has contributed to high literacy rates and significant achievements in various academic fields. Higher education institutions, such as Seoul National University, are highly regarded internationally.

Technology and Innovation

South Korea is a global leader in technology and innovation, home to multinational conglomerates like Samsung and LG. The country has one of the world's highest rates of internet penetration and is a pioneer in the development of mobile technology, broadband, and electronic goods.

Sports

Sports are an important part of South Korean culture, with football (soccer) and baseball being the most popular. South Korea has hosted numerous international sporting events, including the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul and the 2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted with Japan. The country also has a strong tradition in martial arts, with taekwondo being a national sport.