South Korea

East Asia

South Korea is a country in East Asia, home to 51.7 million people, with an area of 100,210 km². Its capital is Seoul.

Capital: Seoul
Population: 51.7 million
Area: 100,210 km²
Region: East Asia
Density: 516 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

South Korea · East Asia · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What South Korea is known for

South Korea is best known for Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jeju Island and Bukchon Hanok Village.

South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia. It is located on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, and shares its northern border with North Korea. South Korea is known for its rich culture, technological advancements, and stunning natural scenery.

South Korea at a glance

Language: Korean is the official language, with English widely spoken in major cities
Currency: South Korean won (KRW)
Religion: No official state religion, with the majority of the population following a combination of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, and a growing number of people identifying as Christian
National dish: Kimchi (a spicy, fermented vegetable dish)
Climate: South Korea has a humid subtropical climate in the southern and western parts, while the northeastern part has a humid continental climate with colder winters
Main industries: Electronics, automobile production, shipbuilding, and steel production are major industries in South Korea. It also has a thriving entertainment industry, known as K-Pop and K-Drama
GDP: $1.6 trillion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: South Korea is considered a developed country with a high-income economy and a human development index (HDI) ranking of 22 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in South Korea

Here are some popular tourist attractions in South Korea:

Gyeongbokgung Palace a royal palace located in Seoul that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty.
Jeju Island a volcanic island known for its natural beauty, including beaches, waterfalls, and lava tubes.
Bukchon Hanok Village a traditional village in Seoul with well-preserved hanok (traditional Korean houses).
Lotte World Tower a skyscraper in Seoul that is currently the fifth-tallest building in the world.
Haeundae Beach a popular beach destination located in Busan.
Namsan Seoul Tower a communication and observation tower located in central Seoul, offering panoramic views of the city.
Changdeokgung Palace another royal palace located in Seoul, famous for its beautiful gardens.
Namsan Park a large park located in central Seoul with hiking trails, gardens, and a famous tower.
Yongin Everland a popular amusement park located in Yongin, just outside of Seoul.
DMZ the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, where visitors can learn about the history and current tensions between the two countries.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that South Korea has to offer. The country also has a rich food culture, with a variety of dishes and street foods to try.

South Korea in pictures

South Korea on video

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South Korea compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of East Asia.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Japan	123.7 million	377,975 km²	Tokyo
South Korea	51.7 million	100,210 km²	Seoul
North Korea	26.5 million	120,540 km²	Pyongyang
Mongolia	3.5 million	1,564,110 km²	Ulaanbaatar