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lalalalallalalalla i hate south korea
{{Redirect|ROK}}
{{redirect-distinguish2|Republic of Korea|the buttkiss ]}}
{{pp-move-indef}}
{{Infobox country
|native_name = {{lang|ko|대한민국}}<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 = Emblem
|image_map = <!--Do not change without discussing at the Talk page-->South Korea (orthographic projection).svg<!--Do not change without discussing at the Talk page-->
|mapsize = 220px
|motto = <br />{{lang|ko|홍익인간}} <small>(unofficial)</small><br /><small>(Translation: Benefit broadly the human world)</small>
|national_anthem = ]<small>"{{lang|ko|(])}}<br /><small>(]: "]")</small><br /><small>({{lang-en|"Patriotic Song"}})</small>
|official_languages = ]
|languages_type = ]s
|languages = ]<ref>] ] 1-1, ] Version, 2007, p. ]</ref><!--Hanja is an official script as it is reference to 大韓民國, 弘益人間, 愛國歌, etc -->
|demonym = South Korean, Korean
|ethnic_groups = ] (99%)<ref>, CIA World Factbook.</ref>
|capital = ]
|latd = 37
|latm = 35
|latNS = N
|longd = 127
|longm = 0
|longEW = E
|government_type = ] ] ]
|leader_title1 = ]
|leader_title2 = ]
|leader_title3 = ]
|leader_name1 = ]
|leader_name2 = ]
|leader_name3 = Kang Chang-hee
|legislature = ]
|largest_city = ]
|area_rank = 109th
|area_magnitude = 1 E11
|area_km2 = 100,210
|area_sq_mi = 38,691 <!--Do not remove per ]-->
|percent_water = 0.3
|population_estimate = 50,004,441<ref>{{cite web |url= http://kostat.go.kr/portal/english/news/1/9/index.board?bmode=download&bSeq=&aSeq=259208&ord=1 |title=Korea's Population: 50 million |publisher=National Statistics Office |year=2012 |accessdate=August 8, 2012}}</ref>
|population_estimate_year = 2012
|population_estimate_rank = 25th
|population_density_km2 = 491
|population_density_sq_mi = 1,271 <!--Do not remove per ]-->
|population_density_rank = 21st
|GDP_nominal = $1.163 trillion<ref name=imf2>{{cite web |url= http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2011/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2009&ey=2016&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=542&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC%2CLP&grp=0&a=&pr1.x=52&pr1.y=18 |title= South Korea |publisher=International Monetary Fund |month=September |year=2011 |accessdate=November 5, 2011}}</ref>
|GDP_nominal_rank = 15th
|GDP_nominal_year = 2011
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $23,749<ref name=imf2/>
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 32nd
|GDP_PPP = $1.556 trillion<ref name=imf2/>
|GDP_PPP_rank = 12th
|GDP_PPP_year = 2011
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $31,753<ref name=imf2/>
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 26th
|sovereignty_type = ]
|established_event3 = ]
|established_event4 = ]
|established_event5 = ]
|established_event6 = ]
|established_event7 = ]
|established_event8 = ]
|established_date3 = October 3, 2333 BC
|established_date4 = March 1, 1919
|established_date5 = April 13, 1919
|established_date6 = August 15, 1945
|established_date7 = July 17, 1948
|established_date8 = August 15, 1948
|HDI_year = 2011
|HDI = {{increase}} 0.897<ref name="HDI">{{cite web |url= http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/HDR_2011_EN_Table1.pdf |title=Human Development Report |year=2011 |publisher= United Nations |accessdate= November 5, 2011}}</ref>
|HDI_rank = 15th
|HDI_category = <span style="color:#090;">very high</span>
|Gini=31.0<ref name=ciagini>, CIA World Fact Book.</ref>
|Gini_year = 2010
|Gini_category =
|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 = ]
|ac_outlet = 220V/60Hz
|cctld = ], ]
|calling_code = ]
|footnote1 = Mobile phone system ], ], ], ] and ]
|footnote2 = Domestic power supply 220V/60 Hz, ] sockets
}}
{{Contains Korean text}}
'''South Korea''' ({{Audio|En-us-South Korea.ogg|listen|help=no}}), officially the '''Republic of Korea''' ({{korean|hangul=대한민국}}; Daehan Minguk {{Audio|Ko-Daehan_Minguk.ogg|listen|help=no}}), is a sovereign state in the southern part of the ].<ref name="CIA">{{CIA World Factbook}}</ref> The name "Korea" is derived from ], a dynasty which ruled in the Middle Ages. Its neighbors are ] to the west, ] to the east, and ] to the north. South Korea lies in the ] with a predominantly mountainous terrain. It covers a total area of 99,392 square kilometers<ref name="kgeography">{{cite web |url= http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/korea/geography.htm#TERRITORY |title= Korea's Geography |publisher=Asianinfo.org |date=February 1, 2010 |accessdate=July 13, 2010}}</ref> and has a population of {{Nowrap|50 million}}. The capital and largest city is ], with a population of 9,794,304.

Archaeological findings show that the Korean Peninsula was occupied by the ].<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.rom.on.ca/news/releases/public.php?mediakey=sg1yebpnv8 |title=Ancient civilizations |publisher=Royal Ontario Museum |location =Canada |date=December 12, 2005 |accessdate=April 25, 2010}}</ref><ref>, Office of the Prime Minister.</ref> ] begins with the founding of ] in 2333 BC by the legendary ]. Following the unification of the ] under ] 668&nbsp;AD, Korea went through the ] and ] as one nation until the end of the ] in 1910, when it was annexed by Japan. After ] by Soviet and U.S. forces at the end of ], the nation was divided into North and South Korea. The latter was established in 1948 as a ], though ] and times of military rule and martial law characterized much of the period until the foundation of the ] in 1987.

After the invasion of South Korea by forces from the North on {{Nowrap|June 25, 1950}}, the resulting ] between the two Koreas ended with an ], but the border between the two nations remains the most heavily fortified in the world.<ref name=border/> After the war and in the decades that followed, the ] grew significantly and the country was transformed into a ],<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/322280/South-Korea/34997/Economic-and-social-developments |title=South Korea: Economic and social developments |work=] |accessdate=February 18, 2010}}</ref> a ], and a ] in East Asia.

South Korea is a ] ] consisting of seventeen ] and is a ] with a very high ]. It is Asia's fourth largest economy and the world's ] (]) or ] (]) largest economy.<ref>, International Monetary Fund.</ref> The economy is export-driven, with production focusing on ], ]s, ]s, ], ]s and ]. South Korea is a member of the ], ], and ]. It is also a founding member of ] and the ].

==History==

===Before the division===
{{Main|History of Korea}}
]'', the first known book printed with movable metal type in 1377. Bibliothèque Nationale de Paris]]
Korean history begins with the founding of Chosun (often known as "]" to prevent confusion with another dynasty founded in the 14th century; the prefix Go- means 'older,' 'before,' or 'earlier') in 2333&nbsp;BC by ], according to Korean foundation mythology.<ref name=koreashistory>{{cite web|url=http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/korea/history.htm|title=Korea's History|publisher=Asian Shravan|accessdate=February 17, 2009}}</ref> Gojoseon expanded until it controlled northern Korean Peninsula and some parts of ]. After many conflicts 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 states, ], ], and ] grew to control the peninsula as ]. The unification of the Three Kingdoms by Silla in 676 led to the ], in which much of the Korean Peninsula was controlled by ], while ] succeeded to have the control of northern parts of Goguryeo.

In Unified Silla, poetry and art was encouraged, and Buddhist culture thrived. Relationships between Korea and China remained relatively peaceful during this time. However, Unified Silla weakened under internal strife, and surrendered to ] in 935. Balhae, 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 Russian Far East. It fell to the ] in 926.

The peninsula was united by Emperor ] in 936. Like Silla, Goryeo was a highly cultural state and created the ] in 1377, using the world's oldest movable metal type ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitaljikji.net/digital_jikji/main.asp|title=Digital Jikji|publisher=Digital Jikji|date=|accessdate=April 25, 2010}}</ref> The ] in the 13th century greatly weakened Goryeo. After nearly 30 years of war, Goryeo continued to rule Korea, though as a tributary ally to the Mongols. After the ] collapsed, severe political strife followed and the Goryeo Dynasty was replaced by the ] in 1392, following a rebellion by General ].

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

King Taejo declared the new name of Korea as "Joseon" in reference to Gojoseon, and moved the capital to Hanseong (old name of ]). The first 200 years of the Joseon Dynasty were marked by relative peace and saw the creation of ] by ] in the 15th century and the rise in influence of ] in the country.

Between 1592 and 1598, the ]. ] led the Japanese forces, but his advance was halted by Korean forces with assistance from ] militias and ] China troops. Through a series of successful battles of attrition, the Japanese forces were eventually forced to withdraw, and subsequently signed a peace ageement with diplomats of Ming China. This war also saw the rise of Admiral ] and his renowned "]". In the 1620s and 1630s, Joseon suffered from ] which eventually extended to China as well.

After another series of ], Joseon experienced a nearly 200-year period of peace. ] and ] particularly led a new renaissance of the Joseon Dynasty.

However, the latter years of the Joseon Dynasty were marked by a dependence on China for external affairs and isolation from the outside world. During the 19th century, Korea's isolationist policy earned it the name the "]". The Joseon Dynasty tried to protect itself against Western ], but was eventually forced to open trade. After the ] and the ], Korea was ] (1910–1945). At the end of World War&nbsp;II, the Japanese surrendered to Soviet and U.S. forces who occupied the northern and southern halves of Korea, respectively.

===After the division===
{{Main|History of South Korea}}

Despite the initial plan of a unified Korea in the 1943 ], escalating ] antagonism between the ] and the United States eventually led to the establishment of separate governments, each with its own ], leading to ] into two political entities in 1948: ] and South Korea. In the North, a former anti-Japanese guerrilla and communist activist, ] gained power through Soviet support. In the South, elections supervised by the United Nations were held, a Republic of Korea was declared, and ] inaugurated as its first president. In December, the UN General Assembly declared this "a lawful government" and "the only such government in Korea."<ref name=UN195>"", December 12, 1948, ''Resolutions Adopted by the General Assembly During its Third Session'', p. 25.</ref>
On June 25, 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, sparking the ], the Cold War's first major conflict. At the time, the Soviet Union had 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 China 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 ever signed, resulting in the two countries remaining technically at war. At least {{Nowrap|2.5 million}} people died during the Korean War.<ref>. Britannica Online Encyclopedia.</ref>

] is a historic pagoda-style gateway. ]]
] at night.]]

In 1960, ] (the "4.19 Revolution") led to the resignation of the autocratic President Syngman Rhee. 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 ] in 1979, overseeing rapid ] as well as political repression. Park was heavily criticised as a ruthless military dictator, although the Korean economy developed significantly during his tenure. The government developed the nation-wide highway system, the Seoul subway system, and laid the foundation for economic development during his tenure.

The years after Park's assassination were marked again by political turmoil, as the previously repressed opposition leaders all campaigned to run for president in the sudden political void. In 1979 there was ] by General ]. After the Coup d'état, Chun Doo-hwan planned to rise to power with several measures. On May 17, Chun Doo-hwan forced the Cabinet to expand martial law to the whole nation, which had previously not applied to Jeju-do. The expanded martial law closed universities, banned political activities and further curtailed the press. Chun assumed the presidency by the event of May 17, triggering nationwide protests demanding ], in particular in the city of ], where Chun sent special forces to violently suppress the ].<ref>, May 17, 2000.</ref>

Chun subsequently created the National Defense Emergency Policy Committee and took the presidency according to his political plan. Chun and his government held Korea under a despotic rule until 1987, when a ] student, Park Jong-chul, was tortured to death.<ref>, ''The Hankyoreh'', January 15, 2007. Retrieved July 15, 2010.</ref> On {{Nowrap|June 10}}, the ] revealed the incident, igniting ] around the country. Eventually, Chun's party, the ], and its leader, ] announced the 6.29 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 ].

In 1988, Seoul hosted the ]. It became a member of the ] (OECD) in 1996.<ref>. Paris: OECD.</ref> It was adversely affected by the ]. However, the country was able to recover and continue its economic growth, albeit at a slower pace.

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=February 17, 2009}}</ref> However, due to discontent among the population for fruitless approaches to the North under the previous administrations and, amid North Korean provocations, a conservative government was elected in 2007 led by President Lee Myung-bak, former mayor of Seoul. Another presidential election will be held in late 2012.

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

==Government==
{{Main|Government of South Korea}}
]]]
Under its current constitution the state is sometimes referred to as the ]. Like many democratic states,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://a330.g.akamai.net/7/330/25828/20081021185552/graphics.eiu.com/PDF/Democracy%20Index%202008.pdf |publisher=The Economist Intelligence Unit |title=Index of Democracy 2008 |accessdate=April 25, 2010}}</ref> South Korea has a government 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 ] 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 at independence. However, it has retained many broad characteristics and 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&nbsp;– Constitution|publisher=International Constitutional Law|accessdate=February 16, 2009}}</ref> The first direct ] was also held in 1948. Although South Korea experienced a series of military dictatorships from the 1960s up until the 1980s, it has since developed into a successful ]. Today, 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=February 10, 2009|accessdate=February 16, 2009}}</ref>

==Administrative divisions==
{{Main|Provinces of South Korea|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), one '''special city''' and one '''special autonomous city'''.
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!Map!!Name<sup>a</sup>!!]!!]!!]
|-
|rowspan="22"|{{South Korea Provincial level Labelled Map}}
!colspan="5"|Special city (''Teukbyeolsi'')<sup>a</sup>
|-
|]||{{lang|ko|서울특별시}}||{{lang|ko|서울特別市}}<sup>b</sup>||9,794,304
|-
!colspan="5"|Special self-governing city (''Teukbyeol-jachisi'')<sup>a</sup>
|-
|]||{{lang|ko|세종특별자치시}}||{{lang|ko|世宗特別自治市}}||122,263
|-
!colspan="5"|Metropolitan cities (''Gwangyeoksi'')<sup>a</sup>
|-
|]||{{lang|ko|부산광역시}}||{{lang|ko|釜山廣域市}}||3,635,389
|-
|]||{{lang|ko|대구광역시}}||{{lang|ko|大邱廣域市}}||2,512,604
|-
|]||{{lang|ko|인천광역시}}||{{lang|ko|仁川廣域市}}||2,628,000
|-
|]||{{lang|ko|대전광역시}}||{{lang|ko|大田廣域市}}||1,442,857
|-
|]||{{lang|ko|광주광역시}}||{{lang|ko|光州廣域市}}||1,456,308
|-
|]||{{lang|ko|울산광역시}}||{{lang|ko|蔚山廣域市}}||1,087,958
|-
!colspan="5"|Provinces (''Do'')<sup>a</sup>
|-
|]||{{lang|ko|경기도}}||{{lang|ko|京畿道}}||10,415,399
|-
|]||{{lang|ko|강원도}}||{{lang|ko|江原道}}||1,592,000
|-
|]||{{lang|ko|충청북도}}||{{lang|ko|忠淸北道}}||1,462,621
|-
|]||{{lang|ko|충청남도}}||{{lang|ko|忠淸南道}}||1,840,410
|-
|]||{{lang|ko|전라북도}}||{{lang|ko|全羅北道}}||1,890,669
|-
|]||{{lang|ko|전라남도}}||{{lang|ko|全羅南道}}||1,994,287
|-
|]||{{lang|ko|경상북도}}||{{lang|ko|慶尙北道}}||2,775,890
|-
|]||{{lang|ko|경상남도}}||{{lang|ko|慶尙南道}}||2,970,929
|-
!colspan="5"|Special self-governing province (''Teukbyeoljachi-do'')<sup>a</sup>
|-
|]||{{lang|ko|제주특별자치도}}||{{lang|ko|濟州特別自治道}}||560,000
|}
{{Smaller|<sup>a</sup> ]; <sup>b</sup> ].}}

==Foreign relations==
{{Main|Foreign relations of South Korea}}
South Korea maintains diplomatic relations with more than 188 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 the ] as both a member of ''ASEAN Plus three,'' a body of observers, and the ] (EAS).

In 2010, South Korea and the ] concluded a ] (FTA) to reduce trade barriers. South Korea is also negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with Canada,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/korea-coree/index.aspx?lang=en |title= Canada-Korea&nbsp;– Free Trade Agreement Negotiations |publisher=Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada |date=January 5, 2009 |accessdate=March 5, 2009}}</ref> and another with ].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-03/03/content_10933684.htm |title=South Korea, New Zealand launch FTA negotiations |work=Xinhua |location =Beijing |date=March 3, 2009 |accessdate= February 18, 2010}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> In November 2009 South Korea joined the OECD ], marking the first time a former aid recipient country joined the group as a donor member. South Korea hosted the G-20 Summit in Seoul in November 2010.

===China===
{{main|People's Republic of China–South Korea relations|Republic of China–South Korea relations}}
Historically, Korea has had close relations with China. Before the formation of South Korea, Korean independence fighters worked with Chinese soldiers during the Japanese occupation. However, after ], the People's Republic of China embraced ] while South Korea sought close relations with 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,<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite news |url= http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/FI11Dg03.html |title=Asia Times&nbsp;– News and analysis from Korea; North and South |work=Asia Times |location =Hong Kong |date=September 11, 2004 |accessdate=April 25, 2010}}</ref> and South Korean–Chinese relations have improved steadily since 1992.<ref name="autogenerated2" /> The Republic of Korea broke off official relations with the ] upon gaining official relations with the People's Republic of China, which doesn't recognise ].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/24/world/chinese-and-south-koreans-formally-establish-relations.html |date= August 24, 1992 |last=Kristof |first=Nicholas D. |title= Chinese and South Koreans Formally Establish Relations |work=The New York Times}}</ref>

===European Union===
{{main|South Korea–European Union relations}}
The ] (EU) and South Korea are important trading partners, having negotiated a ] for many years since South Korea was designated as a priority FTA partner in 2006. The free trade agreement was approved in September 2010, and took effect on July 1, 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hjiU353BrLQrVT2oZEu5HPb40ugA |agency=Agence France-Presse |title=EU agrees free trade deal with S.Korea |date=September 16, 2009}}</ref> South Korea is the EU's eighth largest trade partner, and the EU has become South Korea's second largest export destination. EU trade with South Korea exceeded €65 billion in 2008 and has enjoyed an annual average growth rate of 7.5% between 2004 and 2008.<ref name=EU>{{cite web |url= http://ec.europa.eu/trade/creating-opportunities/bilateral-relations/countries/korea/ |publisher=European Commission |location =Brussels |title=Bilateral Relations: Korea}}</ref>

The EU has been the single largest foreign investor in South Korea since 1962, and accounted for almost 45% of all FDI inflows into Korea in 2006. Nevertheless, EU companies have significant problems accessing and operating in the South Korean market due to stringent standards and testing requirements for products and services often creating barriers to trade. Both in its regular bilateral contacts with South Korea and through its FTA with Korea, the EU is seeking to improve this situation.<ref name=EU />

===Japan===
{{main|History of Japan–Korea relations|Japan–Korea disputes}}
] has become an issue known as the ]]]
Although there were no formal diplomatic ties between South Korea and Japan after the end of World War&nbsp;II, 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 ] after the ]. During ], more than 100,000 Koreans were forced to serve in the ].<ref>A Brief History of the US-Korea Relations Prior to 1945. "While less than 100 Koreans in America enlisted in the US military during World War&nbsp;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}}{{dead link|date=October 2010}}</ref> Korean women were forced to the war front to serve the Imperial Japanese Army as sexual slaves, called ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www35.atwiki.jp/kolia/pages/11.html |title=従軍慰安婦の正体 |deadurl=no |accessdate=19 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.jpri.org/publications/workingpapers/wp77.html |title= Japan's Responsibility Toward Comfort Women Survivors |publisher =Japan Policy Research Institute |location =San Francisco |last=Soh |first=C. Sarah |month=May |year=2001 |accessdate=February 3, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.comfort-women.org/index.php |publisher=Washington Coalition for Comfort Women Issues |title=WCCW's Mission |year=2011 |accessdate=February 18, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://jbpress.ismedia.jp/articles/-/35903 |title=朝日新聞が日韓関係を破壊した 慰安婦についての大誤報を謝罪することが関係修復の条件 |deadurl=no |accessdate=19 August 2012}}</ref>

Longstanding issues such as ] against Korean civilians, the visits by Japanese politicians to the ] honoring Japanese soldiers killed at war (including some class A war criminals), the re-writing of ] related to Japanese acts during World War&nbsp;II, and the territorial disputes over ] (Japanese official name: Takeshima and South Korean official name: Dokdo)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dynamic-korea.com/news/view_news.php?main=KTD&sub=&uid=200800220395&keyword= |title=Dynamic-korea.com |publisher=Dynamic-korea.com |date= |accessdate=October 29, 2010}}</ref> continue to trouble Korean-Japanese relations. Although Dokdo/Takeshima is claimed by both Korea and Japan, the islets are administered by South Korea, which has its ] stationed there.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www35.atwiki.jp/kolia/pages/115.html |title=国民が知らない反日の実態 - 竹島侵略の正体 |deadurl=no |accessdate=19 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="globalsecurity">, '']''</ref>

In response to then-] ]'s repeated visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, former ] Roh Moo-hyun suspended all summit talks between South Korea and Japan.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.voanews.com/Korean/archive/2006-03/2006-03-17-voa12.cfm |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080507103851/http://www.voanews.com/Korean/archive/2006-03/2006-03-17-voa12.cfm |archivedate=May 7, 2008 |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 |work=] |date=March 17, 2006 |accessdate=February 15, 2009}}</ref>

===North Korea===
{{main|North Korea–South Korea relations}}
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=North, South Korea pledge peace, prosperity |accessdate=February 17, 2009 |agency=Reuters |date=October 4, 2007}}</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 ]. {{As of|2009|May|alt=As of early 2009}}, relationships between North and South Korea were very tense; North Korea had been reported to have deployed missiles,<ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7905361.stm |title= North Korea deploying more missiles |work=BBC News |date=February 23, 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 |work=BBC News |date=January 30, 2009 |accessdate=March 8, 2009}}</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 |work=BBC News |date=March 3, 2009 |accessdate=March 8, 2009 |title=North Korea warning over satellite}}</ref>
North and South Korea are still technically at war (having never signed a peace treaty after the Korean War) and share the world's most heavily fortified border.<ref name=border>{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/06/03/koreas.agree/index.html |title= Koreas agree to military hotline |work=CNN.com |date=June 4, 2004|accessdate=February 18, 2010}}</ref> On May 27, 2009, North Korean media declared that the Armistice is no longer valid due to the South Korean government's pledge to "definitely join" the ].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/psi.htm |title=Proliferation Security Initiation |date=May 31, 2003 |accessdate=May 8, 2012}}</ref> To further complicate and intensify strains between the two nations, the ] in March 2010, is affirmed by the South Korean government<ref>{{cite news |author =Jung Sung-ki |url= http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/09/205_72997.html |work=Korea Times |location =Seoul |title=Seoul reaffirms N. Korea's torpedo attack in final report |date=September 13, 2010}}</ref> to have been caused by a North Korean torpedo, which the North denies. President Lee Myung-bak declared in May 2010 that Seoul would cut all trade with North Korea as part of measures primarily aimed at striking back at North Korea diplomatically and financially, except for the joint Kaesong Industrial Project, and humanitarian aid.<ref name=kaesong>{{cite news |url= http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/05/25/2010052501206.html |work=Chosun Ilbo |location =Seoul |title=Seoul Decides to Continue Kaesong Project, Humanitarian Aid |date=May 25, 2010}}</ref> North Korea initially threatened to sever all ties, to completely abrogate the previous pact of non-aggression, and to expel all South Koreans from ], but backtracked on its threats and decided to continue its ties with South Korea. But despite the continuing ties, Kaesong industrial zone has seen a large decrease in investment and manpower as a result of this military conflict.

2009–2010 Timeline<ref name=kaesong />
*November 2009, South Korea fires on and badly damages a North Korean patrol ship, which retreats in flames.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/world/north-south-korea-incidents/ | work=The Washington Post | title=Incidents between North and South Korea}}</ref>
*March 26, 2010: South Korean ], killing 46 sailors
*May 20, 2010: Panel says a North Korean torpedo sank the ship; Pyongyang denies involvement
*July–September 2010: South Korea and US hold military exercises; US places more sanctions on Pyongyang
*September 29, 2010: North holds rare party congress seen as part of father-to-son succession move
*October 29, 2010: Troops from North and South Korea exchange fire across the land border
*November 12, 2010: North Korea shows US scientist new&nbsp;– undeclared&nbsp;– uranium enrichment facility
*November 23, 2010: North ], killing four South Koreans

===United States===
{{main|South Korea–United States relations}}
] and ] walking after a meeting at the ] in Seoul in November 2010.]]
The United States engaged in the decolonization of Korea (mainly in the South, with the Soviet Union engaged in North Korea) from Japan after World War&nbsp;II. After three years of military administration by the United States, the South Korean government was established. Upon the onset of the Korean War, U.S. forces were sent to defend South Korea against invasion by North Korea and later China. Following the Armistice, South Korea and the U.S. agreed to a "Mutual Defense Treaty", under which an attack on either party in the ] area would summon a response from both.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/kor001.asp |publisher=Yale Law School |title=Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States and the Republic of Korea; October 1, 1953}}</ref> In 1967, South Korea obliged the mutual defense treaty, by sending a large combat troop contingent to support the United States in the ]. The ], ], and ] are stationed in South Korea. The two nations have strong economic, diplomatic, and military ties, although they have at times disagreed with regard to policies towards North Korea, and with regard to some of South Korea's industrial activities that involve usage of rocket or nuclear technology. There had also been strong anti-American sentiment during certain periods, which has largely moderated in the modern day.<ref>{{cite journal |url= http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayFulltext?type=1&fid=7819663&jid=PSC&volumeId=43&issueId=03&aid=7819661 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |title=South Korean Attitudes toward the ROK–U.S. Alliance: Group Analysis |author=Haesook Chae|year=2010}}</ref> In 2007, a free trade agreement known as the ] (KORUS FTA) was reportedly signed between South Korea and the United States, but its formal implementation has been repeatedly delayed, pending approval by the legislative bodies of the two countries. On October 12, 2011, the U.S. Congress passed the long-stalled trade agreement with South Korea along with similar trade agreements with Colombia and Panama.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/13/business/trade-bills-near-final-chapter.html?scp=17&sq=korea&st=cse |work=The New York Times |title=Congress Ends 5-Year Standoff on Trade Deals in Rare Accord |author=Appelbaum, Bintamin |author2= Steinhauer, Jennifer |date=October 12, 2011}}</ref> It went into effect on March 15, 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Opportunities for U.S. Exporters Under the U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement|date=June 9, 2012|url=http://www.ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/korus-fta}}</ref>

==Military==
{{Main|Republic of Korea Armed Forces}}
{{Out of date|section|date=March 2012}}

A long history of invasions by neighbors and the unresolved tension with North Korea have prompted South Korea to allocate 2.6% of its GDP and 15% of all government spending to its military (Government share of GDP: 14.967%), while maintaining compulsory conscription for men.<ref>{{cite web|author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/budget.htm |title=Defense Budget&nbsp;– South Korea |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |date= |accessdate=October 29, 2010}}</ref> Consequently, South Korea has the world's sixth largest number of ] (650,000 in 2011),<ref name="South Korea">{{cite news|title=South Korea's Armed Forces, CSIS (Page 24)|date=July 25, 2006|url=http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/060626_asia_balance_powers.pdf}}</ref> the world's second-largest number of ](3,200,000 in 2011)<ref name="South Korea"/> and the eleventh largest ]. The Republic of Korea, with both regular and reserve military force numbering {{Nowrap|3.7 million}} regular personnel among a total national population of {{Nowrap|50 million}} people, has the second highest number of soldiers per capita in the world,<ref name="South Korea"/> after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.<ref>Bermudez (2001), pg 1.</ref>

] Sejong the Great (DDG 991), a ] -class ]]]

The South Korean military consists of the ] (ROKA), the ] (ROKN), the ] (ROKAF), and the ] (ROKMC), and reserve forces.<ref>GlobalSecurity on Military of Republic of Korea, </ref> Many of these forces are concentrated near the ]. All South Korean males are constitutionally required to serve in the military, typically 21 months. Previously, Koreans of mixed race were exempt from military duty but no exception from 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/10/116_52759.html |title= Military Duty Exemption for Biracial Koreans Will Be Scrapped |work=The Korea Times |location =Seoul |author=Lee Tae-hoon |date=September 30, 2009 |accessdate=February 18, 2010}}</ref>

In addition to male conscription in South Korea's sovereign military, 1,800 Korean males are selected every year to serve 21 months in the ] Program to further augment the USFK.<ref>
{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/8army.htm|title=Eighth United States Army (EUSA)|date=December 27, 2005|accessdate=February 6, 2010|publisher=]|quote=The KATUSA Program is significant not only because of the military manpower and monetary savings that it provides to the U.S. Army, but also because it represents ROK/U.S. cooperation and commitment to deter war. The KATUSA Program is symbolic of ROK/U.S. friendship and mutual support.}}</ref> In 2010, South Korea was spending ]1.68 trillion in a cost-sharing agreement with the US to provide budgetary support to the US forces in Korea, on top of the ₩29.6 trillion budget for its own military.

The ] has 2,500 ] in operation, including the ] and ], which form the backbone of the South Korean army's mechanized armor and infantry forces. A sizable arsenal of many artillery systems, including 1,700 self-propelled ] and ] ] and 680 ] and ] of numerous types, are assembled to provide additional fire, reconnaissance, and logistics support. South Korea's smaller but more advanced artillery force and wide range of airborne reconnaissance platforms are pivotal in the ] of North Korea's over-sized ], which operates more than 13,000 artillery systems deployed in various state of fortification and mobility.<ref name="South Korea"/><ref>
{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/oplan-5027.htm|title=OPLAN 5027 Major Theater War&nbsp;– West}}</ref>

The ] has made its first major transformation into a ] through the formation of the Strategic Mobile Fleet, which includes a battle group of ]s, ], ] ]s, and ]s, which is equipped with the latest baseline of ] system that allows the ships to track and destroy multiple cruise missiles and ballistic missiles simultaneously, forming an integral part of South Korea's indigenous missile defense umbrella against the North Korean military's missile threat.<ref>{{cite web|title=South Korea Beefs Up Anti-Air Defenses as North Blusters|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/South-Korea-Beefs-Up-Anti-Air-Defenses-as-North-Blusters-05465/}}</ref>

The South Korean air force operates 840 aircraft, making it world's ninth largest air force, including several types of advanced fighters like ], heavily modified ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article18.html |title=F-16.net |publisher=F-16.net |date= |accessdate=October 29, 2010}}</ref> and the indigenous ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/3158/a50sidewinder.jpg |title=Imageshack.us |date= |accessdate=October 29, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/9165/a50popeye.jpg |title=Imageshack.us |date= |accessdate=October 29, 2010}}</ref> supported by well-maintained fleets of older fighters such as ] and ] that still effectively serve the air force alongside the more modern aircraft. In an attempt to gain strength in terms of not just numbers but also modernity, the commissioning of four ] aircraft, under Project Peace Eye for ] on a modern battlefield, will enhance the fighters' and other support aircraft's ability to perform their missions with awareness and precision.

On May 2011, ] Ltd., South Korea's largest plane maker, signed a $400 million deal to sell 16 T-50 Golden Eagle trainer jets to ], marking South Korea as the first time for the country in Asia to export supersonic jets.<ref></ref>

] ] ]s]]

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 325,517 troops to fight alongside American, Australian, ], ] and ]ese soldiers in the ], with a peak strength of 50,000. In 2004, South Korea sent 3,300 troops of the ] to help re-building in northern ], and was the third 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=February 17, 2009}}{{Dead link|date=February 2009}}</ref> Beginning in 2001, South Korea had so far deployed 24,000 troops in the Middle East region to support the ]. A further 1,800 were deployed since 2007 to reinforce UN peacekeeping forces in ].

The United States have stationed a substantial contingent of ]s in South Korea since the ] to defend South Korea in case of ]n military crises. There are approximately 28,500 ],<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.newsweek.com/id/68465 |title=America's Unsinkable Fleet |work=Newsweek |location =New York |date=Feb 26, 2007 |accessdate=February 17, 2009}}</ref> most of them serving one year of unaccompanied tours. The American troops, which are primarily ground and air units, are assigned to US Forces Korea and mainly assigned to the ] of the ] & ] of the ]. They are stationed in installations at ], ], Yongsan, ], Sungbuk, ], and ], as well as at ] in the DMZ ] . 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&nbsp;– if a sudden escalation of war between North and South Korea were to occur the United States would assume control of the South Korean armed forces 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 December 1, 2015. U.S. Forces Korea will transform into a new joint-warfighting 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=March 2, 2009|accessdate=June 7, 2009}}</ref>

==Geography, climate and environment==
{{Main|Geography of South Korea}}

===Geography===
] of South Korea]]

South Korea occupies the southern portion of the ], which extends some {{convert|1,100|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the Asian mainland. This mountainous peninsula is flanked by the ] to the west, and ] (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, including all its islands, lies between latitudes ] and ], and longitudes ] and ]. Its total area is {{convert|100,032|km2|sqmi|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=March 27, 2006}}</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 ].<ref name="korea geo">, Asia Info Organization</ref>

South Korea's terrain is mostly mountainous, most of which is not ]. ]s, located primarily in the west and southeast, make up 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 kilometres (about 60&nbsp;mi) off the southern coast of South Korea. It is the country's largest island, with an area of {{convert|1,845|km2|sqmi}}. Jeju is also the site of South Korea's highest point: ], an extinct ], reaches 1,950 meters (6,398&nbsp;ft) ]. The most eastern islands of South Korea include ] and ] (Dokdo), while ] and ] are the southernmost islands of South Korea.<ref name="korea geo"/>

South Korea has ] and popular nature places like the ], ], and the first national park of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.knps.or.kr/ |title=Korea Nationa Park Service official site |publisher=English.knps.or.kr |date= |accessdate=October 29, 2010}}</ref>

===Climate===
{{Main|Climate of South Korea}}
{{climate chart
| Seoul
| −6.1 | 1.6 | 22
| −4.1 | 4.1 | 24
| 1.1 | 10.2 | 46
| 7.3 | 17.6 | 77
| 12.6 | 22.8 | 102
| 17.8 | 26.9 | 133
| 21.8 | 28.8 | 328
| 22.1 | 29.5 | 348
| 16.7 | 25.6 | 138
| 9.8 | 19.7 | 49
| 2.9 | 11.5 | 53
| −3.4 | 4.2 | 25
| source =<ref>{{Language icon|ko}}, Korea Meteorological Administration.</ref>
| float=right}}
South Korea tends to have 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 extremely cold with the minimum temperature dropping below −20&nbsp;°C in the inland region of the country: in Seoul, the average January temperature range is −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.<ref>, U.S. Library of Congress, Country studies</ref> Summer can be uncomfortably hot and humid, with temperatures exceeding {{convert|30|°C|0|abbr=on}} in most parts of the country.
South Korea has four distinct seasons; spring, summer, autumn and winter. Spring usually lasts from late-March to early- May, summer from mid-May to early-September, autumn from mid-September to early-November, and winter from mid-November to mid-March.

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 precipitation varies from 1,370 millimeters (54 inches) in Seoul to 1,470 millimeters (58&nbsp;inches) in ]. There are occasional typhoons that bring high winds and floods.

===Environment===
{{Main|Environment of South Korea}}
] in downtown Seoul]]
] tea field]]
During the first 20 years of South Korea's growth surge, little effort was made to preserve the environment.<ref name="google.com">{{cite web|url=http://google.com/search?q=cache:h-TUQm6gWTMJ:www.american.edu/TED/KORPOLL.htm+pollution+korea&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&client=firefox-a|title=Korea Air Pollution Problems|publisher=google.com|date=|accessdate=February 18, 2010}}</ref> Unchecked industrialization and urban development have resulted in deforestation and the ongoing destruction of wetlands such as the Songdo Tidal Flat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_opinion/373552.html|title=] project that aims to boost energy efficiency and green technology.<ref name="uk.news.yahoo.com">{{Dead link|date=February 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Dead link|date=February 2010}}</ref>

The green-based economic strategy is a comprehensive overhaul of South Korea's economy, utilizing nearly two percent of the national GDP.<ref name="uk.news.yahoo.com"/> The greening initiative includes such efforts as a nationwide bike network, solar and wind energy, lowering oil dependent vehicles, backing daylight savings and extensive usage of environmentally friendly technologies such as LEDs in electronics and lighting.<ref name="South Korea's green new deal">{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/international/2009/10/18/eok.lah.greening.korea.cnn?iref=videosearch|title=South Korea's green new deal |work=CNN.com |date=October 18, 2009 |accessdate= October 21, 2009}}</ref> The country&nbsp;– already the world's most wired&nbsp;– plans to build a nationwide next-generation network which will be 10 times faster than broadband facilities in order to reduce energy usage.<ref name="South Korea's green new deal"/>

Seoul's ] recently became safe to drink, with city officials branding it "Arisu" in a bid to convince the public.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.newsworld.co.kr/cont/0609/42.htm|title=Seoul City holds 2nd Arisu Festival to show tap water is safe to drink|publisher=Newsworld}}</ref> Efforts have also been made with ] projects. Another multi-billion dollar project was the restoration of ], a stream running through downtown Seoul that had earlier been paved over by a motorway.<ref>{{Dead link|date=April 2010}}</ref>
One major challenge is air quality, with ], sulfur oxides, and annual yellow dust storms being particular problems.<ref name="google.com"/> It is acknowledged that many of these difficulties are a result of South Korea's proximity to China, which is a major air polluter.<ref name="google.com"/>

South Korea is a member of the ], ], ], ] (forming the Environmental Integrity Group (EIG), regarding ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://unfccc.int/parties_and_observers/parties/negotiating_groups/items/2714.php|title=Party Groupings|publisher=Unfccc.int|date=November 28, 2007|accessdate=February 18, 2010}}</ref> with ] and ]), ], ], ], ], ], ], ] (not into force), ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="CIA"/>

==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of South Korea}}

South Korea has a ] which ranks ] in the world by nominal GDP and ] by ] (PPP), identifying it as one of the ]. It is a ] ] and is a member of ]. It is the most industrialised member country of the OECD. South Korea is the only developed country so far to have been included in the group of ] countries. South Korea had one of the world's fastest-growing economies from the early 1960s to the late 1990s, and South Korea is still one of the fastest-growing developed countries in the 2000s, along with Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan, the other three ].<ref>{{cite book |url= http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2010/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2008&ey=2015&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&pr1.x=18&pr1.y=5&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%2C528%2C436%2C112%2C136%2C111%2C158&s=NGDP_RPCH&grp=0&a= |title= Economic Growth Rates of Advanced Economies |publisher=International Monetary Fund |accessdate=September 8, 2010}}</ref> South Koreans refer to this growth as the ].<ref>{{cite book |url= http://books.google.com/?id=nTCC2ZheFu0C&pg=PA254&lpg=PA254&dq=han+river+miracle&q=han%20river%20miracle |title= Korea, A Century of Change |isbn=978-981-02-4657-0 |publisher=World Scientific |location =River Edge, NJ |author=Kleiner, Jürgen |year=2001}}</ref> The South Korean economy is heavily dependent on international trade, and in 2010 South Korea was the ] and ] in the world.

]
Korea hosted the ] in its capital city, Seoul, in November 2010. The two-day summit was expected to boost Korea's economy by 31 trillion won, or 4% of Korea's 2010 GDP, in economic effects, and create over 160,000 jobs in Korea. It may also help improve the country's sovereign ].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.koreaherald.com/business/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20101007000806 |title=G20 to boost Korean economy by W31.3tr |author=Koh Young-aah |work=Korea Herald |location =Seoul |date=October 11, 2010 |accessdate=March 29, 2012}}</ref>

Despite the South Korean economy's high growth potential and apparent structural stability, the country suffers damage to its credit rating in the stock market due to the belligerence of ] in times of deep military crises, which has an adverse effect on South Korean financial markets.<ref name=kcredit>{{cite news |url= http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/08/02/2010080201090.html |title=Moody's Raises Korea's Credit Range |work=Chosun Ilbo |location =Seoul |date=August 2, 2010 |accessdate=August 14, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_business/422572.html |title=Financial markets unstable in S.Korea following Cheonan sinking |work=Hankyeoreh |date=May 26, 2010 |accessdate=August 14, 2010}}</ref> The ] compliments the resilience of the South Korean economy against various economic crises, citing low state debt, and high fiscal reserves that can quickly be mobilized to address financial emergencies.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/business/2010-09/07/c_13482842.htm |title=S Korea stands among world's highest-level fiscal reserve holders: IMF |work=Xinhua |location =Beijing |date=September 7, 2010 |accessdate=September 8, 2010}}</ref> South Korea was one of the few developed countries that were able to avoid a ] during the ],<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.newsweek.com/blogs/wealth-of-nations/2010/05/10/south-korea-survived-recession-with-ceo-tactics.html |title=South Korea Survived Recession With CEO Tactics |work=Newsweek |location =New York |date=May 10, 2010 |accessdate=September 8, 2010}}</ref> and its economic growth rate reached 6.2 percent in 2010 (the fastest growth for eight years after significant growth by 7.2 percent in 2002),<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.brecorder.com/world/global-business-a-economy/9339-south-korea-gdp-grew-revised-62pc-in-2010.html |title= South Korea GDP grew revised 6.2pc in 2010 |work= Business Recorder |date=March 30, 2011 |agency=Agence France-Presse |location =Karachi}}</ref> a sharp recovery from economic growth rates of 2.3% in 2008 and 0.2% in 2009 when the global financial crisis hit. The unemployment rate in South Korea also remained low in 2009 at 3.6%<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2800.htm |title=Background Note: South Korea |publisher=US State Department |date=July 7, 2011}}</ref>

===Transportation and energy===

{{Main|Transport in South Korea|Nuclear power in South Korea}}

] ] can travel at {{convert|350|km/h|abbr=on}}.]]

South Korea has a technically advanced transport 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 services to all major South Korean cities. Two rail lines, ] and ], to North Korea are now being reconnected. The Korean ] system, ], provides high-speed service along ] and ]. Major cities including Seoul, ], ], ], ] and ] have urban rapid transit systems.<ref>, Korea Tourism Organization; </ref> Express bus terminals are available in most cities.<ref>, Korea Express Bus Lines Association.</ref>

South Korea's largest airport, ], was completed in 2001. By 2007, it was serving {{Nowrap|30 million}} passengers a year.<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.airport.kr/notice/NoticeView.iia?functioncode=46&bulletinid=5049 |title= Eight Years in Coming |date= March 27, 2009 |publisher=Incheon International Airport Corp |accessdate=May 20, 2005}}</ref> 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=February 21, 2009}}</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=May 19, 2005}}</ref> A second carrier, ], established in 1988, also serves domestic and international traffic. Combined, South Korean airlines 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=May 19, 2005}}</ref> Smaller airlines, such as ], provide domestic service with lower fares.<ref>Lee Eun-joo (July 2, 2010). . ''Joongang Daily'' (Seoul). Retrieved July 15, 2010.</ref>

South Korea is the world's fifth-largest ] producer and the second-largest in Asia as of 2010.<ref name=koreanuke>{{cite news |url= http://the-diplomat.com/2010/07/19/another-korean-nuclear-issue/ |title=Another Korean Nuclear Issue |work=The Diplomat |date=July 19, 2010 |accessdate=August 14, 2010}}</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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iter.org/ |title=ITER official site |publisher=ITER |year=2012 |accessdate=March 4, 2012}}</ref>

South Korea is an emerging exporter of ], having concluded agreements with the ] to build and maintain four advanced nuclear reactors,<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE5BQ05O20091227 |title=South Korea wins landmark Gulf nuclear power deal |agency =Reuters|date=December 29, 2009}}</ref> with ] for a research nuclear reactor,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.upi.com/Science_News/Resource-Wars/2010/03/31/South-Korea-Jordan-sign-130M-nuclear-deal/UPI-16251270062075/ |title=All systems go for Jordan's first nuclear reactor |agency=UPI |date=March 31, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-All_systems_go_for_Jordans_first_nuclear_reactor-2707107.html |title=South Korea-Jordan sign $130M nuclear deal |work =World Nuclear News |date=July 27, 2010}}</ref> and with ] for construction and repair of heavy-water nuclear reactors.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/09/17/2010091700995.html |title=Korea, Argentina Sign MOU for Nuclear Plant Project |work=Chosun Ilbo |location =Seoul |date=September 18, 2010.
}}</ref><ref name=argentinanuke>{{cite news |url= http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/09/17/Argentina-eyes-nuclear-role-in-S-America/UPI-72711284755722/ |title=Argentina eyes nuclear role in S. America |agency=UPI |date=September 17, 2010}}</ref> As of 2010, South Korea and ] are in negotiations regarding construction of two nuclear reactors.<ref>
{{cite web |url= http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2010/08/123_67686.html |title=Korea nearing Turkey nuclear plant contract |work=Korea Times |location =Seoul |date=June 15, 2010}}</ref> South Korea is also preparing to bid on construction of a light-water nuclear reactor for Argentina.<ref name=argentinanuke/>

South Korea is not allowed to ] or develop traditional uranium enrichment technology on its own, due to US political pressure,<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/14/world/asia/14seoul.html |work=The New York Times |title=U.S. Wary of South Korea's Plan to Reuse Nuclear Fuel |author=Choe Sang-Hun |date=July 13, 2010}}</ref> unlike most major nuclear powers such as Japan, Germany, and France, competitors of South Korea in the international nuclear market. This impediment to South Korea's indigenous nuclear industrial undertaking has sparked occasional diplomatic rows between the two allies. While South Korea is successful in exporting its electricity-generating nuclear technology and nuclear reactors, it cannot capitalize on the ], preventing it from further expanding its export niche. South Korea has sought unique technologies such as ] to circumvent these obstacles and seek a more advantageous competition.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.armscontrol.org/act/2009_07-08/SouthKorea |title=S. Korean Pyroprocessing Awaits U.S. Decision |publisher=Arms Control Association |date=October 6, 2010 |accessdate=October 29, 2010}}</ref> The US has recently been wary of South Korea's burgeoning nuclear program, which South Korea insists will be for civilian use only.<ref name=koreanuke/>

==Science and technology==
{{Main|History of science and technology in Korea}}

===Aerospace research===
{{Main|Korea Aerospace Research Institute}}
South Korea has sent up 10 satellites from 1992, all using foreign rockets and overseas launch pads, notably ] in 1999, and ] in 2006 as part of its space partnership with Russia.<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=July 3, 2007|accessdate=March 1, 2009}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Arirang-1 was lost in space in 2008, after nine years in service.<ref>, Space Daily, January 7, 2008. Retrieved July 15, 2010.</ref>

In April 2008, ] became the first Korean to fly in space, aboard the Russian ].<ref>, The Times, April 9, 2008.; , BBC News, April 8, 2008. Retrieved July 15, 2010.</ref>

In June 2009, the first ] of South Korea, ], was completed at ], ].<ref>, Korea Times, June 10, 2009. Retrieved July 15, 2010.</ref> The launch of ] in August 2009 resulted in a failure.<ref>, Yonhap News, August 26, 2009. Retrieved July 15, 2010.</ref> The second attempt in June 2010 was also unsuccessful.<ref>, World Politics Review, June 29, 2010. Retrieved July 15, 2010.</ref> The government plans to investigate the problems and develop Naro-2 by 2018.<ref>, Joongang Daily, June 11, 2010. Retrieved July 15, 2010.</ref>

South Korea's efforts to build an indigenous space launch vehicle is marred due to persistent political pressure of the United States, who had for many decades hindered South Korea's indigenous rocket and missile development programs<ref>{{cite news |title= South Korea's first rocket ready&nbsp;– at last |url= http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/KH11Dg01.html |work = Asia Times |location =Hong Kong |date =August 11, 2009 |accessdate= August 21, 2010}}</ref> in fear of their possible connection to clandestine military ballistic missile programs, which Korea many times insisted did not violate the ] guidelines stipulated by US-Korea agreements on restriction of South Korean rocket technology research and development.<ref>{{cite news |title= S. Korea DAPA commissioner confirms 500 km-range ballistic missile development research |url= http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_international/381039.html |work= The Hankyeoreh |date= October 9, 2009 |accessdate= Aug. 21, 2010}}</ref> South Korea has sought the assistance of foreign countries such as ] through ] commitments to supplement its restricted domestic rocket technology. The two failed KSLV-I ]s were based on the ], the first stage of the Russian ], combined with a solid-fueled second stage built by South Korea.

===Robotics===

], can make expressive gestures with its five separate fingers.]]

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

In 2005, ] (KAIST) developed the world's second walking ], ]. A team in the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology developed the first Korean ], ] in May 2006.<ref>, Live Science, May 8, 2006. Retrieved July 15, 2009.</ref>
EveR-1 has been succeeded by more complex models with improved movement and vision.<ref> National Geographic,May 15, 2006. Retrieved July 15, 2009;{{ko}} , Yonhap News, April 20, 2009. Retrieved July 15, 2009.</ref>
Next models are scheduled to be completed by 2010.

Plans of creating English-teaching robot assistants to compensate for the shortage of teachers were announced in February 2010, with the robots being deployed to most preschools and kindergartens by 2013.<ref>, Popular Science, February 24, 2010. Retrieved July 15, 2010.</ref> Robotics are also incorporated in the entertainment sector as well; the ''Korean Robot Game Festival'' has been held every year since 2004 to promote science and robot technology.<ref>, Official Site</ref>

===Biotechnology===

Since the 1980s, the Korean government has invested in the development of a domestic ] industry, and the sector is projected to grow to {{Nowrap|$6.5 billion}} by 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bio2008.org/siteobjects/published/ec046034f6d7506aa06582be6902d018/af4810817445624b5dbc9d45f79c348b/file/Korea%20Country%20Profile.pdf |title=Bio International Convention Korea Country Profile |publisher=Bio2008.org |date= |accessdate=October 29, 2010}} {{Dead link|date=November 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> The medical sector accounts for a large part of the production, including production of ] and ]s.

Recently, research and development in ] 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{{which|date=May 2012}} by the ] in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|author=AFP|url=http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2007/03/26/clonedwolf_ani.html|title=Discovery Channel :: News&nbsp;– Animals :: Endangered Wolf Cloned in South Korea|publisher=Dsc.discovery.com|date=|accessdate=April 25, 2010}}</ref>

The rapid growth of the industry has resulted in significant voids in regulation of ethics, as was highlighted by the ] case involving ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philau.edu/schools/liberalarts/news/documents/AbdulhaqqSSH.pdf|title=Biotechnology|format=PDF|date=|accessdate=April 25, 2010}}</ref>

==Education==
{{Main|Education in South Korea}}
].]]
Education in South Korea is regarded as crucial to financial and social success, and competition is consequently fierce, with many participating in intense outside tutoring to supplement classes. In the 2006 results of the ] ], South Korea came first in ], third in mathematics and seventh in science.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pisa.oecd.org/|title=Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|publisher=Pisa.oecd.org|date=|accessdate=February 18, 2010}}</ref> South Korea's education system is technologically advanced and it is the world's first country to bring high-speed ] ] internet access to every primary and secondary school nation-wide. Using this infrastructure, the country has developed the first ]s in the world, which will be distributed for free to every primary and secondary school nation-wide by 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ict/cs/korea/material/CS_KOR.pdf|title=Broadband Korea: Internet Case Study|format=PDF|date=|accessdate=February 18, 2010}}</ref>

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 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>{{cite web|url=http://www.education-blog.net/2008/08/28/south-korea-now-open-for-foreign-students/|title=South Korea Now Open For Foreign Students|publisher=Education-blog.net|date=August 28, 2008|accessdate=April 25, 2010}}</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.
Most South Korean middle schools and high schools have school uniforms, modeled on western-style uniforms. Boys' uniforms usually consists of trousers and white shirts, and girls wear skirts and white shirts (this only applies in middle schools and high schools).

==Demographics==
{{Main|Demographics of South Korea|Koreans}}
South Korea is noted for its population density, which is 487 per square kilometer, more than 10 times the global average. 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=April 22, 2006}}</ref> The capital city of ] is also the country's largest city and chief industrial center. According to the 2005 census, Seoul had a population of {{Nowrap|9.8 million}} inhabitants. The ] has {{Nowrap|24.5 million}} inhabitants making it the world's second largest metropolitan area and easily the most densely populated city in the ]. Other major cities include ] ({{Nowrap|3.5 million}}), ] ({{Nowrap|2.5 million}}), ] ({{Nowrap|2.5 million}}), ] ({{Nowrap|1.4 million}}), ] ({{Nowrap|1.4 million}}) and ] ({{Nowrap|1.1 million}}).<ref>Populations for all cities as of 2005, {{cite web|url=http://kosis.kr/eng/database/database_001000.jsp?listid=B&subtitle=Population,%20Household|title=Summary of Census Population (by administrative district/sex/age)|work=NSO Database|accessdate=May 11, 2009}}</ref>

The population has also been shaped by international migration. After World War&nbsp;II and the ], about four million people from North Korea crossed the border to South Korea. This trend of net entry reversed over the next 40 years due to emigration, especially to the United States and Canada. South Korea's total population in 1955 was {{Nowrap|21.5 million}},<ref>"". ].</ref> and today it is roughly 50,062,000.<ref name="chosun1">{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/02/01/2010020100263.html|title=Korea's Population Tops {{Nowrap|50 Million}} |publisher=English.chosun.com|date=February 1, 2010|accessdate=April 25, 2010}}</ref>

South Korea is one of the most ethnically homogeneous societies in the world, with more than 99% of inhabitants having Korean ethnicity.<ref>. CIA&nbsp;– The World Factbook.</ref> Koreans call their society 단일민족국가, ''Dan-il minjok guk ga'', "the single race society".

The percentage of foreign nationals has been growing rapidly.<ref>Choe Sang-Hun (November 1, 2009). . ''The New York Times''.</ref> {{As of|2009}}, South Korea had 1,106,884 foreign residents, 2.7% of the population; however, more than half of them are ethnic Koreans with a foreign citizenship. For example, ] make up 56.5% of foreign nationals, but approximately 30% of the Chinese citizens in Korea are '']'', PRC citizens of Korean ethnicity.<ref name="ChosunIlbo20090806">{{Cite news|periodical=Chosun Ilbo|date=August 6, 2009|accessdate=October 18, 2009|title=More Than {{Nowrap|1 Million}} Foreigners Live in Korea (According to the article, approximately 443,566 people are considered to be Chinese residents in South Korea with Korean ethnicity.) (|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/08/06/2009080600243.html|postscript=<!--None-->}}</ref>
Regardless of the ethnicity, there are 28,500 ] personnel serving in South Korea for one year of unaccompanied tour, according to the Korea National Statistical Office.<ref>, 대한민국 통계청</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/11/205_54885.html|title=US Soldiers in Korea Negative About Rotation to Middle East|publisher=Koreatimes.co.kr|date=|accessdate=April 25, 2010}}</ref> In addition, about 43,000 English teachers from ] reside temporarily in Korea.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/11/117_56212.html |title= Foreign Teachers Unenthusiastic Over Culture Course |author=Kang Shin-Who |work=Korea Times |location =Seoul |date=November 26, 2009 |accessdate=February 18, 2010}}</ref>
Currently, South Korea has one of the highest rate of growth of foreign born population, with about 30,000 foreign born residences obtaining South Korean citizenship every year since 2010.

South Korea's birthrate was the world's lowest in 2009.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/05/113_45496.html |title=South Korea's birthrate world's lowest |work=Korea Times |location =Seoul |author=Kim Rahn |date=May 22, 2009 |accessdate=April 25, 2010}}</ref> If this continues, its population is expected to decrease by 13% to {{Nowrap|42.3 million}} in 2050.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2006/aug/06082802.html |title=South Korea: Lowest Birthrate in the World|publisher=LifeSiteNews.com|date=August 28, 2006|accessdate=April 25, 2010}}</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.html|title=South Korea|work=]|date=June 26, 2009|accessdate=February 7, 2011}}</ref> However, the birthrate has increased by 5.7% in 2010 and Korea no longer has the world's lowest birthrate.<ref>. ''Yonhap News Agency''. August 24, 2011.</ref> According to a 2011 report from Chosun Ilbo, South Korea's total fertility rate (1.23 children born per woman) is higher than those of Taiwan (1.15) and Japan (1.21).<ref>. The Chosun Ilbo. November 17, 2011.</ref> The average ] in 2008 was 79.10 years,<ref>&nbsp;– Rank Order&nbsp;– Life expectancy at birth</ref> which is 34th in the world.<ref></ref>

===Cities===

{{Main|List of cities in South Korea}}
{{See also|Eight Provinces of Korea|List of regions of Korea}}
The table below lists the twenty largest cities within administrative city limits.
{{Largest cities of South Korea}}
{{-}}

===Religion===
{{Main|Religion in South Korea}}

] at Gochang Dolmens in Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites, ]]]

{{bar box
|title=South Korea religiosity
|left1=religion
|right1=percent
|float=right
|width=300px
|bars=
{{bar percent|No religion|SlateGray|46.5}}
{{bar percent|]|Orange|22.8}}
{{bar percent|]|DodgerBlue|18.3}}
{{bar percent|]|DarkOrchid|10.9}}
{{bar percent|Others|DarkKhaki|1.7}}
}}

As of 2005, just under half of the South Korean population expressed ] preference.<ref name=koreastats>According to figures compiled by the South Korean ]. {{cite web|url=http://kosis.nso.go.kr:7001/ups/chapterRetrieve.jsp?pubcode=MA&seq=292&pub=3|accessdate=August 23, 2006|work=NSO online KOSIS database|title=인구,가구/시도별 종교인구/시도별 종교인구 (2005년 인구총조사)}}</ref> Of the rest, most are ] or ]. According to the 2007 census, 29.2% of the population at that time was Christian (18.3% identified themselves as Protestants, 10.9% as Roman Catholics), and 22.8% were Buddhist.<ref name="korea.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.korea.net/korea/kor_loca.asp?code=U05|title=Korea.net: The official website of the Republic of Korea&nbsp;– Religion}}{{dead link|date=October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2008/108411.htm|work=U.S. Department of State|publisher=Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor|title=International Religious Freedom Report 2008&nbsp;– Korea, Republic of|date=January 22, 2009|accessdate=January 31, 2010}}</ref> Other religions include ] and various ]s such as ], ] and ]. The earliest religion practiced was ].<ref>, Asia Info Organization</ref> Today, ] is guaranteed by the constitution, and there is no ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccourt.go.kr/home/english/welcome/republic.jsp|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080323052835/http://www.ccourt.go.kr/home/english/welcome/republic.jsp|archivedate=March 23, 2008|accessdate=June 26, 2009|title=Constitution of the Republic of Korea|publisher=Constitutional Court of Korea}}</ref>

Christianity is South Korea's largest religion, accounting for more than half of all South Korean religious adherents. There are approximately 13.7 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=January 31, 2009|date=January 31, 2009}}</ref> in South Korea today, with almost two-thirds of Christians belonging to Protestant churches, while about 37% belong to the Roman Catholic Church. Protestantism has proportionally declined since the 1980s in favour of Roman Catholicism.<ref>{{cite news|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=February 13, 2009}}</ref> South Korea is also the second-largest missionary-sending nation, after the United States.<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=March 1, 2009|accessdate=February 17, 2009}}</ref>

Buddhism was introduced to Korea 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=February 17, 2009}}</ref> According to the national census as of 2005, South Korea has over {{Nowrap|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&nbsp;– Korea, Republic of|publisher=]|date=September 19, 2009|accessdate=February 17, 2009}}</ref> Today, about 90% of Korean Buddhists belong to ]. Most of the ] are Buddhist artifacts. Buddhism was the state religion of Korea from the ] (not to be confused with the modern ]) to ] before suppression under the Joseon Dynasty in favor of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/subdivisions/koreanzen.shtml|title=BBC&nbsp;– Korean Zen Buddhism|publisher=Bbc.co.uk|date=October 2, 2002|accessdate=April 25, 2010}}</ref>

Fewer than 30,000 South Koreans are thought to be Muslims, but the country has some 100,000 resident foreign workers from Muslim countries,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.islamawareness.net/Asia/KoreaSouth/ks_news002.html|title=Islam takes root and blooms|publisher=Islamawareness.net|date=November 22, 2002|accessdate=April 25, 2010}}</ref> chiefly from ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |title= Korea's Muslims Mark Ramadan |work=] |location =Seoul |date=September 11, 2008 |url= http://web.archive.org/web/20080913195801/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200809/200809110016.html |accessdate=March 4, 2012}}</ref>

==Public health and safety==
{{main|Health in South Korea}}
Although ] has increased significantly since 1950, South Korea faces a number of important health-care issues. Foremost is the impact of ] on an increasingly urbanized population. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, chronic diseases account for the majority of diseases in South Korea, a condition exacerbated by the health care system's focus on treatment rather than prevention. The incidence of chronic disease in South Korea hovers around 24 percent. Approximately 33 percent of all adults ]. The ] (HIV) rate of prevalence at the end of 2003 was less than 0.1 percent. In 2001 central government expenditures on health care accounted for about 6 percent of ] (GDP).<ref name=cp>. ] ] (May 2005). ''This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the ].''</ref> The ] was 26 per 100,000 in 2008, the highest in the industrialized world.<ref>, OECD; {{Cite news |first=Blaine |last=Harden |title=A troubling trend in a prosperous society |work=The Washington Post |page=A10 |date=April 18, 2010}}; . ''The Economist'' (London). July 8, 2010. Retrieved July 15, 2010.</ref>

Young South Korean males were found to be the tallest in all of East Asia, resulting from healthy living conditions, economic development and changes in food culture.<ref>Schwekendiek, Daniel; Jun Seong-ho, ""From the Poorest to the Tallest in East Asia: The Secular Trend in Height of South Koreans", in: Korea Journal, 50(3), pp. 151-175.</ref>

Based on the Asia-Pacific Advisory Committee on Influenza (APACI), South Korea ranked the highest of influenza vaccination in Asia with 311 vaccines per 1,000 people.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/05/24/ri-lags-behind-flu-vaccination-rate.html |work=The Jakarta Post |title= RI lags behind in flu vaccination rate |date= May 24, 2011}}</ref>

==Culture==
]
{{Main|Culture of Korea|Culture of South Korea}}

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 neighboring China, it has nevertheless managed to develop a unique cultural identity that is distinct from its larger neighbor.<ref name="Fairbank et al.">{{cite book|author=Fairbank, John K. |author2= Reischauer, Edwin O. |author3= Craig, Albert M. |title=East Asia: Tradition & Transformation |publisher= Houghton Mifflin |location =Boston |year=1978 |isbn=0-395-25812-X}}</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=April 11, 2006 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20051224163415/http://www.mct.go.kr/english/section/bureau/cultural_1.jsp <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = December 24, 2005}} See also {{cite web |url= http://www.kcaf.or.kr/ehome3/mission.htm |title=Mission and Goal |publisher=Korea Cultural Administration |accessdate=April 11, 2006}}</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.

===Art===
] ]]
{{Main|Korean art}}

Korean art has been highly influenced by ] and ], which can be seen in the many traditional paintings, sculptures, ceramics and the performing arts.<ref>, Asia Art</ref> ], such as ]'s '']'' and ], and ]'s ] are well known throughout the world.<ref>, Asian Relocation Management Korea</ref> The ], ], ] and ] are also notable Korean performing arts.

Post-war modern Korean art started to flourish in the 1960s and 1970s, when South Korean artists took interest in geometrical shapes and intangible subjects. Establishing a harmony between man and nature was also a favorite of this time. Due to social instability, social issues appeared as main subjects in the 1980s. Art was influenced by various international events and exhibits in Korea, and with it brought more diversity.<ref>, apexart, 1999</ref> The ] in 1988, the transposition of the 1993 edition of the ] to Seoul,<ref>{{ko}} , ''Seoul News'', March 26, 2010. Retrieved July 13, 2010.</ref> the creation of the ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gb.or.kr/?mid=main_eng |title=Gwangju Biennale |publisher=Gwangju Biennale |date= |accessdate=October 29, 2010}}</ref> and the Korean Pavilion at the ] in 1995<ref>, La Biennale di Venezia.</ref> were notable events.

===Architecture===

{{Main|Architecture of South Korea|Korean architecture}}

] and the ] palace]]

Due to South Korea's tumultuous history, construction and destruction has been repeated endlessly, resulting in an interesting melange of architectural styles and designs.<ref>, Asian Info Organization</ref>

Korean traditional architecture is characterized by its harmony with nature. Ancient architects adopted the ] characterized by thatched roofs and heated floors called '']''.<ref>Chung Ah-young (March 31, 2010). , ''Korea Times''; </ref> People of the upper classes built bigger houses with elegantly curved tiled roofs with lifting eaves. Traditional architecture can be seen in the palaces and temples, preserved old houses called '']'',<ref>, Asian Tradition in Architecture</ref> and special sites like ], ] and ]. Traditional architecture may also be seen at the nine ] in South Korea.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/kr |title=UNESCO World Heritage: Republic of Korea |publisher=Unesco |accessdate=October 29, 2010}}</ref>

], a ]]]

Western architecture was first introduced to Korea at the end of the 19th century. Churches, offices for foreign legislation, schools and university buildings were built in new styles. With the ] the colonial regime intervened in Korea's architectural heritage, and Japanese-style modern architecture was imposed. The anti-Japanese sentiment, and the Korean War, led to the destruction of most buildings constructed during that time.<ref>, Prof. Park Kil-ryong (Kukmin University), modified by Architectural Design Lab, GSNU.</ref>

Korean architecture entered a new phase of development during the post-Korean War reconstruction, incorporating modern architectural trends and styles. Stimulated by the economic growth in the 1970s and 1980s, active redevelopment saw new horizons in architectural design. In the aftermath of the 1988 Seoul Olympics, South Korea has witnessed a wide variation of styles in its architectural landscape due, in large part, to the opening up of the market to foreign architects.<ref>, Asian Info Organization</ref> Contemporary architectural efforts have been constantly trying to balance the traditional philosophy of "harmony with nature" and the fast-paced urbanization that the country has been going through in recent years.<ref>, ''Asia News'', January 15, 2010; Lee Hoo-nam (April 16, 2009)., ''Joongang Daily'' (Seoul). Retrieved July 10, 2010.</ref>

===Cuisine===
{{Main|Korean cuisine}}
]]]
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. ] (김치), 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; 湯) 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.

===Contemporary music, film and television===
{{See also|Korean wave}}
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. This phenomenon, often called "]" or the "Korean Wave", has swept many countries in Asia and other parts of the world.<ref name=Kwave>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1646903.stm |title='Korean Wave' piracy hits music industry |work=BBC News |date=November 9, 2001 |accessdate=June 25, 2010}}</ref>

]]]Until the 1990s, ] and ]s dominated Korean popular music. The emergence of the rap group ] in 1992 marked a turning point for Korean popular music, also known as ], as the group incorporated elements of popular musical genres of ], ], and ] into its music.<ref>, KBS World</ref> Hip hop, 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, especially in other parts of Asia.<!--Do not add a list of groups here without first suggesting it at the Talk page.-->

Since the success of the film '']'' in 1999, ] has begun to gain recognition internationally. 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.<ref>, KBS World, July 16, 2010.</ref>

], especially the short form dramatic mini-series called "dramas", have also become popular outside of Korea, becoming another driving trend for wider recognition. The trend has caused some Korean actors to become better known abroad. The dramas are popular mostly in Asia. The stories have tended to have a romance focus, such as ], ], ], ], ], ], ],] (2012 TV series),](2011 TV series) ] and ]. Historical/fantasy dramas have included ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.koreandrama.org/ |title=List of Korean dramas |publisher=Koreandrama.org |date=June 4, 2007 |accessdate=October 29, 2010}}</ref>

===Technology culture===
]]]
South Korean corporations ] and ] were ranked first and third largest mobile phone companies in the world in the first quarter of 2012, respectively.<ref>, International Data Corporation, January 29, 2010. Retrieved July 7, 2010.</ref> An estimated 90% of South Koreans own a ].<ref>, ''Joongang Daily'', January 28, 2009. Retrieved July 7, 2010.</ref> Aside from placing/receiving calls and text messaging, mobile phones in the country are widely used for watching ] (DMB) or viewing websites.<ref>Cho Jin-seo (February 12, 2006). , ''The Korea Times'' (Seoul). , ''CNN Asia'', October 16, 2007. Retrieved July 7, 2010.</ref> 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. South Korea has the fastest Internet download speeds in the world, with an average download speed of 17.5 Mbit/s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.techspot.com/news/45566-us-ranked-26th-in-global-internet-speed-south-korea-number-one.html/ |title=Household Download Index |accessdate= February 12, 2012}}</ref>

==Sports==
{{Main|Sport in South Korea}}
] practitioner demonstrating ''dollyo chagi'' technique.]]

The ] ] originated in Korea. In the 1950s and 1960s, modern rules were standardised and taekwondo became an official ] in 2000.<ref>, World Taekwondo Federation]</ref> Other Korean martial arts include ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{ko}} </ref>

].]]

] has traditionally been regarded as the most popular sport in Korea.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ebn.co.kr/news/n_view.html?id=396070 |title=the most popular spectator sport is football in Korea |publisher=Ebn.co.kr |date=August 19, 2009 |accessdate=October 29, 2010}}</ref> Recent polling indicates that a majority, 40.6%, of South Korean sports fans continue to self-identify as football fans, with ] ranked second at 25.3% of respondents. However, the polling did not indicate the extent to which respondents follow both sports.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gallup.co.kr/gallupdb/reportContent.asp?seqNo=211&pagePos=1&selectYear=0&search=0&searchKeyword=%BD%BA%C6%F7%C3%F7 |title=research about the most popular spectator sport in Korea |publisher=Gallup Korea |date=May 20, 2009 |accessdate=October 29, 2010}}</ref> The ] became the first team in the ] to reach the ] semi-finals in the ], jointly hosted by South Korea and Japan. The ] (as it is known) has qualified for every World Cup since ], and has broken out of the group stage twice: first in 2002, and again in ], when it was defeated by eventual semi-finalist ] in the Round of 16. At the ], South Korea won the Bronze Medal for football.

Baseball was first introduced to Korea in 1905 and has since become increasingly popular, with some sources claiming it has surpassed football as the most popular sport in the country.<ref>KOIS (2003), p.632.</ref><ref>Trading Markets.com. December 21, 2010. Accessed December 26, 2010.</ref> Recent years have been characterized by increasing attendance and ticket prices for professional baseball games.<ref>Kim Yang-hee (April 21, 2011). ''The Hankyoreh''. Accessed April 21, 2011.</ref> The ] league, an 8-team circuit, was established in 1982. The ] finished third in the ] and second in the ]. The team's 2009 final game against Japan was widely watched in Korea, with a large screen at ] crossing in Seoul broadcasting the game live.<ref>Wakabayashi, Daisuke; Park Sungha (March 24, 2009). ''The Wall Street Journal'' (New York). November 20, 2010.</ref> In the ], South Korea won the gold medal in baseball.<ref>. ''Los Angeles Times'' (blog). August 23, 2008. Retrieved July 7, 2010.</ref> Also in 1982, at the Baseball Worldcup, Korea won the gold medal. At the ], the Korean National Baseball team won the gold medal.

] is a popular sport in the country as well. South Korea has traditionally had one of the top basketball teams in Asia and one of the continent's strongest basketball divisions. Seoul hosted the ] and ]. The ] has won a record number of 23 medals at the event to date.<ref>{{cite web |title=FIBA Asia Competition Archives |work=Competition Archives |publisher=International Basketball Federation FIBA |date=2011-09-26 |url=http://www.fibaasia.net/Competition_Archives.aspx?id=2 |accessdate=2012-04-15}}</ref>

]]]

South Korea hosted the ] in 1986 (Seoul), 2002 (Busan), and will host again in 2014 (Incheon). It also hosted the Winter ] in 1997, the ] in 1999 and the Summer Universiade in 2003. 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 ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. The ] is a museum in ], South Korea, dedicated to the 1988 Summer Olympics. On July 6, 2011 ] was chosen by the ] to host the ].

South Korea has won more medals in the ] than any other Asian country with a total of 45 medals (23 gold, 14 silver, and 8 bronze). At the ], South Korea ranked fifth in the overall medal rankings. South Korea is especially strong in ]. However, ] and ] are very popular, too, and ice hockey is an emerging sport with ] winning their first ever ] title in March 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alhockey.com/ |title=ALIH Official site |publisher=Alhockey.com |date= |accessdate=October 29, 2010}}</ref>

Seoul hosted a professional ] race, which is part of the ] (ITU) World Championship Series in May 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title= Dextro Energy International Triathlon Union World championship Series Seoul |url= http://seoul.triathlon.org/|accessdate=June 26, 2010}}</ref>

In October 2010, South Korea hosted its first ] race at the ] in ], about {{convert|400|km|mi|-1}} south of Seoul. In 2011, the South Korean city of Daegu will host the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/races/in_detail/korea_840/ |title=Formula 1 Official Site |publisher=Formula1.com |accessdate=October 29, 2010}}</ref>

South Korea has three ] tracks of which ] in ], ] is the biggest.<ref>{{dead link|date=October 2010}}, Gyeonggi-do Overseas PR Official Blog</ref>

'''Korea Professional Sports League'''

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==See also==
{{portal|Geography|Asia|Korea}}
{{Misplaced Pages books|South Korea}}
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==References==

===Footnotes===
<!--Please DO ''not'' use a scroll template/form/table for the reflink, please read warning on the scroll template page. Thank you.-->
{{reflist|2}}

===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{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=Hart, Dennis |year=2003|location=Seoul|publisher=Author|isbn=89-88095-44-8}}
* {{Cite book|title=]|author=Breen, Michael |year=2004|location=|publisher=St. Martin's Griffin|isbn=0-312-32609-2|authorlink=Michael Breen (author)}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links}}
*
*
*
* from the
* {{CIA World Factbook link|ks|South Korea}}
* in the ]
* {{dmoz|Regional/Asia/South_Korea/}}
* from ''UCB Libraries GovPubs''
* {{yahoo directory|Regional/Countries/Korea__South/|South Korea}}
* ]
* from the ]
* ''Encyclopædia Britannica'' entry
* , satellite views and geographical coordinates
*
* from ]

{{Korea topics}}

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Revision as of 07:34, 6 October 2012

lalalalallalalalla i hate south korea

South Korea: Difference between revisions Add topic