Misplaced Pages

South Korea: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editNext edit →Content deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 22:12, 25 August 2009 view sourceNikkul (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users5,516 edits "South korea is a leader in innovation among major economies" is POV.← Previous edit Revision as of 23:48, 25 August 2009 view source Summerfever (talk | contribs)1 edit ←Blanked the pageTag: blankingNext edit →
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Infobox Country
|native_name={{lang|ko-Hang-KR|대한민국}}<br />大韓民國<br />''Daehan-minguk''
|conventional_long_name=Republic of Korea
|common_name=South Korea
|image_flag=Flag of South Korea.svg
|image_coat=Coat of arms of South Korea.svg
|symbol_type=Coat of arms
|image_map=South_Korea_(orthographic_projection).svg‎
|national_anthem='']'' {{lang|ko|(애국가)}}<br />The Patriotic Song
|official_languages=]
|demonym=South Korean, Korean
|ethnic_groups=
|motto=널리 인간을 이롭게 하라 (홍익인간)<br />"Broadly benefit humankind"
|capital=]
|latd=37
|latm=35
|latNS=N
|longd=127
|longm=0
|longEW=E
|largest_city=]
|government_type=] ]
|leader_title1=]
|leader_title2=]
|leader_name1=]
|leader_name2=]
|legislature=]
|area_rank=108th
|area_magnitude=1 E10 
|area_km2=100,032
|area_sq_mi=38,622 <!--Do not remove per ]-->
|percent_water=0.3
|population_estimate=48,333,000<ref name=unpop>{{cite paper | url=http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/wpp2008/wpp2008_text_tables.pdf | title=World Population Prospects, Table A.1| version=2008 revision | format=.PDF | publisher=United Nations | author=Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Population Division | date=2009 | accessdate= 2009-03-12}}</ref>
|population_estimate_rank=26th
|population_estimate_year=2009
|population_census=47,041,434
|population_census_year=2005
|population_density_km2=483.2
|population_density_sq_mi=1,251.4 <!--Do not remove per ]-->
|population_density_rank=21st
|GDP_PPP=$1.342 trillion<ref name=imf2>{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2009/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2008&ey=2008&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=542&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a=&pr.x=34&pr.y=7|title=South Korea|publisher=International Monetary Fund|accessdate=2009-04-22}}</ref>
|GDP_PPP_rank=13th
|GDP_PPP_year=2008
|GDP_PPP_per_capita=$27,646<ref name=imf2/>
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank=32nd
|GDP_nominal=$947 billion<ref name=imf2/>
|GDP_nominal_rank=15th
|GDP_nominal_year=2008
|GDP_nominal_per_capita=$19,504<ref name=imf2/>
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank=36th
|sovereignty_type=]
|established_event2=Founding of ]
|established_event3=] 
|established_event4=] 
|established_event5=]
|established_event6=]
|established_event7=]
|established_date2=2333 BC<ref>According to Oral Tradition<br>Savada, Andrea Matles. ''South Korea: A Country Study.'' Area handbook series. Federal Research Division, Library of Congress. Washington, D.C.:1992. p109</ref>
|established_date3=March 1, 1919
|established_date4=April 13, 1919  
|established_date5=August 15, 1945
|established_date6=July 17, 1948
|established_date7=August 15, 1948
|HDI_year=2006 
|HDI={{increase}} 0.928<ref> The United Nations. Retrieved 21 July 2009.</ref>
|HDI_rank=25th
|HDI_year=2006
|HDI_category=<font color="#009900">high</font>
|Gini=31.3 (<font color="#009900">low</font>)<ref name=ciagini> CIA World Fact Book</ref>
|Gini_year=2007
|currency=] (₩)
|currency_code=KRW
|country_code=KOR
|time_zone=]
|utc_offset=+9
|time_zone_DST=''not observed''
|utc_offset_DST=+9
|date_format=yyyy년 mm월 dd일<br />yyyy/mm/dd (])
|drives_on=right
|ac_outlet=220V/60Hz
|cctld=]
|calling_code=82
|footnote1=Mobile phone system CDMA, WCDMA, HSDPA and WiBro
|footnote2=Domestic power supply 220V/60 Hz, CEE 7/7 sockets
}}
'''South Korea''', officially the '''Republic of Korea''' ('''ROK''') ({{lang-ko|대한민국}}, {{IPA-ko|tɛːhanminɡuk̚|pron|Ko_pronunciation_of_dae-han-min-guk.ogg}}) and often referred to as '''Korea''', is a country in ], located on the southern half of the ]. Also known as the "]", it is neighbored by ] to the west and ] to the east, bordering ] to the north. Its capital is ], the second largest ] in the world<ref>R.L. Forstall, R.P. Greene, and J.B. Pick, , City Futures Conference, (University of Illinois at Chicago, July 2004) &ndash; Table 5 (p.34)</ref> and a major ].<ref>http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4509&page=1</ref> South Korea lies in a ] region with a predominantly mountainous terrain. Its territory covers a total area of 100,032 square kilometers and has a population of over 48 million, making it one of the most densely populated regions in the world.<ref name="About Korea">Population density calculated using surface area and population figures from .</ref>

South Korea is a ] ] consisting of 16 ]. Archaeological findings show that the Korean Peninsula was occupied as early as the ].<ref></ref><ref>http://www.opm.go.kr/warp/webapp/content/view?meta_id=english&id=35</ref> ] begins with the founding of ] in 2333 ] by ]. Following the unification of ] under ] 668 ], Korea went through the ] and ] as one nation until the end of the ] in 1910. After ], South Korea was established in 1948 as a ]. Following the ], the ] grew significantly, transforming the country into a ].<ref>http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/322280/South-Korea/34997/Economic-and-social-developments</ref> This is known as the ] and the country became one of the ].

South Korea is a ] with high ] and is a ]. It is a ], having the fourth largest economy in Asia and the ] in the world. South Korea is a leader in technologically advanced goods such as ], ]s, ]s, ], ]s and ], headed by ], ] and ]. It is a member of the ], ], ] and ]. It is also a founding member of ] and the ], and a ] of the ]. In the 21st century, there has been increased interest in Korean culture throughout the world, also known as the ].<ref>http://www.korea.net/news/news/NewsView.asp?serial_no=20061127020&part=106&SearchDay=</ref><ref>http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/21/content_393440.htm</ref>

==Government==
{{main|Government of South Korea}}
]]]
Like many democracies,<ref></ref> South Korea's government is divided into three branches: ], ], and ]. The executive and legislative branches operate primarily at the national level, although various ministries in the executive branch also carry out local functions. Local governments are semi-autonomous, and contain executive and legislative bodies of their own. The judicial branch operates at both the national and local levels. South Korea is a constitutional democracy.

The South Korean government's structure is determined by the ]. This document has been revised several times since its first promulgation in 1948 (see ]). However, it has retained many broad characteristics; with the exception of the short-lived ], the country has always had a presidential system with an independent chief executive.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ks00000_.html |title=South Korea - Constitution |publisher=International Constitutional Law |accessdate=2009-02-16}}</ref> South Korea has developed a successful ] since the 1960s and the first direct ] was held in 1948. The ] describes South Korea's democracy as a "fully functioning modern democracy".<ref name=ciawfb>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ks.html |title=Korea, South |publisher=] |work=] |date=10 February 2009 |accessdate=2009-02-16}}</ref>

==History==
===Before division===
{{main|History of Korea}}
Korea began with the founding of Joseon (The name ] is almost always used to prevent confusion with another Joseon dynasty founded in 14th century; the prefix Go- means 'old' or 'earlier') in 2333 ] by ].<ref name=koreashistory>{{cite web |url=http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/korea/history.htm |title=Korea's History |publisher=AsianInfo |accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> Gojoseon expanded until it controlled much of the northern Korean peninsula and parts of ]. After numerous wars with the Chinese ], Gojoseon disintegrated, leading to the ] period.

In the early centuries of the Common Era, ], ], ], and the ] confederacy occupied the peninsula and southern Manchuria. Of the various small states, ], ], and ] grew to control the peninsula as ]. The unification of the Three Kingdoms by ] in 676 led to the ], in which much of the Korean peninsula was controlled by ], while ] succeeded the northern parts of Goguryeo. In ], poetry and art was encouraged, and Buddhist culture flourished. Relationships between Korea and China remained relatively peaceful during this time. However, Unified Silla weakened under internal strife, and surrendered to ] in 935. ], Silla's neighbor to the north, was formed as a successor state to Goguryeo. During its height, Balhae controlled most of Manchuria and parts of Russia. It fell to the ] in 926.

]'', the earliest known book printed with movable metal type in 1377. Bibliothèque Nationale de Paris.]]

After the North-South Period, successor states fought for control during the ] period. The peninsula was soon united by ] of ]. Like Silla, Goryeo was a highly cultural state and created the ] in 1377, using the world's oldest movable metal ].<ref></ref>

The ] in the 13th century greatly weakened Goryeo. However, Goryeo continued to rule Korea as a tributary ally to the Mongols. After the fall of the ], Goryeo continued its rule. After severe political strife and continued invasions, Goryeo was replaced by the ] in 1388 following a rebellion by General ].

King Taejo declared the new name of Korea as Joseon in reference to ], and moved the capital to ]. The first 200 years of the Joseon Dynasty was marked by relative peace and saw the creation of ] by ] in the 14th century and the rise and influence of ].

] is the largest of the ] built during the ].]]

Between 1592 and 1598, ]. ] led the forces and tried to invade ] through Korea, but was eventually repelled with action of the ] and assistance from ] ]. This war also saw the rise of the career of Admiral ] and his "]". In the 1620s and 1630s Joseon suffered ] who eventually also conquered the Chinese ].

After ], Joseon experienced a nearly 200-year period of peace. Especially, ] and ] led a new renaissance of the Joseon dynasty.

However, During the last years of the Joseon Dynasty, Korea's isolationist policy earned it the name the "]", primarily for protection against Western ] before it was forced to open trade beginning an era leading into ].

===After division===
{{main|History of South Korea}}
Despite the initial plan of a unified Korea in the 1943 ], escalating ] antagonism between the US and Soviet Union eventually led to the establishment of two separate governments supported by foreign powers, each with its own ideology, leading to ] into two political entities: ] and South Korea. In the North, a former anti-Japanese guerrilla and communist activist, ] gained power through political mobilization of Koreans, and in the South, an exiled and right-wing Korean political leader, ], was installed as president.
] viewed from the ] that celebrated the ].]]
On 25 June 1950, North Korea launched an attempt to unify the country by military force which lead to the ]. At the time, the Soviet Union boycotted the ] (UN), thus forfeiting their veto rights. This allowed the UN to intervene  in a civil war when it became apparent that the superior North Korean forces would unify the entire country. The Soviet Union and ] backed North Korea, with the later participation of millions of ]. After huge advances on both sides, and massive losses among Korean civilians in both the north and the south, the war eventually reached a stalemate. The 1953 armistice, never signed by South Korea, split the peninsula along the ] near the original demarcation line. No peace treaty was signed, resulting in the two countries remaining technically at war. At least 2.5 million people died during the Korean War.<ref>. Britannica Online Encyclopedia.</ref>

In 1960, ] led to the resignation of the autocratic President ]. A period of political instability followed, broken by General ]'s ] (the ''"5-16 coup d'état"'') against the weak and ineffectual government the next year. Park took over as president until his assassination in 1979, overseeing rapid ] as well as severe political repression. Park was heavily criticised as a ruthless military dictator, although the Korean economy developed significantly during his tenure.

The years after Park's assassination were marked again by considerable political turmoil as the previously repressed opposition leaders all campaigned to run for president in the sudden political void. In 1980 there was another ] by General ] against the transitional government of Choi Gyu Ha, the interim president and a former prime minister under Park. Chun assumed the presidency. His ] triggered nationwide protests demanding ], in particular in the city of Gwangju, in ], where Chun sent special forces to violently suppress the ].
] used during the ] co-hosted by South Korea and Japan.]]

Until 1987, Chun and his government held Korea under a despotic rule when Park Jong Chul — a student attending ] — was tortured to death. On 10 June, the Catholic Priests' Association for Justice revealed Park's torture, igniting huge demonstrations around the country. Eventually, Chun's party, the ], and its leader, ] announced the June 29th Declaration, which included the direct election of the president.  Roh went on to win the election by a narrow margin against the two main opposition leaders, ] and ].

]'s ] district today. South Korea's economic success is often called the ].]]
In 1988, Seoul successfully hosted the ], and continuing economic development led to membership in the ] (OECD) in 1996. As with many of its Asian neighbors, South Korea was adversely affected by the ], however the country was able to recover and continue its economic growth.

In June 2000, as part of president Kim Dae-Jung's '']''' of engagement, a ] took place in ], the capital of North Korea. Later that year, Kim received the ] ''"for his work for democracy and human rights in South Korea and in East Asia in general, and for peace and reconciliation with North Korea in particular."''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2000/index.html|title=The Nobel Peace Prize 2000|publisher=The Nobel Foundation|year=2000|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref>

In 2002, South Korea and Japan jointly co-hosted the ], however ] later ] due to conflicting claims of ] over the Dokdo Islets (also known as ] and the ]), in what became known as the ].

==Foreign relations==
{{main|Foreign relations of South Korea}}
South Korea maintains diplomatic relations with approximately 170 countries. The country has also been a member of the ] since 1991, when it became a member state at the same time as North Korea. On January 1, 2007, South Korean Foreign Minister ] assumed the post of ]. It has also developed links with ] as both a member of ''ASEAN Plus three,'' a body of observers, and the ] (EAS).

Beginning in May 2007, South Korea and the ] are negotiating a ] to reduce trade barriers.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/bilateral/countries/korea/index_en.htm |title=External Trade &ndash; Trade Issues &ndash; South Korea |publisher=European Commission |date=December 2008 |accessdate=2009-03-05}}</ref> South Korea is also negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/korea-coree/index.aspx?lang=en |title=Canada-Korea &ndash; Free Trade Agreement Negotiations |publisher=Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada |date=5 January 2009 |accessdate=2009-03-05}}</ref> and another with ].<ref>http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-03/03/content_10933684.htm</ref>

===United States===
] ], with former ] ]]]
The United States engaged in the decolonization of Korea (mainly South, Soviet Union engaged North Korea) from Japan after World War II. After 3 years of military administration by the United States, the South Korean government was established.
Upon the onset of the Korean War, the United States Military was sent to South Korea to defend against the invasion of North Korea and later China. Since then, the two nations have had strong economic, diplomatic and military ties, although they have at times disagreed with regards to policies towards North Korea. Currently, the ], ] and ] are stationed in South Korea.

===China===
Historically, Korea has had relatively close relations with the ]. Before the formation of South Korea, Korean independence fighters worked with Chinese soldiers during the Japanese occupation. However, after ], the ] embraced ] while South Korea fell under the influence of the United States. The PRC assisted North Korea with manpower and supplies during the ], and in its aftermath the diplomatic relationship between South Korea and the PRC almost completely ceased. Relations thawed gradually and South Korea and the PRC re-established formal diplomatic relations on August 24, 1992. The two countries sought to improve bilateral relations and lifted the forty-year old trade embargo, and<ref name="autogenerated2"></ref> South Korean-Chinese relations have improved steadily since 1992.<ref name="autogenerated2" /> Korea broke off official relations with the ] upon gaining official relations with the People's Republic.

===Japan===
](Liancourt Rocks) has become an issue known as the ].]]
Although there were no formal diplomatic ties between South Korea and Japan after the Korean War, South Korea and Japan signed the ] in 1965 to establish diplomatic ties. There is heavy ] due to a number of unsettled ], many of which stem from the period of ]. During ], more than 100,000 Koreans were forced to serve in the ].<ref>A Brief History of the US-Korea Relations Prior to 1945.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}} "While less than 100 Koreans in America enlisted in the US military during World War II, more than 100,000 Koreans served in the Japanese army as officers and soldiers. There were two Korean Lt. Generals in the Japanese Army: a Chosun prince, whose rank was honorary and who commanded no troops; and Lt. Gen. Hong Sa-Ik, who was a professional military man from the old Chosun army."</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=
http://www.gangje.go.kr/admin_view0305.asp?idx=711&page=1|title=Truth Commission on Forced Mobilization under the japanese Imperialism Republic of Korea.|accessdate=18/03/9}}</ref> Longstanding issues such as ] against Korean civilians, the visits by Japanese politicians to the ] honoring Japanese soldiers killed at war, including class A war criminals like ], the re-writing of ] to overlook Japanese aggression during World War II, and the territorial disputes over ]<ref>{http://www.dynamic-korea.com/news/view_news.php?main=KTD&sub=&uid=200800220395&keyword=}</ref>continue to trouble Korean-Japanese relations. In response to then-] ]'s repeated visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, former ] Roh Moo-hyun suspended all summit talks between South Korea and Japan. Japan had made a large aid in supporting development of South Korea after the war, but the amount of compensation to colonial suffering was questioned for their legitimacy.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}} The amount of money they paid and distribution to the individual is making protest among those people who suffered from forceful labor and abuse.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.voanews.com/Korean/archive/2006-03/2006-03-17-voa12.cfm|title=President Roh Moo-hyun will not hold a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi until Koizumi stops visits to Japan's Yasukuni shrine|publisher=]|date=17 March 2006|accessdate=2009-02-15}}</ref>

===North Korea===
Both ] and South Korea continue to officially claim sovereignty over the entire peninsula and any outlying islands. With longstanding animosity following the ] from 1950 to 1953, North Korea and South Korea signed an agreement to pursue peace.<ref name="autogenerated4">{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKSEO16392220071004|title=FACTBOX &ndash; North, South Korea pledge peace, prosperity |accessdate=2007-10-04|publisher=Thomson Reuters|agency=Reuters|date=4 October 2007|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> On October 4, 2007, Roh Moo-Hyun and North Korean leader ] signed an eight-point agreement on issues of permanent peace, high-level talks, economic cooperation, renewal of train services, highway and air travel, and a joint Olympic cheering squad.<ref name="autogenerated4" />

Despite the Sunshine Policy and efforts at reconciliation, the progress was complicated by ] in ], ], ] and 2009. {{Asof|2009|May|alt=As of mid 2009}}, relationships between North and South Korea are very tense; North Korea has been reported to have deployed missiles,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7905361.stm |title=N Korea 'deploying more missiles'|publisher=BBC News |date=23 February 2009}}</ref> ended its former agreements with South Korea,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7859671.stm |title=North Korea tears up agreements |publisher=BBC News |date=30 January 2009 |accessdate=2009-03-08}}</ref> and threatened South Korea and the United States not to interfere with a satellite launch it had planned.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7931670.stm |publisher=BBC News |date=3 March 2009 |accessdate=2009-03-08}}</ref>
As of 2009, North and South Korea are still technically at war (having never signed an armistice after the Korean War) and share the world’s most heavily fortified border.<ref> http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/06/03/koreas.agree/index.html </ref> On May 27, 2009 , North Korea declared that the ceasefire treaty, signed post Korean War, is no longer valid due to the South Korean government's pledge to "definitely join" the ].

==Armed forces==
{{main|Military of South Korea}}

]

South Korea has the world's sixth largest number of ],<ref name="South Korea">{{cite news|title=South Korea's Armed Forces, CSIS (Page 24) |date=]|url=http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/060626_asia_balance_powers.pdf}}</ref> the world's second-largest number of ]<ref name="South Korea"/> and the twelfth largest ]. The ] has 2,300 ]s in operation,<ref>{{ cite paper |url=http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/060626_asia_balance_powers.pdf|title=The Asian Conventional Military Balance in 2006: Overview of major Asian Powers|date=26 June 2006|publisher=Center for Strategic and International Studies|last=Cordesman|first=Anthony H.|coauthors=Kleiber, Martin|format=PDF|accessdate=2009-02-14}}</ref> consisting of technologically advanced models such as the ] and the new ]. The ] has the world's sixth largest fleet of ]s and is one of the five navies in the world to operate an ] enabled destroyer, the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/25/asia/AS-GEN-SKorea-Aegis-Destroyer.php|title=South Korea launches first Aegis-equipped destroyer|date=24 May 2007|accessdate=2009-02-15}}</ref><!-- This article summary (not from the original source) is dated 2007. It does NOT say Korea operates an Aegis BMD destroyer, only that one will be operational in 2009. -->. The ] operates the ninth largest airforce in the world,<ref></ref> composed of advanced ] fighters such as the ], ] and advanced indigenous models such as the ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/01/205_34171.html|title=US Pilots Test Fly T-50 Trainer|last=Jung|first=Sung-ki|date=10 November 2008|publisher=]|accessdate=2009-02-15}}</ref>

The South Korean military consists of the ] (ROKA), the ] (ROKN), the ] (ROKAF), and the ] (ROKMC), together with reserve forces.<ref> GlobalSecurity on Military of Republic of Korea http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/index.html</ref> Many of these forces are concentrated near the ]. All South Korean males are constitutionally required to serve in the military, typically for a period of two years. However, there have been debates about shortening the length of the military services, and even dismissing the mandatory service itself. The government recently allowed some male students who were in the process of earning a university bachelor's degree and master's degree to dismiss the military requirements to allow them to further study and research their fields.

] guided-missile destroyer Sejong the Great (DDG 991)]]
From time to time, South Korea has sent its troops overseas to assist American forces. It has participated in most major conflicts that the United States has been involved in the past 50 years. South Korea dispatched 320,000 troops to fight alongside American, ]n, ], ] and ]ese soldiers in the ], with a peak strength of 50,000. Most recently, South Korea sent 3,300 troops of the ] to help re-building in northern ], and was the 3rd largest contributor in the ] after only the US and Britain.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mil.kr:7081/zaytun2/english/index.jsp|title=Zaytun Division official website|publisher=|date=|accessdate=2009-02-17}}{{dead link|date=February 2009}}</ref>

The United States has stationed a substantial contingent of ]s in South Korea since the ] to defend South Korea in case of a North Korean attack. There are also approximately 29,000 ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/68465|title=America's Unsinkable Fleet|publisher=Newsweek|date=26 Feb 2007|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> most of them serving one year of unaccompanied tours. The American Troops, which primarily are assigned to the ] are stationed in installations at ], Yongsan, ], Sungbuk, and ]. A still functioning ] is technically the top of the ] of all forces in South Korea, including the US forces and the entire South Korean military. Although, if a sudden escalation of war between North and South Korea were to occur, as of currently, the United States would assume control of the South Korean Army in all military and paramilitary moves. However, in September 2006, the Presidents of the United States and the Republic of Korea agreed that South Korea should assume the lead for its own defense. In early 2007, the U.S. Secretary of Defense and ROK Minister of National Defense determined that South Korea will assume wartime operational control of its forces on April 17, 2012. U.S. Forces Korea will transform into a new jointwarfighting command, provisionally described as Korea Command (KORCOM).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/doctrine.htm|title=South Korean Military Doctrine|publisher=Global Security|date=02 March 2009|accessdate=2009-06-07}}</ref>

==Administrative divisions==
{{Main|Administrative divisions of South Korea}}
:''See also ] and ]''
]
]
The major administrative divisions in South Korea are '''provinces''', '''metropolitan cities''' (self-governing cities that are not part of any province), and one '''special city'''.
<center>
{| class="wikitable"
! !! Name<sup><small>a</small></sup> !! ] !! ] !! ]
|-
!colspan="4"| Special cities (''Teukbyeolsi'')<sup><small>a</small></sup>
|-
|1||]||서울특별시||서울特別市||10,421,782
|-
!colspan="32"| Metropolitan cities (''Gwangyeoksi'')<sup><small>a</small></sup>
|-
|2||]||부산광역시||釜山廣域市||3,635,389
|-
|3||]||대구광역시||大邱廣域市||2,512,604
|-
|4||]||인천광역시||仁川廣域市||2,628,000
|-
|5||]||광주광역시||光州廣域市||1,415,953
|-
|6||]||대전광역시||大田廣域市||1,442,857
|-
|7||]||울산광역시||蔚山廣域市||1,087,958
|-
!colspan="4"|Provinces (''Do'')<sup><small>a</small></sup>
|-
|8||]||경기도||京畿道||10,415,399
|-
|9||]||강원도||江原道||1,592,000
|-
|10||] (Northern Chungcheong)||충청북도||忠淸北道||1,462,621
|-
|11||] (Southern Chungcheong)||충청남도||忠淸南道||1,840,410
|-
|12||] (Northern Jeolla)||전라북도||全羅北道||1,890,669
|-
|13||] (Southern Jeolla)||전라남도||全羅南道||1,994,287
|-
|14||] (Northern Gyeongsang)||경상북도||慶尙北道||2,775,890
|-
|15||] (Southern Gyeongsang)||경상남도||慶尙南道||2,970,929
|-
!colspan="4"|Special self-governing province (''Teukbyeoljachi-do'')<sup><small>a</small></sup>
|-
|16||]||제주특별자치도||濟州特別自治道||560,000
|}
</center>
{{smaller|<sup>a</sup> ].}}

==Geography and climate==
{{main|Geography of South Korea}}
{{main|National parks of South Korea}}
] of South Korea]]
] tea field.]]
South Korea occupies the southern portion of the ], which extends some 680 miles (1,100&nbsp;km) from the Asian mainland. This mountainous peninsula is flanked by the ] to the west, and the ](East Sea)<!--Please do not change the naming here without first discussing it at the Talk page.--> to the east. Its southern tip lies on the ] and the ].

The country's total area is {{convert|38622.57|sqmi|km2|2}}.<ref>The estimated area rises steadily from year to year, possibly due to land reclamation. {{cite web |url=http://kosis.nso.go.kr/cgi-bin/sws_999.cgi?ID=DT_1A1&IDTYPE=3&A_LANG=1&FPUB=3&SELITEM= |work=Korea Statistical Information Service |title=행정구역(구시군)별 국토적 |accessdate=2006-03-27}}</ref>

South Korea can be divided into four general regions: an eastern region of high mountain ranges and narrow ]; a western region of broad coastal plains, ], and rolling hills; a southwestern region of mountains and valleys; and a southeastern region dominated by the broad basin of the ].

South Korea's terrain is mostly mountainous, most of which is not ]. ]s, located primarily in the west and southeast, constitute only 30% of the total land area.

About three thousand islands, mostly small and uninhabited, lie off the western and southern coasts of South Korea. ] is located about 100 kilometers (about 60 mi) off the southern coast of South Korea. It is the country's largest island, with an area of 1,845 square kilometres (712 sq mi). Jeju is also the site of South Korea's highest point: ], an extinct ], reaches 1,950 meters (6,398 ft) above sea level. The most eastern islands of South Korea include ] and ] (Dokdo in Korean), while ] and ] are the southernmost islands of South Korea.

South Korea has 20 national parks and some popular nature places like ] Tea Field, ] in ] province.

===Climate===
{{climate chart
|Seoul
|&minus;7.1|0.8|23
|&minus;5|3|25
|0|10|47
|7|17|94
|13|23|92
|17|26|134
|22|29|369
|22|30|294
|17|26|169
|10|20|50
|3|11|53
|&minus;4|4|21
|source=
|float=right}}
South Korea has a ] and a ], and is affected by the ], with ] heavier in summer during a short rainy season called '']'' (]), which begins end of June through the end of July. Winters can be cold: in Seoul, the average January temperature range is &minus;7&nbsp;°] to 1&nbsp;°C (19&nbsp;°] to 33&nbsp;°F), and the average August temperature range is 22&nbsp;°C to 30&nbsp;°C (71&nbsp;°F to 86&nbsp;°F). Winter temperatures are higher along the southern coast and considerably lower in the mountainous interior. Rainfall is concentrated in the summer months of June through September. The southern coast is subject to late summer ] that bring strong winds and heavy rains. The average annual ] varies from 1,370 millimeters (54 ]es) in Seoul to 1,470 millimeters (58 inches) in ]. There are occasional typhoons that bring high winds and floods. The government is concerned of the impact of ] on the natural disasters.

===Environment===
{{Main|Environment of South Korea}}
] is a major success in urban nature-friendly renewal.]]
Following the rapid industrialization, ] and ], in particular in urban areas, rose rapidly. Government actions taken since the 1990s to improve the environment led to a rapid decrease of ],<ref></ref> though the continuing growth of traffic has led to increase of other pollutants.  Despite its small size, South Korea is the ninth largest consumer of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons. There are major issues with air and water pollution due to South Korea's high population density.{{fact|date=March 2009}}  Recently, though, there have been several initiatives (such as the restoration of ] in central Seoul.<ref></ref>) to improve the environment in Korea.{{Fact|date=April 2009}} In mid-2008, the ] said the country intends to spend 194.4 billion won ($193 million) on technologies and projects, including solar, wind and ]s, in 2008.<ref>http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/south-korea-to-boost-renewable-energy-investments-by-60-1191.html</ref>

South Korea is a member of numerous international environmental organizations and treaties, including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{CIA World Factbook}}</ref>

==Economy==
{{main|Economy of South Korea}}
{{see also|List of South Korean regions by GDP}}
].]]
], the largest ] in the world built by ], owned by South Korea's ]. South Korea is the largest ] in the world.<ref name="shipbuilding1">http://www.straightstocks.com/investing-in-asia-stocks/south-korea-dominates-shipbuilding-industry</ref><ref name="shipbuilding2">http://www.shipbuilding.or.kr/Report/Foreign/Foreign_Review/Foreign_Review.html</ref>]]
] is an iconic landmark of the ] and was the tallest building in Asia when it was constructed in 1985.]]
] automobile producer in the world, led by ] and ].]]
South Korea had the world's second-fastest growing economy from 1960 to 1990.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=zdqAakpAeloC&pg=PA328&lpg=PA328&dq=south+korea+fastest+growing+economy+20th+century&source=web&ots=UUvZrK4buo&sig=cvQaMFViBSklOtjirClbbGjgPKY&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=10&ct=result |title=Handbook of Markets and Economies |last=Pecotich |first=Anthony |coauthors=Shultz, Clifford J. |publisher=M.E. Sharpe |isbn=978-0-7656-0972-4 |accessdate=2009-02-17 |year=2006}}{{page number|date=February 2009}}</ref> Korea's transformation into a ] during this time was termed the ], and South Korea was considered one of the ] and ]. South Korea is a member of the ], and is classified as a ] by the ] and an ] by the ] and ]<ref name=qq></ref><ref name=cia>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/appendix/appendix-b.html|title=Appendix B. International Organizations and Groups. ].|author=CIA|date=2008|accessdate=2008-04-10}}</ref> and a ] by the ]. Its capital, Seoul, is consistently placed among the world's top ten ] and ] cities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citymayors.com/economics/financial-cities.html|title=London remains number one but the future belongs to Asia|publisher=City Mayors|date=10 June 2008|accessdate=2009-02-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://webnet.oecd.org/wbos/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=REG_ACC_TL2|title=OECD Regional Accounts|year=2006|publisher=Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|accessdate=2009-02-16}}</ref> and the richest region is ], In 2007, Ulsan's ] was estimated at $58,665.<ref name=mt>http://www.mt.co.kr/view/mtview.php?type=1&no=2009072818220114676&outlink=1</ref><ref name=imf>, ]. Implied PPP conversion rate(2007). Accessed on April 22, 2009.</ref><ref name=wiki>See ]</ref>

Despite lacking ] and having the ] among the ], the ] is the ] in Asia. Like ] and ], rapid ] since the 1960s has made South Korea one of the world's top ten ]. <!-- "In 2007, it was" NOT "it is" (see census.gov reference) --> It is the seventh largest ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/statistics/highlights/top/top0712.html|title=Top Trading Partners &ndash; Total Trade, Exports, Imports|publisher=]|date=14 February 2008|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> and the eighth largest trading partner of the European Union.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2006/september/tradoc_122529.pdf|title=Top Trading Partners |publisher=EU Directorate General for Trade|date= 2008|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> South Korea had the second-highest ] in the developed world<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/eco_adj_net_sav_exc_par_emi_dam_of_gni-excluding-particulate-emission-damage-gni|title=Economy Statistics: Adjusted net savings, excluding particulate emission damage: % of GNI (most recent) by country|publisher=NationMaster|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> in the decade to 2001.
An extremely competitive ] environment<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/BUSINESS/05/14/ft.korea.megastudy/index.html|title=Web-based tutorials take off in South Korea|publisher=Cable News Network|year=2007|accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref> and motivated ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cic.sfu.ca/forum/DongSungChoOct211999.html|title=Korean Economic Crisis: Causes and Cures|last=Cho|first=Dong-Sung|publisher=Seoul National University|date=11 May 1999|quote=Until 1980 the highly educated and motivated workforce was the main driving force behind Korea's economic growth. However, growth-oriented policies encouraged a very rapid growth in real wages in excess of the productivity growth rate.|accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref> are two key factors driving this ]. The country files the largest number of ] per ] and ] expenditure in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/freepublications/en/patents/931/wipo_pub_931.pdf|title=WIPO Patent Report: Statistics on Worldwide Patent Activities|publisher=World Intellectual Property Organization|year=2007|accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref><!-- cherry picking -->

South Korea is the world's largest ],<ref name="shipbuilding1" /><ref name="shipbuilding2" /> and one of the world's top five ] manufacturing nations.<ref></ref> South Korea is also Asia's biggest exporter of refined oil products.<ref>http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aXCTb.flA4_c</ref>

The new ] administration has a stated goal of making South Korea's economic power and wealth match the ], with a target of annual ] of 7%, a ] of $40,000 and making South Korea the world's seventh largest economy by 2013.<ref>Robert Koehler (Mar. 2008). Korea's CEO President Lee Myung-bak, Seoul Selection.</ref> President Lee describes himself as the ] of "Korea Inc." and his ] policies are often called ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.mosf.go.kr/about/dpm/dpm2.php|title=Biography: Yoon Jeung-Hyun|publisher=Ministry of Strategy and Finance|year=2007|accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref>

In 2008, ]s with the ] (also known as ]) and ] were carried out.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/11/176_27098.html|title=S. Korea, EU Seek to Conclude FTA This Year|last=Kim|first=Se-jeong|publisher=The Korea Times|date=7 June 2008|accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref> At that time, Korea's GDP (PPP) per capita was estimated at $27,646.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2009/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2007&ey=2014&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&pr1.x=74&pr1.y=12&c=193%2C542%2C122%2C137%2C124%2C181%2C156%2C138%2C423%2C196%2C935%2C142%2C128%2C182%2C172%2C576%2C132%2C936%2C134%2C961%2C174%2C184%2C532%2C144%2C176%2C146%2C178%2C436%2C112%2C136%2C111%2C158&s=PPPPC&grp=0&a=|title=IMFWorld Economic Outlook Database, April 2009
}}</ref>

===High-tech industries===
]'s ], featuring a 3.7" ] ]. Samsung is the leading ] electronics brand and the largest ] manufacturer in the world.<ref>http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_31/b3945107.html</ref><ref name="economist"> Succession at Samsung - Crowning success</ref>]]
], ], ] and ]s,<ref>http://news.jknews.co.kr/article/news/20090208/3034077.htm</ref> led by ] and ].]]

South Korea has a ] ],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=25697|title=KOREA: Future is now for Korean info-tech|publisher=Regents of the University of California|work=AsiaMedia|date=14 June 2005|accessdate=2009-02-24}}</ref> with the world's highest ] per capita,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/int_bro_acc_percap-internet-broadband-access-per-capita |title=Internet Statistics: Broadband access (per capita) (most recent) by country |publisher=NationMaster |date=(undated) |accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref> and the world leader in ] among major economies.<ref>As ranked by ].</ref>

In 2007, the ] ranked South Korea's IT industry competitiveness third in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/2300-1022_3-6196218-1.html |title=Chart: World's most competitive IT industries |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=12 July 2007 |accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref> Korea's ] was ranked 15th,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://a330.g.akamai.net/7/330/25828/20080331202303/graphics.eiu.com/upload/ibm_ereadiness_2008.pdf|title=2008 EIU e-readiness rankings|publisher=]|date=2008}} </ref> and ] 6th<ref></ref> in 2008.

In consumer electronics, South Korea is the world's largest ], ], ] and ] maker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/02/08/2009020800069.html?Dep0=chosunmain&Dep1=news&Dep2=headline7&Dep3=h3_07|title=한국 또 '세계 디스플레이 4관왕'|date=8 February 2009|accessdate=08-02-09}}</ref> Both Samsung and LG are major makers of televisions,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200902/200902200020.html|title=Samsung, LG Boost Global TV Market Share|accessdate=2009-02-20}}</ref> and mobile phones.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.informationweek.com/news/mobility/business/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=212001304|title=Samsung Overtakes U.S. Market Share Lead From Motorola|last=Gardner|first=W. David|publisher=United Business Media|date=7 November 2008|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref>

South Korea is also the world's leading ] producer, as Samsung is the largest memory chip maker in the world.<ref name="isuppli"> A Forgettable Year for Memory Chip Makers </ref> and ] is the world's second-largest computer memory chip maker.<ref name="isuppli"/> Also, Samsung is the second-largest ] maker in the world.<ref name="isuppli"/> ] is the world's third largest maker of ]s.<ref></ref>

South Korea also exports ] production equipment for medical and industrial use to countries such as Russia, Japan and Turkey.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://korea.net/news/news/newsView.asp?serial_no=20070605015∂=107&SearchDay=&page=5 |title=Korea to export isotope production equipment to Russia, Turkey, Algeria |publisher=Korean Culture and Information Service |date=5 June 2007 |accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref>

The government is also investing in the ] industry, with the stated aim of becoming the "world's number 1 robotics nation" by 2025.<ref name="autogenerated5">{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/02/world/asia/02robot.html?ex=1301634000&en=7d5fcaf014309078&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss|title=In a Wired South Korea, Robots Will Feel Right at Home|work=The New York Times|date=]|accessdate=2007-06-24}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated3">{{cite web|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/09/060906-robots.html|title=A Robot in Every Home by 2020, South Korea Says|work=National Geographic News|date=6 September 2006|accessdate=2007-06-24}}</ref> There are also plans to develop other sectors, including ], ] and ] industries.

South Korea is the 1st country that started ] in 2005<ref>http://broadcastengineering.com/products/south-korea-mobile-tns-global-0707/</ref> and ] in 2006 and ] 100 Mbit/s ] broadband network, which is being upgraded to 1 Gbit/s by 2013.<ref>{{cite webt|url=http://eng.kcc.go.kr/user.do?mode=view&page=E04010000&dc=E04010000&boardId=1058&cp=1&searchKey=ALL&searchVal=UBcN&boardSeq=25474|title=Government and Businesses United to Build the World’s Best Communications Network|publisher=Korea Communications Commission (KCC)|date=2009-04-28|accessdate=2009-08-05}}</ref>

===Transportation and energy===
{{main|Transportation in South Korea|Nuclear power in South Korea}}
], rated the best airport worldwide consecutively since 2005 by ].<ref name="airport.kr">{{cite web|url=http://www.airport.kr/notice/NoticeView.iia?functioncode=46&bulletinid=4994|title=Incheon International Airport, Best Airport Worldwide for 4 Years Straight|publisher=Incheon International Airport Corp.|accessdate=2005-05-20}}</ref>]]
], a gigantic rainbow fountain with nearly 10,000 ] nozzles pumping out 190 tonnes of water every minute over ].]]
].]]
South Korea has a technologically advanced transportation network consisting of high-speed railways, highways, bus routes, ferry services, and air routes that criss-cross the country. ] operates the toll highways and service amenities en route.

] provides frequent train service to all major South Korean cities. Two rail lines, ] and ], to ] are now being reconnected. The Korean ] system, ], provides high-speed service along ] and ]. Major cities&mdash;including Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon and Gwangju&mdash;have subway systems. Metropolitan Cities (''gwangyeoksi'', self-governing cities that are not incorporated into any province) have express bus terminals.

Construction of South Korea's largest airport, ], was completed in 2001. By 2007, the airport was serving 30 million passengers a year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airport.kr/notice/NoticeView.iia?functioncode=46&bulletinid=5049|title=Incheon International Airport celebrates its eighth year|publisher=Incheon International Airport Corp.|accessdate=2005-05-20}}</ref> The airport has been selected as the "Best Airport Worldwide" for four consecutive years since 2005 by ].<ref name="airport.kr"/> Other international airports include ], ] and ]. There are also seven domestic airports, and a large number of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/tra_hel-transportation-heliports |title=Transportation Statistics > Heliports (most recent) by country |publisher=NationMaster |year=2008 |accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref>

], founded in 1962, served 21,640,000 passengers, including 12,490,000 international passengers in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.koreanair.com/local/kr/gd/eng/au/ci/eng_au_ci_ov.htm|title = Company Info / Overview|publisher=Korean Air|accessdate=2005-05-19}}</ref> A second carrier, ], established in 1988, also serves domestic and international traffic. Combined, South Korean airlines currently serve 297 international routes.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://english.mltm.go.kr/USR/WPGE0201/m_19549/DTL.jsp|title=International Aviation Policy|publisher=Ministry of Land, Transportation and Maritime Affairs|accessdate=2005-05-19}}</ref> Smaller airliners, such as ] and ], provide domestic service with lower fares.

South Korea is the world's sixth largest ] producer and the second-largest in Asia.<ref></ref> ] supplies 45% of electricity production and research is very active with investigation into a variety of advanced reactors, including a small modular reactor, a liquid-metal fast/] reactor and a high-temperature ] generation design. Fuel production and waste handling technologies have also been developed locally. It is also a member of the ] project.
{{clear}}

==Science and technology==
{{main|Science and technology in Korea}}

===Aerospace research===
{{main|Korea Aerospace Research Institute}}
], South Korea's first astronaut]]
South Korea has launched two satellites, ] in 1999 and ] in 2006, as part of its space partnership with ].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://korea.net/news/news/newsView.asp?serial_no=20070703031∂=107 |title=Korea, Russia enter full-fledged space partnership |publisher=Korean Culture and Information Service |date=3 July 2007 |accessdate=2009-03-01}}</ref>

], the first ] of South Korea, was completed in 2008 at ], ]. The ] is planned to be launched from Naro in the summer of 2009.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.itwire.com/content/view/14338/1066/ |title=First South Korean astronaut selected |last=Atkins |first=William |publisher=ITWire |date=5 September 2007 |accessdate=2009-03-01}}</ref>

In April 2008, ] became the first Korean to fly in space, aboard the Russian ].

===Biotechnology===
], can make expressive gestures with its 5 separate fingers.]]
Since the 1980s, the Korean government has actively invested in the development of a domestic ] industry, and the sector is expected to grow to $6.5 billion by 2010.<ref></ref> Medical sector accounts for a large part of the production, including production of ] and ]s.

Recently, research and development in ]s and ] has received increasing attention, with the first successful cloning of a dog, ], and the cloning of two females of an endangered species of wolves by the ] in 2007.<ref></ref>

The rapid growth of the industry has resulted in significant voids in regulation and ethics,<ref></ref> however, as was highlighted by the ] case involving ].

===Robotics===

] has been included in the list of main national R&D projects in Korea since 2003.<ref>. ], 3 September 2007. Accessed 15 July 2009.</ref>  In 2009, the government announced plans to build robot-themed parks in ] and ] with a mix of public and private funding.<ref>Lee Ho-jeong. . '']'', February 13, 2009. Accessed 15 July 2009.</ref>

In 2005, ] developed the world's second walking ], ]. A team in the ] developed the first Korean ], ] in May 2006. EveR-1 has been succeeded by more complex models with improved movement and vision. Next models are scheduled to be completed by 2010.

==Education==
{{main|Education in South Korea}}

], Seoul]]
Education in South Korea is regarded as being crucial to one's success and competition is consequently very heated and fierce. In the 2006 results of the ] ], South Korea came first in ], third in ] and eleventh in ].<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/PISA</ref>{{unreliable source|date=June 2009}}

A centralised administration in South Korea oversees the process for the education of children from kindergarten to the third and final year of high school. South Korea has adopted a new educational program to increase the number of their foreign students through the year 2010. According to Ministry of Education, Science and Technology estimate, by that time, the number of scholarships for foreign students in South Korea will be doubled, and the number of foreign students will reach 100,000.<ref></ref> 
The school year is divided into two semesters, the first of which begins in the beginning of March and ends in mid-July, the second of which begins in late August and ends in mid-February.The schedules are not uniformly standardized and vary from school to school.

==Demographics==
] in ], the world's second-largest ].]]
{{main|Demographics of South Korea|Koreans}}
Most South Koreans live in urban areas, due to rapid migration from the countryside during the country's quick economic expansion in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/south-korea/33.htm |title=South Korea |work=CIA Country Studies |accessdate=2006-04-22}}</ref> The capital city of ] is also the country's largest city and chief industrial center. According to 2005 census, Seoul had a population of 9.8 million inhabitants. The ] has 24.5 million inhabitants making it the world's second largest metropolitan area. Other major cities include ] (3.5 million), ] (2.5 million), ] (2.5 million), ] (1.4 million), ] (1.4 million) and ] (1 million).<ref>Populations for all cities as of 2005, {{cite web|url=http://www.kosis.kr/eng/e_stat_OLAP.jsp?tbl_id=DT_1IN0001&org_id=101&vwcd=MT_ETITLE&path=&oper_YN=Y&lang_mode=eng|title=Summary of Census Population (by administrative district/sex/age)|work=NSO Database|accessdate=2009-05-11}}</ref>

The population has also been shaped by international migration. Following the ] after World War II, about four million people from North Korea crossed the border to South Korea. This trend of net entry reversed over the next forty years due to emigration, especially to the ] and ]. However, South Korea's burgeoning economy and democracy in the early and mid-1990s slowed the high emigration rates typical of the previous decades. South Korea’s total population in 1960 was 25 million.<ref>. Source: ''Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat.''</ref> The current population of South Korea is roughly 49,540,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ups.kosis.kr/upload/Magazine/NEW/AC/AC10_2008.xls |title=2008년 12월 31일 기준 주민등록인구 및 세대 |work=Korea National Statistical Office |accessdate=2009-04-08}}</ref>

South Korea is a homogeneous society with absolute majority of the population of ] ethnicity.<ref>. CIA &ndash; The World Factbook.</ref> Although small, the percentage of non-Koreans has been increasing. Officially, as of the summer of 2007, there are just over 1 million foreigners living in Korea. That number includes foreign residents, students, tourists and illegal immigrants. Among them, 104,749 people were married to Koreans, 404,051 were working in Korea and 225,273 were illegal immigrants.<ref></ref> There are 31,000 ] personnel.<ref>US military figures as of 2005, from (] file) Tim Kane Global US Troop Deployment, 1950&ndash;2003</ref> Another notable group is women from ] who comprised 41% of new marriages with Korean farmers in 2006.<ref></ref>

South Korea’s birthrate is the world's lowest.<ref></ref> If this continues, its population is expected to decrease by 13 percent to 42.3 million in 2050,<ref></ref> South Korea's annual birthrate is approximately 9 births per 1000 people<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/KS.htm | title=South Korea | work=] | date=26 June 2009 | accessdate=4 July 2009}}</ref>. The average ] in 2008 was 79.10 years.<ref> &ndash; Rank Order &ndash; Life expectancy at birth</ref>

===Regions of South Korea===
{{main|Cities of South Korea}}
{{see also|Eight Provinces of Korea|List of regions of Korea}}

The figures below are the five regions populations within administrative city limits; the figures below only include long-term residents.

{{Largest cities of South Korea}}

===Religion===
{{main|Religion in South Korea}}
{{bar box
| title=South Korea religiosity
| titlebar=#ddd
| left1=religion
| right1=percent
| float=right
| bars=
{{bar percent|No religion|lightgrey|46.5}}
{{bar percent|Christianity|blue|29.3}}
{{bar percent|Buddhism|green|22.8}}
{{bar percent|Islam|yellow|0.4}}
{{bar percent|Other religions|black|0.4}}
{{bar percent|Won Buddhism|violet|0.3}}
{{bar percent|Confucianism|orange|0.2}}
{{bar percent|Cheondoism|red|0.1}}
}}
] ] in ] temple, ]]]
South Korea guarantees full freedom of religion, and citizens have the right to practise any religion they wish. South Korea's believers are mostly ] or  ], along with minor traditional religions practised in small regions.
Other religions include ] and various ]s such as ], ], ] and ].

] is South Korea's largest religion, accounting for more than half of all South Korea adherents.
There are approximately 15 million Christians<ref name="AFP religion">{{cite web|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/World/Story/STIStory_267202.html|author=]|title=S. Korea president faces protests from Buddhists|work=]|accessdate=2009-01-31|date=2009-01-31}}</ref> in South Korea today, with 2/3 of ] belonging to the ] group, while about 15% belong to the ] group. The largest Christian church in South Korea, ], is located in Seoul. Roman Catholicism has been the fastest growing religion in South Korea since the late 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2096/is_2000_Spring-Summer/ai_63300897|title=Christianity, Shamanism, and Modernization in South Korea|last=Kim|first=Andrew Eungi|publisher=CBS Interactive|year=2000|accessdate=2009-02-13}}</ref> South Korea is also the second-largest missionary-sending nation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/003/16.28.html|title=Missions Incredible|last=Moll|first=Rob|publisher=Christianity Today International|work=Christianity Today|date=2009-03-01|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref>

Buddhism was introduced to Korea from ] in the year 372.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.buddhismtoday.com/english/world/country/027-korea.htm|title=Buddhism in Korea|publisher=Korean Buddhism Magazine, Seoul|year=1997|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> According to the national census as of 2005, South Korea has over 10.7 million Buddhists.<ref name="AFP religion"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2008/108411.htm|title=International Religious Freedom Report 2008 - Korea, Republic of|publisher=]|date=2009-09-19|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> Today, about 90% of Korean Buddhists belong to ].  Most of the ] are Buddhist artifacts. Along with ], Buddhism was also a state religion during the periods from ] to ] before suppression under the Joseon Dynasty.<ref></ref>

There are an estimated 45,000 Muslim Koreans, in addition to some 100,000 foreign workers from Muslim countries,<ref></ref> particularly ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Korea’s Muslims Mark Ramadan|publisher=]|date=September 11, 2008|url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200809/200809110016.html|accessdate=2008-10-09}}</ref>

==Culture==
{{unreferenced|section|date=July 2009}}
], ]]]
{{main|Culture of Korea|South Korean culture}}
South Korea shares its traditional culture with ], but the two Koreas have developed distinct contemporary forms of culture since the peninsula was divided in 1945. Historically, while the culture of Korea has been heavily influenced by that of neighbouring China, it has nevertheless managed to develop a unique and distinct cultural identity from its larger neighbour.<ref name="Fairbank et al.">{{cite book|author=John K. Fairbank, Edwin O. Reischauer & Albert M. Craig|title=East Asia: Tradition & Transformation|publisher=Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston|year=1978|isbn=039525812X}}</ref> The South Korean ] actively encourages the traditional arts, as well as modern forms, through funding and education programs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mct.go.kr/english/section/bureau/cultural_1.jsp|work=MCT Website|title=Associated Organisations|accessdate=2006-04-11}} See also {{cite web|url=http://www.kcaf.or.kr/ehome3/mission.htm|title=Mission and Goal|work=Korea Cultural Administration website|accessdate=2006-04-11}}</ref> The industrialization and urbanization of South Korea have brought many changes to the way ] live. Changing economics and lifestyles have led to a concentration of population in major cities, especially the capital Seoul, with multi-generational households separating into ] living arrangements.

There were 8 ] in South Korea and recently ] was added, with a total of 9.

===Entertainment===
] is an internationally famous boy band]]
In addition to domestic consumption, South Korean mainstream culture, including televised drama, films, and popular music, also generates significant exports to various parts of the world.

Until the 1990s, ] dominated the Korean popular music. The emergence of the group ] in 1992 marked a turning point for Korean popular music, ], as the group incorporated elements of American popular musical genres of ], ], and ] into its music. Dance and ballad oriented acts have become dominant in the Korean popular music scene, though trot is still popular among older Koreans. Many K-Pop stars and groups are also well known abroad.

Since the success of the film '']'' in 1999, ] has become more popular in South Korea and abroad. Domestic film has a dominant share of the market, partly due to the existence of ] requiring cinemas to show Korean films at least 73 days a year.

], especially the short form dramatic mini-series called "dramas", have also become popular outside of Korea, becoming another driving trend for the Korean Wave in Asia. The trend has generated internationally known Korean stars and has boosted the image of Korean popular culture. The dramas are popular mostly in Asia, Australia and America, especially among Asian-American communities. The stories have a wide range, but the most prominent among the export dramas have been romance dramas, such as ], ], ], and historical/fantasy dramas, such as ], ] and ].

===Cuisine===
{{main|Korean cuisine}}
], a traditional Korean barbecue made of either beef or pork]]
]]]
Korean cuisine, ''hanguk yori'' (한국요리, 韓國料理), or ''hansik'' (한식, 韓食), has evolved through centuries of social and political change. Ingredients and dishes vary by province. There are many significant regional dishes that have proliferated in different variations across the country in the present day. The ] once brought all of the unique regional specialties together for the royal family. Meals consumed both by the royal family and ordinary Korean citizens have been regulated by a unique culture of etiquette.

Korean cuisine is largely based on ], ]s, ], vegetables, fish and meats. Traditional Korean meals are noted for the number of side dishes, '']'' (반찬), which accompany steam-cooked short-grain rice.  Every meal is accompanied by numerous banchan. ], a fermented, usually spicy vegetable dish is commonly served at every meal and is one of the best known Korean dishes. Korean cuisine usually involves heavy seasoning with ], '']'' (된장), a type of (]), ], salt, garlic, ginger, and '']'' (고추장), a hot pepper paste.

Soups are also a common part of a Korean meal and are served as part of the main course rather than at the beginning or the end of the meal. Soups known as '']'' (국) are often made with meats, shellfish and vegetables. Similar to guk, ''tang'' (탕) has less water, and is more often served in restaurants. Another type is '']'' (찌개), a ] that is typically heavily seasoned with chili pepper and served boiling hot.

===Technology culture===
]]]
In recent years ] have become a significant part of Korean culture. ], the PC ] is by far the most popular televised game in South Korea. Game tournaments, recorded in places like the ] are often broadcast live on TV stations such as ] and ]. Professional StarCraft players can command considerable salaries in South Korea as members of pro-gaming teams that are sponsored primarily by cell phone providers. PC games are usually played in ]s which are basically internet cafes, dedicated to LAN games of popular titles like ], ], ], ] and ].

] (DMB) on a mobile phone]]
South Korean corporations ] and ] are the second- and third-largest cell phone companies in the world, and South Korean consumers change their phones on average every 11 months. An estimated 90% of South Koreans own ] and use them not only for calling and messaging but also for watching ] (DMB) or viewing websites. Over one million DMB phones have been sold and the three major wireless communications providers ], ], and ] provide coverage in all major cities and other areas. 

] Dynasty.]]

===Art===
{{main|Korean art}}
Korean art has been highly influenced by ] and ].
There are well-known ] like ] and ]. Also ], ], ] and ] are popular Korean performing arts.
] is the traditional Korean dress. Nowadays, people wear it during traditional festivals and celebrations.
It has many germants like ], ] and ], so it is worn as semi-formal or formal wear.

===Architecture===
{{main|Architecture of South Korea}}
{{main|Korean architecture}}
] tower]]
Pre-modern Korean architecture may be divided into two main styles: these used in palace and temple structures, and these used in the houses of common people, which consisted of local variations.

Korean's ancient architects adopted the bracket system and is characterized by thatched roofs and heated floors called ondol. People of the upper classes built bigger houses with tiled roofs. The roofs were elegantly curved and accentuated with slightly uplifting eaves. There still are many sites like ], ] and ] where the traditional Korean architecture is preserved.

==Sports==
{{main|Sport in South Korea}}

] tournament]]
The ] ] originated in Korea. In the 1950s and 60s, modern rules were standardised, and Taekwondo became an official ] in 2000. Other Korean martial arts include ], ], ], ], ] and ].

] was first introduced to Korea in 1905 and has since become the most popular spectator sport in South Korea.<ref>KOIS (2003), p.632.</ref> The first South Korean professional sports league was the ], established in 1982. South Korea finished third during the ] and second during the ]. In the 2008 Olympics held in Beijing, South Korea won the gold medal in baseball.

]]]
In 1988, South Korea hosted the ], coming fourth with 12 gold medals, 10 silver medals and 11 bronze medals. South Korea regularly performs well in ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], taekwondo, and ]. South Korea also hosted the ] in 1986 (Seoul) and 2002 (Busan), and will host again in 2014 (Incheon). It also hosted the ] in 1999, the Winter ] in 1997 and the Summer Universiade in 2003.

In the ], jointly hosted by South Korea and Japan, the ] became the first team in the ] to reach the semi-finals.

In 2010, South Korea will host their first ] race to be staged at the ] in ], about {{convert|400|km|mi|-1}} south of Seoul. In 2011, the South Korean city of Daegu will host the ].

==See also==
{{main|Outline of South Korea}}
* ]

==Notes==
<!-- Please DO NOT use a scroll template/form/table for the reflink, please read warning on the scroll template page. Thank you. -->
{{Reflist|3}}

==References==
<div class="references-small">
*{{cite book |title=Korea's place in the sun |author=Cumings, Bruce |year=1997 |location=New York |publisher=W.W. Norton |isbn=0-393-31681-5}}
*{{cite book |title=Handbook of Korea, 11th ed. |author=KOIS (]) |location=Seoul |publisher=] |year=2003 |isbn=1-56591-212-8}}
*{{cite book |title=Korea: A history of the Korean people (2nd ed.) |author=Nahm, Andrew C. |year=1996 |location=Seoul |publisher=Hollym |isbn=1-56591-070-2}}
*{{cite book |title=The North and South Korean political systems: A comparative analysis (rev. ed.) |author=Yang, Sung Chul |year=1999 |location=Seoul |publisher=Hollym |isbn=1-56591-105-9}}
*{{cite book |title=Korea Annual 2004 |author=Yonhap News Agency |year=2004 |location=Seoul |publisher=Author|isbn=89-7433-070-9}}
*{{cite book |title=From Tradition to Consumption: Constructing a Capitalist Culture in South Korea |author=Dennis Hart |year=2003 |location=Seoul |publisher=Author |isbn=89-88095-44-8}}
*{{cite book |title=] |author=] |year=2004 |location= |publisher=St. Martin's Griffin|isbn=0312326092}}
</div>

==External links==
{{portalpar|Korea|Korea gyeongbokgung.jpg}}
{{commons|South Korea}}
{{sisterlinks|South Korea}}
*
*
*
* in ]
*{{CIA World Factbook link|ks|South Korea}}
* in the ]
*{{dmoz|Regional/Asia/South_Korea/}}
*{{yahoo directory|Regional/Countries/Korea__South/|South Korea}}
*, satellite views and geographical coordinates

{{Korea topics}}
{{Template group
|title = Geography and administration
|list =
{{Regions and administrative divisions of South Korea}}
{{Countries and territories of East Asia}}
{{Countries of Asia}}
}}
{{Template group
|title = International membership
|list =
{{Major non-NATO ally}}
{{East Asia Summit}} 
{{Community of Democracies}}
{{Four Asian Tigers}}
}}

<!--Interwiki-->

{{DEFAULTSORT:Korea, South}}
<!--Categories-->
]
]
]
]
]
]

{{Link FA|vi}}
{{Link FA|uz}}
<!--Other languages-->

]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Revision as of 23:48, 25 August 2009