South Korea

South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a sovereign state in East Asia occupying the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It shares a heavily fortified border with North Korea to the north, known as the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), while its eastern coastline faces the Sea of Japan (East Sea) and its western coastline borders the Yellow Sea. The capital and largest city is Seoul, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. South Korea is recognised globally for its rapid economic development, technological innovation, and vibrant popular culture.

Geography and Climate

South Korea covers an area of approximately 100,210 square kilometres. About 70 per cent of the country is mountainous, with lowlands and fertile plains concentrated in the western and southern regions. The terrain has influenced settlement patterns, with most major cities located in coastal or river basin areas.
Key geographical features include:

• The Taebaek Mountain range along the eastern coast
• The Han River, flowing through Seoul
• Jeju Island, a volcanic island south of the mainland
• A long, indented coastline with numerous islands

The climate is temperate, characterised by four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and dry, while summers are hot and humid, influenced by the East Asian monsoon. Typhoons occasionally affect the southern coast during late summer.

Historical Background

The Korean Peninsula has a long history dating back thousands of years, with early kingdoms such as Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla playing significant roles in regional history. In 1910, Korea was annexed by Japan and remained under colonial rule until 1945.
Following Japan’s defeat in the Second World War, Korea was divided along the 38th parallel into Soviet and American zones of occupation. In 1948, two separate states were established: North Korea in the north and South Korea in the south.
In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, leading to the Korean War (1950–1953). The war ended in an armistice agreement, not a peace treaty, leaving the peninsula technically still at war. The conflict caused extensive destruction and loss of life.
During the 1960s and 1970s, under leaders such as President Park Chung-hee, South Korea pursued rapid industrialisation. Although this period was marked by authoritarian rule, it laid the foundations for economic transformation. In 1987, widespread pro-democracy protests led to constitutional reforms and the establishment of a democratic political system.

Political System and Governance

South Korea is a democratic republic with a presidential system. The President serves as both Head of State and Head of Government and is elected by popular vote for a single five-year term.
The political structure includes:

• An executive branch led by the President
• A unicameral legislature known as the National Assembly
• An independent judiciary headed by the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court

Regular elections are held, and multiple political parties compete for power. South Korea is widely regarded as a consolidated democracy with strong civil liberties, freedom of the press, and an active civil society.

Economic Development and Industry

South Korea is one of the world’s leading economies and a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Its transformation from a war-torn agrarian society in the 1950s to a high-income industrialised nation is often described as the “Miracle on the Han River”.
Key sectors of the economy include:

• Electronics and semiconductors
• Automobile manufacturing
• Shipbuilding
• Steel production
• Information and communication technology

Large family-controlled conglomerates, known as chaebols, dominate the economy. Major global companies such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG originated in South Korea and have become influential multinational corporations.
Exports play a central role in economic growth. The country is among the world’s largest exporters of semiconductors, ships, and consumer electronics. However, challenges such as an ageing population, youth unemployment, and dependence on exports remain significant concerns.

Science, Technology, and Innovation

South Korea is internationally recognised for its emphasis on education, research, and technological innovation. It consistently ranks among the highest countries in terms of research and development (R&D) expenditure as a percentage of GDP.
The country has advanced infrastructure, including high-speed internet connectivity and modern transport systems. It is also a leader in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy research.
Education is highly valued in society, and literacy rates are near universal. The national education system includes six years of primary education, three years of lower secondary, and three years of upper secondary education. Higher education institutions, including Seoul National University and other leading universities, contribute to research and skilled workforce development.

Society and Culture

South Korea has a population of over 50 million people, the vast majority of whom are ethnically Korean. The official language is Korean, written in the Hangul script.
Religion in South Korea is diverse. Significant portions of the population identify as Christian (Protestant and Roman Catholic), Buddhist, or non-religious. Confucian values continue to influence social norms, particularly regarding family structure, respect for elders, and education.
In recent decades, South Korean popular culture has achieved global prominence through the “Korean Wave” (Hallyu). This includes:

• K-pop music
• Korean television dramas
• Cinema
• Online gaming and digital entertainment

South Korean films and artists have received international recognition, enhancing the country’s cultural influence worldwide.

Foreign Relations and Security

South Korea maintains close diplomatic and military ties with the United States, which stations troops in the country as part of a mutual defence agreement. Relations with North Korea fluctuate between periods of tension and dialogue.
The country is also an active participant in regional and global organisations, including the United Nations and the G20. Its strategic position in East Asia places it at the centre of geopolitical dynamics involving China, Japan, and the United States.