South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, is a country located in East Asia. It is situated on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, bordering North Korea to the north, and the East Sea and Yellow Sea to the east and west, respectively. With a population of over 51 million people, South Korea is the 27th most populous country in the world.

The country has a highly developed and diversified economy, with major industries including electronics, automobile manufacturing, shipbuilding, and steel production. It is also a major exporter of technology, with companies such as Samsung, LG, and Hyundai among the most recognizable brands in the world.

South Korea has a rich cultural heritage, dating back thousands of years, and has made significant contributions to world culture through its traditional music, literature, art, and cuisine. The country is also known for its modern pop culture, including K-Pop music and Korean dramas, which have gained a massive following worldwide.

Politically, South Korea is a presidential representative democratic republic, with a multi-party system and a constitution that guarantees various fundamental rights to its citizens. The country is divided into 8 provinces and one special city, Seoul, which serves as the capital and largest city of the country.

South Korea is also known for its advanced technology infrastructure, with one of the world's fastest internet speeds, and has been a pioneer in the development of 5G networks. The country is also home to some of the world's most advanced research institutions and universities, including Seoul National University and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.

Telephone Code
82

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 119; Fire: 119; Police: 112

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter; cold winters

Currency (Code)
South Korean won (KRW)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): F

Major Languages
Korean, English

Major Religions
Protestant 19.7%, Buddhist 15.5%, Catholic 7.9%, none 56.9%; note: many people also practice some Confucian practices

Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Gamcheon Culture Village; Jeonju Hanok Village; Bridge of No Return; Hwaseong Fortress; Ganghwa Peace Observatory; Jindo Sea Parting; Seoraksan National Park; Seokguram Grotto & Bulguksa Temple; Jongmyo Shrine; Boryeong Mud Festival

Major Sports
Taekwondo, soccer, baseball

Cultural Practices
It is regarded as rude to point with your fingers. Better to gesture with your arm or hand. Casual physical contact, such as back slapping, is considered rude.

Tipping Guidelines
South Korea has a no-tip culture. Staff in restaurants and hotels, as well as taxi drivers, porters, and bellhops do not expect tips. Telling the taxi driver "keep the change" is appreciated. Most hotels add a compulsory 10% service charge to the bill.

Souvenirs
Hanbok fashion and dolls, decorated masks, leather goods, jewelry, lacquerware/woodcarvings, cosmetics, seaweeds and teas, Soju stationary, electronics

Traditional Cuisine
Kimchi — various vegetables (cabbage, radish, or scallion are commonly used) seasoned using ginger, brine, garlic, etc., and put through a fermentation or pickling process; Bulgogi – thinly sliced, prime cuts of meat marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, onions, ginger, sugar, and wine and then grilled

Geography
Area
total: 99,720 sq km
land: 96,920 sq km
water: 2,800 sq km

Climate
temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter; cold winters

Natural resources
coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydropower potential

People and Society
Population
51,966,948 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
homogeneous

Languages
Korean, English (widely taught in elementary, junior high, and high school)

Religions
Protestant 19.7%, Buddhist 15.5%, Catholic 7.9%, none 56.9% (2015 est.)

Population growth rate
0.23% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
presidential republic

Capital
name: Seoul; note - Sejong, located some 120 km (75 mi) south of Seoul, serves as an administrative capital for segments of the South Korean Government

Economy
Economic overview
strong export-driven East Asian economy; sustainable and social policy leader; foreign aid financier; automotive manufacturing; app-based developer and exporter; global healthcare technology leader; aging workforce; largest semiconductor producer

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$2.289 trillion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$44,200 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
rice, vegetables, cabbages, milk, onions, pork, poultry, eggs, tangerines/mandarins, potatoes

Industries
electronics, telecommunications, automobile production, chemicals, shipbuilding, steel

Exports
$771.202 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
China 25%, United States 14%, Vietnam 9%, Hong Kong 6%, Japan 5% (2020)

Exports - commodities
integrated circuits, cars and vehicle parts, refined petroleum, ships, office machinery (2020)

Imports
$698.103 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
China 25%, United States 12%, Japan 10%, Germany 4%, Vietnam 4% (2020)

Imports - commodities
crude oil, integrated circuits, natural gas, refined petroleum, cars (2020)