South Korea

A Nation of Progress, Heritage & Global Technology Leadership

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a technologically advanced, democratic country located in East Asia, on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. Known for its rapid economic development, strong global cultural presence, and strategic geopolitical importance, South Korea is a major player in technology, innovation, and diplomacy.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Ancient kingdoms like Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla formed the basis of early Korean civilization.
  • The Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897) deeply influenced Korean culture, language, and Confucian values.
  • The Korean Empire was annexed by Japan in 1910, leading to decades of occupation.
  • South Korea was established in 1948 after the Korean Peninsula was divided post-WWII.
  • After the Korean War (1950–1953), South Korea embarked on rapid industrialization and democratization.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Official Name Republic of Korea (ROK) / 대한민국
Capital Seoul (서울특별시)
Government Type Presidential Republic
President Yoon Suk-yeol (윤석열)
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo (한덕수)
Total Area Approx. 100,210 sq. km
Population Approx. 51.6 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone Korea Standard Time (UTC+9)
Official Language Korean
Currency South Korean Won (KRW, ₩)
ISO Code KR

Administrative Divisions

South Korea is divided into 17 first-level administrative divisions, consisting of:

  • 8 Provinces (도 – Do)
  • 1 Special Self-Governing Province
  • 6 Metropolitan Cities (광역시 – Gwangyeoksi)
  • 1 Special City (Seoul)
  • 1 Special Self-Governing City (Sejong)

Complete List of Administrative Divisions:

  1. Seoul – Special City
  2. Busan – Metropolitan City
  3. Daegu – Metropolitan City
  4. Incheon – Metropolitan City
  5. Gwangju – Metropolitan City
  6. Daejeon – Metropolitan City
  7. Ulsan – Metropolitan City
  8. Sejong – Special Self-Governing City
  9. Gyeonggi-do – Province
  10. Gangwon-do – Province
  11. Chungcheongbuk-do – Province
  12. Chungcheongnam-do – Province
  13. Jeollabuk-do – Province
  14. Jeollanam-do – Province
  15. Gyeongsangbuk-do – Province
  16. Gyeongsangnam-do – Province
  17. Jeju Special Self-Governing Province

Local Government Structure

  • Each province and city has a Governor or Mayor elected by public vote.
  • Administrative units under provinces include cities (시 – si) and counties (군 – gun).
  • Local councils handle legislation, budgeting, and supervision at regional levels.

Leadership & Governance

  • President: Yoon Suk-yeol (2022–present) – Head of state and commander-in-chief.
  • Prime Minister: Han Duck-soo – Chief coordinator of administration.
  • Ministries include: Finance, Education, Defense, Unification, Foreign Affairs, etc.
  • Governors and mayors manage day-to-day affairs of each administrative region.

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • National Police Agency oversees security across all regions.
  • Specialized agencies handle cybercrime, traffic, and riot control.
  • Emergency Numbers:
    • 112 – Police
    • 119 – Fire and Medical

🟩 Population & Language

  • Population: ~52 million (2025 est.)

  • Official Language: Korean (Hangul)

  • Literacy Rate: Over 98%

  • Dialects: Standard Seoul dialect, Jeju dialect (distinct)

🟩 Religion & Culture

  • Main Religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Shamanism

  • Cultural Icons: Hanbok, Hangeul, Taekwondo, Korean Wave (Hallyu), K-dramas

  • Festivals: Seollal (Lunar New Year), Chuseok (Harvest Festival), Buddha’s Birthday

🟩 Economy

  • Global Rank: 13th largest economy (2025)

  • Key Sectors:

    • Electronics (Samsung, LG)

    • Automobiles (Hyundai, Kia)

    • Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries

    • Semiconductors

    • Entertainment & Media (K-pop, Film)

    • Cosmetics & Fashion

    • Smart Manufacturing & AI

🟩 Education & Health

  • Education System: Highly competitive, globally ranked

  • Famous Universities: Seoul National University, KAIST, POSTECH, Yonsei University

  • Healthcare: Universal coverage, advanced medical tech, medical tourism hub

🟩 Transportation & Infrastructure

  • Airports: Incheon International Airport, Gimpo, Busan

  • Rail: High-speed KTX trains

  • Metro: Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju

  • Highways: Extensive national network

  • Ports: Busan, Incheon, Gwangyang

🟩 Tourism & Attractions

  • Urban: Seoul Tower, Myeongdong, Gangnam

  • Heritage Sites: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bulguksa Temple, Hahoe Folk Village

  • Nature: Jeju Island, Seoraksan, Nami Island

  • UNESCO Sites: Changdeokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine, Andong Hahoe Village

🟩 South Korea on the Global Stage

Sector Achievements
Technology Global leader in 5G, semiconductors, AI
Culture K-pop & Korean Wave influence globally
Diplomacy Active in UN, ASEAN+, OECD
Sports Olympic golds, host of 1988 Summer Olympics and 2002 FIFA World Cup
Soft Power Korean cuisine, dramas, pop culture

🟩 Summary

South Korea is a beacon of resilience, innovation, and culture. From ancient traditions to cutting-edge tech, the country continues to inspire and influence the world with its blend of heritage, creativity, and economic strength.

📢 News & Articles

Explore headlines and key developments from South Korea:

  • Samsung Launches Next-Gen AI Chipsets for Global Market

  • K-pop Industry Hits $10 Billion in Global Revenue

  • South Korea’s Smart Cities Ranked Among World’s Best

  • Seoul to Host Global AI Summit 2026

🎯 Our Vision (Website Mission)

Through this platform, we aim to provide:

  • Comprehensive insights on South Korean provinces, cities, and society

  • Accurate data on population, education, health, economy, governance

  • Cultural, religious, and technological highlights

  • An authentic, research-backed knowledge hub about South Korea

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