Introduction
South Korea, with its unique blend of rich culture, diverse landscapes, and futuristic architecture, offers travelers an exciting and unforgettable experience. The country boasts colorful and vibrant cities like Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island, filled with historic landmarks, bustling markets, and delicious street food. Beyond the urban areas, South Korea’s natural beauty is mesmerizing, from serene beaches to majestic mountains and forests.
The country is also known for its technological advancements, making it a hub for innovation and creativity. South Korea is home to some of the world’s most cutting-edge technology companies, such as Samsung and LG. Visitors can witness this progress firsthand by exploring the country’s high-tech buildings and facilities.
While South Korea shares its border with North Korea to the north, the country remains peaceful and safe for tourists. The peninsula’s location also makes it a perfect gateway to explore the neighboring countries of China to the west, Japan to the east, and Russia to the north.
In summary, South Korea is a must-visit destination for tourists seeking a unique blend of culture, nature, and innovation.
Jump to Introduction, Geography, Climate, People & Society, Economy, Insight, Google Maps, Facts, and Did You Know about South Korea. Or visit the driving directions page for routing instructions.
Geography
Its mountainous terrain, and lush forests characterize South Korea’s geography. Over 80% of the country is covered by mountains, providing stunning panoramic views and hiking, skiing, and rock climbing opportunities. Two-thirds of the country is also forested, with a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees that offer visitors an immersive natural experience.
However, despite the mountainous landscape, some parts of the country are relatively flat and suitable for urban development and agriculture. The flattest and most populous parts lie along the west coast and the extreme South. Seoul, the capital city, is located on the northwest side of the country and is surrounded by a vast metropolitan area home to over 25 million people.
In addition to the coastal regions, South Korea has several large islands, including Jeju Island, known for its beautiful beaches, volcanic landscapes, and UNESCO-listed natural wonders. South Korea’s geography provides diverse natural landscapes that offer visitors a unique experience in rural and urban areas.
Climate
South Korea experiences four distinct seasons, each with its unique climate and characteristics. Winters in South Korea are generally dry and bitterly cold, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. Visitors to the country during this time can enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding at the many mountain resorts.
Summers in South Korea are hot and humid, with temperatures averaging between 25-30 degrees Celsius. The higher humidity can make the weather feel even hotter, especially in the cities. It is common for summer showers and thunderstorms, and typhoons can also affect the country from July to September.
Spring and fall are the most pleasant times to visit South Korea, with mild temperatures, little rainfall, and colorful seasonal blooms. Visitors can enjoy the cherry blossom season when the country’s trees are adorned with delicate pink flowers in spring. In autumn, the leaves of South Korea’s deciduous trees turn golden yellow, orange, and red, creating a spectacular foliage landscape.
Overall, the distinct seasons in South Korea allow visitors to experience the country’s diverse climate and natural beauty throughout the year, offering different activities and attractions depending on the season.
People & Society
South Korea is a very homogeneous society inhabited for the last 2000 years by a single ethnic group. The Korean people have a long and complex history, and their unique culture has evolved over the centuries through various influences from neighboring countries.
In terms of family structure, traditional extended households are giving way to nuclear families in South Korea. While the extended family once played a significant role in Korean society, modernization and urbanization have led to smaller household sizes and a greater emphasis on individualism and independence.
Since the 1953 armistice, the two Koreas have remained technically at war, with the tension between the two sides fluctuating between harsh rhetoric or belligerence and conciliation. Despite this ongoing conflict, there have been efforts to promote cultural exchange and reunification between North and South Korea. Cross-border family reunions have been allowed occasionally, enabling separated families to meet and reconnect after many years of separation.
Reunification remains the ultimate goal for both North and South Korea, although the path toward it is uncertain and often challenging. Nevertheless, both sides continue to make strides toward peaceful coexistence and the eventual unification of the Korean peninsula.
The Economy
Worlds biggest shipbuilder. High-tech goods and cars: rising demand from China. Strong regional competition. Aging population.
Insight
South Korea’s four surnames, Kim, Lee, Park, and Choi, are incredibly common. In fact, around half of all Koreans have one of these four surnames.
The origins of these surnames go back many centuries, and each has a rich history and cultural significance within Korean society. For example, the surname Kim is said to have originated from a prominent royal family in ancient Korea, while the surname Lee is often associated with scholars and intellectuals.
Despite their widespread use, however, there is a growing trend toward using unique and less common surnames in South Korea. The government has promoted greater diversity in names, with new laws allowing parents to choose from a wider range of surnames for their children.
Nevertheless, surnames like Kim, Lee, Park, and Choi remain essential to Korean culture, reflecting the country’s long and storied history.
Google Maps
Facts
Name: South Korea (Republic of Korea), local name: Taehan-Minguk,
Languages: Korean, English (widely taught in elementary, junior high, and high school)
ISO code: kr, internet: .kr
Capital city: Seoul, GPS: 37 33 N, 126 59 E
Time: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) (no daylight saving time)
Population: 51,966,948 (2023 estimate) (Korean / Korean(s))
Urban population: 40.8% (2021) – 9.968 million, Seoul (capital city), 3.466 million, Busan, 2.818 million, Incheon, 2.191 million, Daegu (Taegu), 1.569 million, Daejon (Taejon), 1.524 million, Gwangju (Kwangju) (2021)
Location: Eastern Asia, the southern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea. South Korea is an Asian country. You may find 22 other countries on this continent.
Coordinates: 37 00 N, 127 30 E
Bordering countries: (1 nation): North Korea 237 km
Land area: 96,920 sq km
Water area: 2,800 sq km
Total area: 99,720 sq km – Slightly smaller than Pennsylvania; slightly larger than Indiana.
Terrain: Mostly hills and mountains, wide coastal plains in the west and South
Highest point: Halla-san 1,950 m
Lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m
Natural hazards: Occasional typhoons bring high winds and floods; low-level seismic activity common in southwest
National holiday(s): Liberation Day, 15 August (1945)
Did you know about South Korea?
- South Korea has the fastest internet speed in the world.
- South Korea is the world’s largest plastic surgery market, with double eyelid surgery being the most popular procedure.
- South Korea has a unique age system where a newborn is considered one year old at birth and gains an additional year on the first day of the lunar new year.
- South Korea is home to the world’s largest indoor water park, the Caribbean Bay in Gyeonggi-do, which covers over 240,000 square meters.
- South Korea is famous for its love of karaoke, or “noraebang”. There are over 100,000 noraebang rooms across the country where people can sing their hearts out with friends.
You may also be interested in North Korea.
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