South Korea
South Korea: A Land of Culture and Innovation
South Korea is a country in East Asia that occupies the southern part of the Korean Peninsula.
It has a rich and diverse culture that dates back to ancient times, as well as a modern and dynamic economy that is one of the world’s leaders in technology and innovation.
In this article, we will explore some of the most interesting aspects of South Korea such as its Population of South Korea also History of South Korea also Capital of South Korea also Flag of South Korea
also Continent of South Korea also Economy of South Korea also Currency of South Korea also Code of South Korea and more!
Tourist Places of South Korea
South Korea has many attractions for travelers who want to experience its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and urban lifestyle.
Some of the popular tourist places are:
Seoul:
The capital and largest city of South Korea Seoul is a metropolis that combines tradition and modernity.
It has many historical landmarks, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, War Memorial of Korea, and Deoksugung Palace, as well as contemporary attractions, such as Lotte World Tower, N Seoul Tower, and Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Seoul is also known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and cuisine.
Busan:
The second largest city and seaport in South Korea Busan is a coastal city that offers scenic views of the sea and mountains.
It is famous for its beaches, such as Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach, its hot springs, such as Hurshimchung Spa and Dongnae Oncheon, and its natural reserves, such as Taejongdae Park and Beomeosa Temple.
Busan also hosts the annual Busan International Film Festival, one of the largest film festivals in Asia.
Jeju Island:
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The largest island and a special self-governing province of South Korea Jeju Island is a popular destination for honeymooners and nature lovers.
It has a mild climate and a volcanic landscape that features craters, caves, waterfalls, and forests.
Some of the must-see attractions are Hallasan National Park, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, Manjanggul Cave, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, and Jeju Loveland.
Gyeongju:
The former capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 BCE - 935 CE), Gyeongju is a city that preserves the cultural legacy of one of the longest-lasting dynasties in Korean history.
It has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Gyeongju Historic Areas, and Yangdong Folk Village.
Gyeongju is also famous for its cherry blossom festival in spring.
History of South Korea
South Korea’s history can be traced back to the Paleolithic era, when the first human settlements appeared on the Korean Peninsula.
The first recorded kingdom was Gojoseon (2333 BCE - 108 BCE), which was followed by the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE - 668 CE), when the peninsula was divided into Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla.
Silla eventually unified the peninsula with the help of Tang China, while Balhae emerged in the north.
The unified Silla Kingdom (668 - 935) was succeeded by the Goryeo Dynasty (918 - 1392), which adopted Buddhism as the state religion and created the world’s first metal movable type printing system.
The Goryeo Dynasty was overthrown by the Joseon Dynasty (1392 - 1897), which established Confucianism as the dominant ideology and produced many cultural achievements, such as the Hangul alphabet, the Tripitaka Koreana, and the Jikji.
The Joseon Dynasty faced many challenges from foreign invasions, such as the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592 - 1598) and the Manchu invasions of Korea (1627 - 1637).
It also suffered from internal strife, such as the Donghak Peasant Revolution (1894) and the Gabo Reform (1894 - 1896).
In 1897, Joseon was renamed as the Korean Empire (1897 - 1910), which attempted to modernize and resist foreign influence.
However, in 1910, Korea was annexed by Japan after the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1910.
Japan ruled Korea until 1945, when it surrendered at the end of World War II.
Korea was then divided into two zones:
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a northern zone occupied by the Soviet Union and a southern zone occupied by the United States.
In 1948, two separate governments were established:
the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the north and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in the south.
The division of Korea led to the outbreak of the Korean War (1950 - 1953), which ended with an armistice agreement that created the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) along the 38th parallel.
The two Koreas remained in a state of war until 2018, when they signed the Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification of the Korean Peninsula.
Since the end of the Korean War, South Korea has undergone rapid economic and social development, transforming from one of the poorest countries in the world to one of the most advanced and prosperous.
It has also democratized its political system, overcoming several periods of authoritarian rule and military coups.
South Korea is now a member of the United Nations, the G20, the OECD, and other international organizations.
Facts and Features of South Korea
South Korea is a country that has many facts and features that make it unique and interesting.
Here are some of them:
Population of South Korea
South Korea has a population of about 51.96 million people as of 2023, making it the 28th most populous country in the world.
The majority of the population is ethnically Korean, while about 4.9% are foreigners or naturalized citizens.
The official language is Korean, which is written in Hangul script.
The official sign language is Korean Sign Language.
Flag of South Korea
The national flag of South Korea is called Taegukgi, which means “supreme ultimate flag”.
It consists of a white background with a red and blue yin-yang symbol in the center, surrounded by four black trigrams that represent the four cardinal directions, seasons, elements, and virtues.
The flag symbolizes the harmony and balance of the universe and the Korean people.
Capital of South Korea
The capital and largest city of South Korea is Seoul, which has a population of about 9.9 million people as of 2020.
Seoul is located in the northwest of the country, along the Han River.
It is a global city that is ranked as one of the most livable, innovative, and influential cities in the world.
It is also a cultural hub that hosts many festivals, events, and attractions.
Continent of South Korea
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South Korea belongs to the continent of Asia, which is the largest and most populous continent in the world.
Asia covers about 30% of the Earth’s land area and 60% of its population.
Asia is divided into six regions:
Central Asia, East Asia, North Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia.
South Korea is part of East Asia, along with China, Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Economy of South Korea
South Korea has a mixed economy that is based on free market principles and state intervention.
It is one of the world’s largest economies, with a nominal GDP of $1.709 trillion and a PPP GDP of $2.924 trillion as of 2023.
It is also one of the world’s most innovative and competitive economies, ranking first in the Bloomberg Innovation Index and sixth in the Global Competitiveness Index as of 2021.
Some of its major industries are electronics, automobiles, shipbuilding, steel, petrochemicals, and biotechnology.
Currency of South Korea
The official currency of South Korea is the won (₩), which is subdivided into 100 jeon.
The won was introduced in 1902 as a replacement for the yang, which was used during the Korean Empire.
The won was pegged to various currencies over time, such as the Japanese yen, the US dollar, and the IMF special drawing rights.
Since 1997, the won has been allowed to float freely against other currencies.
Code of South Korea
The country code for South Korea is KR or KOR, which is derived from its official name Republic of Korea.
The internet domain for South Korea is .kr or .한국 (in Hangul).
The telephone code for South Korea is +82 or 0082.
Pronunciation of South Korea
The pronunciation of South Korea in Korean is 남한 (Namhan) or 대한민국 (Daehanminguk).
Namhan means “south Han”, referring to the Han River that flows through Seoul.
Daehanminguk means “great Han nation”, referring to the ancient name for Korea.
The pronunciation of South Korea in English is /saʊθ kɔːriə/ or /saʊθ kɔːrɪə/.
Abbreviation of South Korea
The abbreviation for South Korea is ROK or SK. ROK stands for Republic of Korea, while SK stands for South Korea.
Culture of South Korea
South Korea has a rich and diverse culture that reflects its long history and dynamic modernity.
Some aspects of its culture are:
Religion of South Korea
about 28% are Christians (mostly Protestants) and about 16% are Buddhists.
Other religions include Confucianism, Shamanism, Cheondoism, Daoism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, Baháʼí Faith, and others.
Landmarks of South Korea
some of the landmarks in South Korea.
Here are some examples:
Gyeongbokgung Palace:
This is the largest and most famous of the five palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty in Seoul.
It was constructed in 1395 and served as the main royal residence until it was burned down by the Japanese invaders in 1592.
It was later restored and renovated several times, and now it showcases the beauty and elegance of traditional Korean architecture and design.
You can watch the changing ceremony of the royal guards, visit the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum, and admire the scenic views of the palace grounds and the surrounding mountains.
N Seoul Tower:
This is a 236-meter-high communication and observation tower that stands on top of Namsan Mountain in central Seoul.
It was built in 1971 and opened to the public in 1980.
It offers panoramic views of the city skyline, especially at night when it is illuminated with colorful lights.
You can also enjoy various attractions, such as the digital observatory, the revolving restaurant, the teddy bear museum, and the love locks fence.
Jeonju Hanok Village:
This is a cultural village that preserves and showcases the traditional Korean houses called hanok.
It is located in Jeonju, the capital of North Jeolla Province and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
It has over 800 hanok buildings that date back to the Joseon Dynasty, some of which are used as guesthouses, restaurants, cafes, museums, and workshops.
You can experience the authentic Korean lifestyle, culture, and cuisine here.
Some other landmarks that you might want to check out are:
Changdeokgung Palace:
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This is another palace of the Joseon Dynasty that is renowned for its harmonious integration with nature.
It was built in 1405 and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
It has a secret garden called Huwon that covers 78 acres of land and features ponds, pavilions, bridges, and trees .
DMZ:
This is the demilitarized zone that separates North Korea and South Korea along the 38th parallel.
It is a 4-kilometer-wide strip of land that is heavily fortified with fences, mines, watchtowers, and soldiers.
It is also a place of historical significance and political tension, as well as a wildlife sanctuary.
You can visit various sites within or near the DMZ, such as the Third Tunnel, Imjingak Park, Dorasan Station, Panmunjom, and Dora Observatory .
Mudeungsan National Park:
This is a natural park that encompasses Mudeungsan Mountain and its surrounding areas in Gwangju City and Jeollanam-do Province.
It covers 75 square kilometers of land and has various hiking trails, rock formations, temples, waterfalls, and forests.
It is also home to many rare plants and animals, such as the Korean fir tree, the Asiatic black bear, and the golden eagle .
Cities of South Korea
some of the cities in South Korea.
South Korea has many cities that have different characteristics and attractions.
Here are some brief introductions to four of them:
Seoul:
Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea with a population of about 9.9 million people.
It is a metropolis that combines tradition and modernity, with historical landmarks, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, and contemporary attractions, such as Lotte World Tower.
Seoul is also known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and cuisine.
Busan:
Busan is the second largest city and seaport in South Korea with a population of about 3.5 million people.
It is a coastal city that offers scenic views of the sea and mountains.
It is famous for its beaches, such as Haeundae Beach, its hot springs, such as Hurshimchung Spa, and its natural reserves, such as Taejongdae Park .
Busan also hosts the annual Busan International Film Festival , one of the largest film festivals in Asia.
Gyeongju:
Gyeongju is a city that preserves and showcases the cultural legacy of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 BCE - 935 CE), one of the longest-lasting dynasties in Korean history.
It has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Bulguksa Temple , Seokguram Grotto , Gyeongju Historic Areas , and Yangdong Folk Village .
Gyeongju is also famous for its cherry blossom festival in spring.
Jeonju:
Jeonju is a city that is known for its food culture and traditional houses.
It is the capital of North Jeolla Province and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.
It has a cultural village that has over 800 hanok buildings, which are traditional Korean houses with tiled roofs and wooden frames.
Some of these hanok are used as guesthouses, restaurants, cafes, museums, and workshops.
You can experience the authentic Korean lifestyle, culture, and cuisine here .
Beaches of South Korea
some of the beaches in South Korea.
South Korea has many beautiful and diverse beaches that offer different experiences and attractions.
Here are some brief introductions to three of them:
Haeundae Beach:
This is the most famous and popular beach in South Korea located in Busan, the second largest city and seaport in the country.
It has a long and wide stretch of white sand, calm and shallow water, and a lively atmosphere.
It is surrounded by skyscrapers, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops.
You can enjoy various water activities, such as surfing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing.
You can also watch the Busan International Film Festival in October, which is held on the sand.
Gwangalli Beach:
This is another beach in Busan, but with a different vibe.
It is smaller and quieter than Haeundae, but still has plenty of amenities and entertainment options.
It has a fine and soft sand, clear and blue water, and a stunning view of the Gwangan Bridge, which is illuminated with colorful lights at night.
You can relax on the beach, swim in the water, or enjoy the cafes, bars, and restaurants along the shore.
You can also watch the Busan Fireworks Festival in November, which is a spectacular display of fireworks over the bridge.
Jeju Island:
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This is a special self-governing province of South Korea that is famous for its natural beauty and subtropical climate.
It has many beaches that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Some of the best beaches are Hamdeok Beach, which has emerald green water and black basalt rocks;
Seobin Beach, which is the only coral beach in South Korea;
Hyeopjae Beach, which has white sand and turquoise water;
and Jungmun Beach, which has golden sand and strong waves.
Climate of South Korea
the climate in South Korea.
South Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons: winter, spring, summer, and autumn.
The climate varies depending on the region and the altitude, but generally, winter is cold and dry, spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, and summer is hot and humid.
Winter lasts from late November to mid-March, and it is freezing in the north and in the interior, while it is milder along the southern coast.
The average temperature in January ranges from -2 °C (28 °F) in Seoul to 3 °C (37.5 °F) in Busan.
Snowfalls are rare and not abundant, except in the mountainous areas.
A cold and dry wind often blows from Siberia, sometimes bringing dust or sandstorms.
Spring lasts from mid-March to late May, and it is a beautiful season with warm and sunny weather.
The average temperature in April ranges from 11 °C (52 °F) in Seoul to 14 °C (57 °F) in Busan.
Spring is also the season of cherry blossoms, which bloom from late March to early April in most parts of the country.
However, spring can also be affected by yellow dust, which is a phenomenon caused by the wind carrying sand and pollutants from China and Mongolia.
Summer lasts from late May to early September, and it is the hottest and rainiest season of the year.
The average temperature in July ranges from 24 °C (75 °F) in Seoul to 26 °C (79 °F) in Busan.
However, it can get much hotter during heat waves, reaching up to 40 °C (104 °F) in some areas.
Summer is also the season of monsoon, which brings heavy rainfall and thunderstorms from late June to mid-July.
Moreover, summer and early autumn are the seasons of typhoons, which are tropical cyclones that can cause strong winds and floods.
Autumn lasts from mid-September to early November, and it is another pleasant season with cool and dry weather.
The average temperature in October ranges from 14 °C (57 °F) in Seoul to 17 °C (63 °F) in Busan.
Autumn is also the season of fall foliage, which turns the leaves of trees into various colors of red, orange, yellow, and brown.
Autumn is considered the best time to visit South Korea for its comfortable climate and scenic views.
Borders of South Korea
about the borders of South Korea.
South Korea is a country in East Asia that occupies the southern part of the Korean Peninsula.
It has a land border with only one country, North Korea, and a maritime border with Japan and China.
Here are some details about each border:
The land border with North Korea is 148 miles long and runs along the 38th parallel.
It is also known as the Military Demarcation Line or the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which is a 2.5-mile wide strip of land that acts as a buffer between the two countries.
The border is heavily fortified with fences, mines, watchtowers, and soldiers, and it is one of the most tense and dangerous borders in the world.
The border was established in 1953 after the Korean War, which ended with an armistice agreement but not a peace treaty.
The two Koreas remain technically at war until today.
The maritime border with Japan is not clearly defined, but it is generally accepted to be the Korea Strait, which separates the Korean Peninsula from the Japanese island of Tsushima.
The strait is about 120 miles wide at its narrowest point and has several islands and rocks that are disputed between the two countries.
One of them is Dokdo (or Takeshima), which is controlled by South Korea but claimed by Japan.
The maritime border is also affected by the naming dispute over the sea that lies east of Korea and west of Japan, which South Korea calls the East Sea and Japan calls the Sea of Japan.
The maritime border with China is also not clearly defined, but it is generally accepted to be the Yellow Sea, which lies west of Korea and east of China.
The Yellow Sea is about 370 miles wide at its widest point and has several islands that are administered by South Korea but claimed by China.
One of them is Ieodo (or Suyan Rock), which is an underwater reef that South Korea has built a research station on but China considers part of its exclusive economic zone.
The maritime border is also affected by the fishing activities and naval patrols of both countries in the area.
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