Korea Strait facts for kids
The Korea Strait is a narrow stretch of ocean located between the countries of Japan and South Korea. It's also sometimes called the Tsushima Strait. This important waterway connects the East China Sea with the Sea of Japan, which are both parts of the huge Pacific Ocean.
People use the name "Korea Strait" in two ways. It can mean the sea right between Korea and Tsushima Island. Or, it can mean the wider area of ocean between Korea and the Japanese island of Kyūshū. Tsushima Island itself sits right in the middle, dividing the strait into two main parts: the western channel and the eastern channel.
Where is the Korea Strait?
The northern edge of the Korea Strait is the southern coast of the Korean peninsula. The southern edge can be either the western coast of Tsushima Island, or the western coasts of the Japanese islands of Kyūshū and Honshū.
Size and Depth
The strait is about 200 kilometers (124 miles) wide. Its average depth is around 90 to 100 meters (300 feet).
The western part of the strait is deeper than the eastern part. It can be as deep as 227 meters (745 feet). This western channel is also narrower than the eastern channel.
Ocean Currents
A warm ocean current flows through the strait. It is called the Tsushima-kairyū. This current moves from the south towards the north.
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