Quick facts for kids
Republic of Korea
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 Emblem
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Motto:
"홍익인간" ("弘益人間") "Benefit broadly in the human world / Devotion to the Welfare of Humanity" |
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National seal
국가 인감  |
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.svg)
Land controlled by the Republic of Korea shown in dark green; claimed but uncontrolled land shown in light green
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| Capital and largest city
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Seoul Script error: The function "coordinsert" does not exist. |
| Official languages | Korean (Pyojun-eo) Korean Sign Language |
| Official script | Korean |
| Ethnic groups | Predominantly Korean. No official statistics |
| Religion |
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| Demonym(s) |
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| Government | Unitary presidential constitutional republic |
| Moon Jae-in | |
| Chung Sye-kyun | |
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• Speaker of the National Assembly
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Moon Hee-sang |
| Legislature | National Assembly |
| Establishment history | |
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• First
Kingdom |
October 3, 2333 BC |
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• Wiman
Joseon |
194 BC |
| 18 BC | |
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• North-South Kingdoms
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698 |
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• Unification by Goryeo dynasty
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936 |
| July 17, 1392 | |
| October 12, 1897 | |
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• Japan-Korea Treaty
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August 29, 1910 |
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• March 1st Movement
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March 1, 1919 |
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• Provisional Government
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September 11, 1919 |
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• Liberation from Japan
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August 15, 1945 |
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• U.S. administration of Korea south of the 38th parallel
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September 8, 1945 |
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• ROK
established |
August 15, 1948 |
| February 25, 1988 | |
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• Admitted to the United Nations
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September 17, 1991 |
| Area | |
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• Total
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100,363 km2 (38,750 sq mi) (107th) |
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• Water (%)
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0.3 (301 km2 / 116 mi2) |
| Population | |
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• 2019 estimate
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 51,709,098 (28th) |
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• Density
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507/km2 (1,313.1/sq mi) (23rd) |
| GDP (PPP) | 2019 estimate |
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• Total
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$2.320 trillion (14th) |
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• Per capita
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$44,740 (29th) |
| GDP (nominal) | 2019 estimate |
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• Total
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$1.720 trillion (11th) |
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• Per capita
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$31,430 (27th) |
| Gini (2016) | ▼ 35.7 medium · 93rd |
| HDI (2018) | 0.906 very high · 22nd |
| Currency | Korean Republic won (₩) (KRW) |
| Time zone | UTC+9 (Korea Standard Time) |
| Date format |
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| Mains electricity | 220 V–60 Hz |
| Driving side | right |
| Calling code | +82 |
| ISO 3166 code | KR |
| Internet TLD | |
South Korea is a country in the southern part of the Korean peninsula, in the north east region of Asia. The capital city is Seoul. The official name of South Korea is the Republic of Korea in English, 대한민국 (Daehanminguk) in Korean writing (Hangeul), and 大韓民國 in Chinese characters (Hanja). About half of the country's people live in its capital city, Seoul, or near the city in the metropolitan area. Korea's Seoul metropolitan area is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. In fact, some sources say it is the second most populous after Tokyo, Japan.
Contents
History
South Korea's history began with Dangunwanggeom's Gojoseon. Gojoseon was conquered by Han China. After Gojoseon collapsed, there were a lot of countries such as Buyeo, Okjeo, Dongyae and Samhan. But Baekje, Goguryeo and Silla were the strongest. So their period began, and it is called the Three Kingdoms Period. Goguryeo and Baekje were conquered by Silla and Dang China's allied forces, and Silla unified the three kingdoms. There was another country, Balhae. Balhae was founded by Dae Jo-Young. Later Silla and Balhae's period is called South and North Countries Period. A rebellion in Later Silla caused the birth of a new nation: Goryeo, which was founded by Wanggeon. Mongolia's invaded Goryeo. Near the end of the Goryeo period, there was a great general Lee Seong-Gye. The king of Goryeo directed him to occupy Yodong, but he opposed. However, Lee Seong-Gye went to Yodong to occupy it, but he returned to Goryeo and he revolted. His revolt succeeded, and he founded the country Joseon. Joseon's first king, Taejo, moved the capital to Hanyang (Seoul). Joseon's fourth king, Sejong, made the Korean alphabet, Hangeul. Joseon's twenty-second king, Jeongjo, built Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon. Joseon's twenty-sixth king, Gojong, changed the country's name to Daehanjeguk. When Daehanjaeguk's power weakened, Japan occupied it for 35 years until Japan's defeat in World War II in 1945. In 1950, there was a big war, the Korean War. As a result, Korea was divided into two countries, North and South.
Geography, climate and environment
Geography
South Korea occupies the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula, which extends some 1,100 km (680 mi) from the Asian mainland. This mountainous peninsula is flanked by the Yellow Sea to the west, and the Sea of Japan to the east. Its southern tip lies on the Korea Strait and the East China Sea.
The country, including all its islands, lies between latitudes 33° and 39°N, and longitudes 124° and 130°E. Its total area is 100,032 square kilometers (38,622.57 sq mi).
South Korea can be divided into four general regions: an eastern region of high mountain ranges and narrow coastal plains; a western region of broad coastal plains, river basins, and rolling hills; a southwestern region of mountains and valleys; and a southeastern region dominated by the broad basin of the Nakdong River.
South Korea's terrain is mostly mountainous, most of which is not arable. Lowlands, located primarily in the west and southeast, make up only 30% of the total land area.
About three thousand islands, mostly small and uninhabited, lie off the western and southern coasts of South Korea. Jeju-do is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) off the southern coast of South Korea. It is the country's largest island, with an area of 1,845 square kilometers (712 square miles). Jeju is also the site of South Korea's highest point: Hallasan, an extinct volcano, reaches 1,950 meters (6,400 feet) above sea level. The easternmost islands of South Korea include Ulleungdo and Liancourt Rocks (Dokdo/Takeshima), while Marado and Socotra Rock are the southernmost islands of South Korea.
South Korea has 20 national parks and popular nature places like the Boseong Tea Fields, Suncheon Bay Ecological Park, and the first national park of Jirisan.
Transportation, energy and infrastructure
South Korea has a technologically advanced transport network consisting of high-speed railways, highways, bus routes, ferry services, and air routes that crisscross the country. Korea Expressway Corporation operates the toll highways and service amenities en route.
Korail provides frequent train services to all major South Korean cities. Two rail lines, Gyeongui and Donghae Bukbu Line, to North Korea are now being reconnected. The Korean high-speed rail system, KTX, provides high-speed service along Gyeongbu and Honam Line. Major cities including Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon and Gwangju have urban rapid transit systems. Express bus terminals are available in most cities.
South Korea's main gateway and largest airport is Incheon International Airport, serving 58 million passengers in 2016. Other international airports include Gimpo, Busan and Jeju. There are also many airports that were built as part of the infrastructure boom but are barely used. There are also many heliports.
The national carrier, Korean Air served over 26,800,000 passengers, including almost 19,000,000 international passengers in 2016. A second carrier, Asiana Airlines also serves domestic and international traffic. Combined, South Korean airlines serve 297 international routes. Smaller airlines, such as Jeju Air, provide domestic service with lower fares.
South Korea is the world's fifth-largest nuclear power producer and the second-largest in Asia as of 2010[update]. Nuclear power in South Korea supplies 45% of electricity production, and research is very active with investigation into a variety of advanced reactors, including a small modular reactor, a liquid-metal fast/transmutation reactor and a high-temperature hydrogen generation design. Fuel production and waste handling technologies have also been developed locally. It is also a member of the ITER project.
South Korea is an emerging exporter of nuclear reactors, having concluded agreements with the UAE to build and maintain four advanced nuclear reactors, with Jordan for a research nuclear reactor, and with Argentina for construction and repair of heavy-water nuclear reactors. As of 2010[update], South Korea and Turkey are in negotiations regarding construction of two nuclear reactors. South Korea is also preparing to bid on construction of a light-water nuclear reactor for Argentina.
South Korea is not allowed to enrich uranium or develop traditional uranium enrichment technology on its own, because of US political pressure, unlike most major nuclear powers such as Japan, Germany, and France, competitors of South Korea in the international nuclear market. This impediment to South Korea's indigenous nuclear industrial undertaking has sparked occasional diplomatic rows between the two allies. While South Korea is successful in exporting its electricity-generating nuclear technology and nuclear reactors, it cannot capitalize on the market for nuclear enrichment facilities and refineries, preventing it from further expanding its export niche. South Korea has sought unique technologies such as pyroprocessing to circumvent these obstacles and seek a more advantageous competition. The US has recently been wary of South Korea's burgeoning nuclear program, which South Korea insists will be for civilian use only.
South Korea is the third highest ranked Asian country in the World Economic Forum's Network Readiness Index (NRI) after Singapore and Hong Kong respectively – an indicator for determining the development level of a country's information and communication technologies. South Korea ranked number 10 overall in the 2014 NRI ranking, up from 11 in 2013.
Science and technology
South Korea is a very rich country and is known for a lot of technology. This includes the car-maker Hyundai. The well-known global brand Samsung, which makes mobile phones, semi-conductors and electric devices, is also South Korean.
Culture
South Korea has been affected by both continental culture and marine culture because it is located on a peninsula. Ancient South Korean culture has developed with the culture of Siberia, the northern part of Central Asia, the southern part of Southeast Asia and neighboring countries like China.
Language
South Korea's customary and official language is Korean. Many linguists says that it is linked with Altaic languages. Hangul, the alphabet which is used to write Korean, was published by King Sejong the Great of Joseon in 1446. It is the only alphabet in the word whose creator, invention day and invention principle is known.
Food
Korean cuisine, hanguk yori (한국요리; 韓國料理), or hansik (한식; 韓食), has evolved through centuries of social and political change. Ingredients and dishes vary by province. There are many significant regional dishes that have proliferated in different variations across the country in the present day. The Korean royal court cuisine once brought all of the unique regional specialties together for the royal family. Meals consumed both by the royal family and ordinary Korean citizens have been regulated by a unique culture of etiquette.
Korean cuisine is largely based on rice, noodles, tofu, vegetables, fish and meats. Traditional Korean meals are noted for the number of side dishes, banchan (반찬), which accompany steam-cooked short-grain rice. Every meal is accompanied by numerous banchan. Kimchi (김치), a fermented, usually spicy vegetable dish is commonly served at every meal and is one of the best known Korean dishes. Korean cuisine usually involves heavy seasoning with sesame oil, doenjang (된장), a type of fermented soybean paste, soy sauce, salt, garlic, ginger, and gochujang (고추장), a hot pepper paste. Other well-known dishes are Bulgogi (불고기), grilled marinated beef, Gimbap (김밥), and Tteokbokki (떡볶이), a spicy snack consisting of rice cake seasoned with gochujang or a spicy chili paste.
Soups are also a common part of a Korean meal and are served as part of the main course rather than at the beginning or the end of the meal. Soups known as guk (국) are often made with meats, shellfish and vegetables. Similar to guk, tang (탕; 湯) has less water, and is more often served in restaurants. Another type is jjigae (찌개), a stew that is typically heavily seasoned with chili pepper and served boiling hot.
Popular Korean alcoholic beverages include Soju, Makgeolli and Bokbunja ju.
Korea is unique among East Asian countries in its use of metal chopsticks. Metal chopsticks have been discovered in Goguryeo archaeological sites.
Religion
In South Korea, 19.7% of people are Protestant, 6.6% are Catholic, 23.2% are Buddhist, 49.3% have no religion, and 1.3% either are a part of other religions or have beliefs that are unknown.
Music
The most representative traditional music of Korea is Arirang and every region has its own folk song. Many South Korean singers are well known in world as K-pop is steadily developing. There are lots of K-pop singers like Boa, TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation, Shinee, Beast, etc.
Images for kids
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The name Korea is derived from Goguryeo, also known as Koryŏ, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea
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7th century Tang dynasty painting of envoys from the Three Kingdoms of Korea: Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla
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Seokguram Grotto from the Silla era, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Balhae and Silla, 830 CE
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The Tripitaka Koreana — the Buddhist canon (Tripiṭaka) carved onto roughly 80,000 woodblocks and stored (and still remaining) at Haeinsa, a World Heritage Site
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Changdeok Palace, one of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty and a World Heritage Site
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War Memorial of Korea, built in memory and remembrance of the Korean War (1950–1953)
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Between 1962 and 1994, the South Korean economy grew at an average of 10% annually, fueled by annual export growth of 20%, in a period called the Miracle on the Han River
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President Park Chung-hee played a pivotal in rapidly developing the South Korean economy through export-oriented industrialization
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President Kim Dae-jung, the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize recipient for advancing democracy and human rights in South Korea and East Asia and for reconciliation with North Korea, was sometimes called the "Nelson Mandela of Asia"
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Korea was the first chair of the G-20 during the 2010 Seoul summit
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Jeju Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of Nature
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Cheonggyecheon river is a modern public recreation space in downtown Seoul, South Korea
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The front of the science library, Daejeon campus of KAIST depicting the statue of Jang Young Sil, a Korean scientist.
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The former Secretary-General of the United Nations (2007–2016), Ban Ki-moon
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Liancourt Rocks has become an issue known as the Liancourt Rocks dispute
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President Park Geun-hye at a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama on May 7, 2013
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ROKN Sejong the Great, a King Sejong the Great -class guided-missile destroyer built by Hyundai Heavy Industries
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The South Korean-developed K2 Black Panther built by Hyundai Rotem
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ROKAF FA-50, a supersonic combat aircraft developed by Korea Aerospace Industries
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Graphical depiction of Korea's product exports in 28 color-coded categories
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A replica of the Naro-1
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Albert HUBO, developed by KAIST, can make expressive gestures with its five separate fingers
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A musician playing a gayageum
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Blue and white porcelain peach-shaped water dropper from Joseon Dynasty in 18th century
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Namdaemun
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Rain, one of the most popular music artists in South Korea, found international fame by reaching a global audience through his music and films.
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Hapkido fight
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Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan
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