South Korea
Region
🌍 Asia
Population
👥 51
Currency
💱 South Korean won
Languages
🗣️ Korean
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Discover the vibrant energy of South Korea, a land where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge technology. Explore bustling metropolises like Seoul, brimming with futuristic skyscrapers, historical palaces, and a world-renowned K-pop scene. Venture beyond the cities to find serene temples nestled in misty mountains, picturesque coastal villages, and the unique natural beauty of Jeju Island. Indulge in a culinary adventure, from spicy kimchi and savory bibimbap to delicious street food. South Korea offers an unforgettable blend of culture, history, innovation, and natural splendor.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of Korea
Continent
Asia
DemonymSource: REST Countries
South Korean
Independence
August 15, 1945 (from Japan)
Top-Level Domain
.kr
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+82
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+09:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Seoul
ISO Alpha-2
KR
ISO Alpha-3
KOR
UN Code
410
Geographic Coordinates
37,127.50
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
100,210#109 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
51,106,229#30 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
529.84
Highest Point (m)
1,950 (Mount Hallasan)
Lowest Point (m)
0 (Sea level)
Land Use
Approximately 19% arable land.
Irrigated Land
Approximately 12,000 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
2,413 km
Climate
Temperate, with four distinct seasons; monsoonal influences in summer.
Natural Resources
Coal, tungsten, graphite, gold, silver, and lead.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
North Korea
Major Rivers
Nakdong River, Han River, Geum River.
Major Lakes
None listed, but there are several significant reservoirs.
Government Type
Republic
Administrative Divisions
9 provinces (do), 7 metropolitan cities (gwangyeoksi), 1 special self-governing city (teukbyeol jachi si), and 1 special self-governing province (teukbyeol jachi do).
Legal System
Based on civil law system
Chief of State
President Yoon Suk-yeol
Head of Government
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo
Cabinet
Council of State (cabinet) appointed by the President.
Elections
President elected by popular vote; National Assembly elected by popular vote.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court; Constitutional Court.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly (Gukhoe)
Major Political Parties
People Power Party, Democratic Party of Korea.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
South Korean won
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1,872.37#13 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3,262.58#14 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
36,226.97#46 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.46
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
34.33
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
57.23
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.12#126 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
29,865,575
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.68#157 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
47.81
Budget
South Korea's annual budget is in the hundreds of billions of USD.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
856.86#11 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
760.16#12 of 192
Foreign Reserves
South Korea holds substantial foreign reserves, typically among the largest in the world.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found on major financial websites and banks.
GDP by Sector
The South Korean economy is primarily driven by services, manufacturing, and wholesale & retail trade.
Major Industries
Major industries include electronics, automotive, chemicals, shipbuilding, and steel.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners include China, the United States, Vietnam, and Japan.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners include China, Japan, the United States, and Australia.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2008)Checked September 29, 2026
97.97#44 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
4.7
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
7
Net Migration Rate
The net migration rate is slightly positive.
Median Age
The median age is approximately 45 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
81.17#54 of 214
Urbanization Rate
The urbanization rate is relatively slow, but urban population continues to increase.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
83.6#13 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is very low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
8.68
Ethnic Groups
The population is overwhelmingly Korean.
Religions
Christianity, Buddhism, and no religion are the most prevalent.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Korean
Education
Education System
Education system is structured into primary, secondary (middle and high school), and higher education.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
16.5
Government Education Spending
Government expenditure on education is significant, consistently above the OECD average.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Seoul National University, KAIST, Yonsei University, Korea University.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Culture blends traditional Confucian values with modern influences. Strong emphasis on family, respect for elders, and a dynamic pop culture (K-Pop, K-dramas).
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- 새해 (2026-01-01)
- 설날 (2026-02-16)
- 설날 (2026-02-17)
- 설날 (2026-02-18)
- 3·1절 (2026-03-02)
- 노동절 (2026-05-01)
- 어린이날 (2026-05-05)
- 부처님 오신 날 (2026-05-25)
- 지방 선거일 (2026-06-03)
- 현충일 (2026-06-06)
- 제헌절 (2026-07-17)
- 광복절 (2026-08-17)
Popular Music
K-Pop is globally popular, along with K-Hip Hop and ballads.
Traditional Food
Kimchi, bibimbap, bulgogi, and Korean barbecue are staples.
Sports
Baseball, football (soccer), and taekwondo are popular.
Major Festivals
Chuseok, Seollal (Korean New Year), and various regional festivals.
Famous People
Includes: BTS (music group), Bong Joon-ho (film director), Park Ji-sung (footballer), and many K-pop idols/actors.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Numerous palaces, temples, and historic villages reflecting its long history.
UNESCO Sites
Includes Gyeongju Historic Areas, Hahoe Folk Village, and Jongmyo Shrine.
Annual Tourist Visits
Millions of annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Popular tourist destination with diverse attractions.
Top Tourist Attractions
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jeju Island, DMZ, Busan.
Famous Cities
Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Gwangju.
National Parks
Well-maintained national parks.
Protected Areas
Numerous protected areas.
Best Time to Visit
South Korea offers a delightful experience throughout the year, but certain seasons truly shine. For vibrant spring blossoms and comfortable city exploration, April and May are ideal. This is also a wonderful time for hiking in national parks and enjoying outdoor festivals. Autumn, from September to November, boasts stunning fall foliage, making it perfect for scenic drives and trekking. The crisp air is also conducive to exploring bustling cities like Seoul and Busan. Summer (June to August) is warm and humid, best suited for beach holidays on the southern coast and enjoying water activities. However, be prepared for occasional rain. Winter (December to February) is cold but offers unique experiences like skiing in the Pyeongchang region and enjoying festive holiday markets in urban centers.
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary depending on nationality; visa-free entry for many countries.
Visa Requirements Overview
Tourist visa requirements for South Korea vary significantly depending on your nationality. Many visitors from countries with reciprocal visa-waiver agreements can enter South Korea for short stays, typically up to 90 days, without a visa for tourism purposes. This includes citizens of many Western countries and some Asian nations. However, citizens of other countries will need to apply for a tourist visa in advance through a South Korean embassy or consulate in their home country. It is crucial to check the specific requirements for your passport well in advance of your travel plans, as regulations can change. Some short-term visitors may also need to obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA).
Travel Advisory
Generally safe, but potential for political tension with North Korea.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
South Korea has a high healthcare quality index.
Medical Cost
Medical costs are relatively affordable due to the national health insurance system.
Number of Hospitals
South Korea has a substantial number of hospitals providing healthcare services.
Universal Healthcare
South Korea has a universal healthcare system, National Health Insurance (NHI), covering most medical services.
Medical Services Overview
South Korea has a well-developed healthcare system with modern facilities and highly trained medical professionals.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are readily accessible, with a well-developed ambulance system.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
112
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
119
Emergency Number (Fire)
119
Crime Rate
Low crime rate index.
Safety Index
High safety index.
Military Expenditure
Significant military expenditure due to security concerns.
Emergency Services Overview
Well-equipped and efficient emergency services.
Safety Overview
South Korea is renowned for its exceptionally high level of safety, making it a very secure destination for tourists. Violent crime is rare, and petty theft, such as pickpocketing, is uncommon, though always a possibility in crowded tourist areas or on public transport. Common scams are virtually non-existent. It's generally advisable to exercise standard caution, especially when out late at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods, although serious incidents are highly unlikely. Public transportation is safe and efficient. Emergency services are highly responsive and readily available. Overall, visitors can feel very at ease and focus on enjoying their trip.
Military Branches
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Universal electricity access.
Water Access
Universal access to improved water sources.
Sanitation Access
Universal access to improved sanitation facilities.
Railways
Extensive high-speed rail network (KTX) connecting major cities.
Roadways
Well-developed, extensive road network.
Transportation System
Highly developed, featuring efficient public transportation including subways, buses, and high-speed rail.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Cheongju International Airport/Cheongju Air Base (K-59/G-513) (CJJ), Daegu International Airport (TAE), Gimhae International Airport (PUS), Incheon International Airport (ICN), Jeju International Airport (CJU), Muan International Airport (MWX)
Ports
Major ports in Busan, Incheon, and Ulsan.
Public Transit
Excellent public transit, including extensive subway systems, buses, and high-speed rail.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
97.9#14 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
High mobile subscriptions per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Growing tech startup ecosystem.
Innovation Index
High innovation index.
ICT Development Index
Very high ICT Development Index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Multiple television broadcast stations.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type C and F, 220V, 60Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
11.36#17 of 202
Air Quality Index
High levels of air pollution, particularly in urban areas, linked to industrial emissions and vehicle traffic.
Water Pollution Level
Moderate levels of water pollution, stemming from industrial discharge and agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Growing renewable energy sector, with increasing investment in solar and wind power, but still reliant on fossil fuels.
Environmental Issues
Air and water pollution, deforestation, acid rain, and climate change impacts are significant environmental concerns.
Natural Hazards
Typhoons, earthquakes, and tsunamis pose potential threats.
Waste Management
Well-developed waste management system, including recycling programs and waste-to-energy facilities, but still faces challenges.
Environmental Agreements
Active participant in international environmental agreements, including the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Maintains numerous diplomatic missions globally.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
G20, OECD
Major Treaties
Major treaties include alliances and trade agreements.
Visa-Free Countries
Offers visa-free access to many countries.