South Korea: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox Country |
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|native_name={{lang|ko-Hang-KR|대한민국}}<br />大韓民國<br />''Daehan-minguk'' |
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|conventional_long_name=Republic of Korea |
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|common_name=South Korea |
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|image_flag=Flag of South Korea.svg |
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|image_coat=Coat of arms of South Korea.svg |
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|symbol_type=Coat of arms |
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|image_map=Locator map of South Korea.svg |
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|national_anthem=''[[Aegukga]]'' {{lang|ko|(애국가)}}<br />The Patriotic Song |
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|official_languages=[[Korean language|Korean]] |
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|demonym=South Korean, Korean |
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|ethnic_groups= |
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|motto=널리 인간을 이롭게 하라 (홍익인간)<br />"Broadly benefit humankind" |
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|capital=[[Seoul]] |
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|latd=37 |
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|latm=35 |
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|latNS=N |
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|longd=127 |
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|longm=0 |
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|longEW=E |
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|largest_city=[[Seoul]] |
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|government_type=[[Semi-presidential system|Semi-presidential]] [[republic]] |
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|leader_title1=[[President of South Korea|President]] |
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|leader_title2=[[Prime Minister of South Korea|Prime Minister]] |
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|leader_name1=[[Lee Myung-bak]] |
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|leader_name2=[[Han Seung-soo]] |
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|legislature=[[National Assembly of South Korea|National Assembly]] |
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|area_rank=108th |
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|area_magnitude=1 E10 |
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|area_km2=100,032 |
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|area_sq_mi=38,622 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |
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|percent_water=0.3 |
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|population_estimate=48,379,392 <!--CIA--> |
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|population_estimate_rank=26th |
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|population_density_km2=493 |
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|population_density_sq_mi=1,274 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |
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|population_density_rank=12th |
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|GDP_PPP=$1.342 trillion<ref name=imf2>{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2009/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2008&ey=2008&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=542&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a=&pr.x=34&pr.y=7|title=South Korea|publisher=International Monetary Fund|accessdate=2009-04-22}}</ref> |
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|GDP_PPP_rank=13th |
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|GDP_PPP_year=2008 |
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|GDP_PPP_per_capita=$27,646<ref name=imf2/> |
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|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank=32nd |
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|GDP_nominal=$947 billion<ref name=imf2/> |
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|GDP_nominal_rank=15th |
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|GDP_nominal_year=2008 |
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|GDP_nominal_per_capita=$19,504<ref name=imf2/> |
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|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank=36th |
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|sovereignty_type=[[History of South Korea|Establishment]] |
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|established_event2=[[March 1st Movement|Independence declared]] |
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|established_event3=[[Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea|Provisional Government]] |
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|established_event4=[[Division of Korea|Liberation]] |
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|established_event5=[[Constitution of the Republic of Korea|Constitution]] |
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|established_event6=[[History of South Korea#First Republic|Government Proclaimed]] |
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|established_date2=March 1, 1919 |
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|established_date3=April 13, 1919 |
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|established_date4=August 15, 1945 |
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|established_date5=July 17, 1948 |
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|established_date6=August 15, 1948 |
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|HDI_year=2008 |
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|HDI={{increase}} 0.928 |
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|HDI_rank=25th |
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|HDI_year=2008 |
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|HDI_category=<font color="#009900">high</font> |
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|Gini=31.3 (<font color="#009900">low</font>)<ref name=ciagini/> |
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|Gini_year=2007 |
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|currency=[[South Korean won]] (₩) |
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|currency_code=KRW |
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|country_code=KOR |
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|time_zone=[[Korea Standard Time]] |
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|utc_offset=+9 |
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|time_zone_DST=''not observed'' |
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|utc_offset_DST=+9 |
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|date_format=yyyy년 mm월 dd일<br />yyyy/mm/dd ([[Common Era|CE]]) |
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|drives_on=right |
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|cctld=[[.kr]] |
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|calling_code=82 |
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|footnote1=Mobile phone system CDMA, WCDMA, HSDPA and WiBro |
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|footnote2=Domestic power supply 220V/60 Hz, CEE 7/7 sockets |
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}} |
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'''South Korea''', officially the '''Republic of Korea''' ('''ROK''') ({{lang-ko|대한민국}}, {{IPA-ko|tɛːhanminɡuk̚|pron|Ko_pronunciation_of_dae-han-min-guk.ogg}}) and often referred to as '''Korea''', is a country in [[East Asia]], occupying the southern half of the [[Korean Peninsula]]. Also known as the "[[names of Korea#Revival of the names|Land of the Morning Calm]]", it is neighbored by [[People's Republic of China|China]] to the west and [[Japan]] to the east, and borders [[North Korea]] to the north. Its capital is [[Seoul]], the second largest [[List of metropolitan areas by population|metropolitan city]] in the world<ref>R.L. Forstall, R.P. Greene, and J.B. Pick, [http://www.uic.edu/cuppa/cityfutures/papers/webpapers/cityfuturespapers/session3_4/3_4whicharethe.pdf "Which are the largest? Why published populations for major world urban areas vary so greatly"], City Futures Conference, (University of Illinois at Chicago, July 2004) – Table 5 (p.34)</ref> |
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and a major [[global city]].<ref>http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4509&page=1</ref> |
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South Korea lies in a [[temperate climate]] region with a predominantly mountainous terrain. Its territory covers a total area of 100,032 square kilometers and has a population of almost 50 million, making it one of the most densely populated regions in the world.<ref name="About Korea">Population density calculated using surface area and population figures from [http://www.korea.net/korea/kor_loca.asp?code=L03].</ref> |
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South Korea is a [[Presidential system|presidential]] [[republic]] consisting of 16 [[Administrative divisions of South Korea|administrative divisions]]. Archaeological findings indicate that the Korean Peninsula was occupied by humans as early as the [[Lower Paleolithic|Lower Paleolithic period]].<ref>[http://www.rom.on.ca/news/releases/public.php?mediakey=sg1yebpnv8 Ancient civilizations]</ref><ref>http://www.opm.go.kr/warp/webapp/content/view?meta_id=english&id=35</ref> Korea first began with the founding of [[Gojoseon]] kingdom in 2333 [[BCE]] by [[Dangun]]. Following the unification of [[North and South States period]] under [[Goryeo]] 936 [[AD]], Korea went through the [[Goryeo]] and [[Joseon Dynasty]] as one nation until the end of the [[Korean Empire]] in 1910. After [[Division of Korea|liberation and division]], South Korea was established in 1948 as a [[democracy]]. Following the [[Korean War]], the [[South Korean economy]] grew significantly, transforming the country into a [[G-20 major economies|major global economy]]<ref>http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/322280/South-Korea/34997/Economic-and-social-developments</ref>. |
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South Korea is a [[developed country]] with a [[Human development index|high standard of living]]. It has the [[List of Asian countries by GDP|fourth largest]] [[economy]] in Asia and the [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|15th largest]] in the world. It is also the second largest [[developed country|advanced economy]] in Asia, classified by the [[IMF]] and [[CIA]]. South Korea is one of the world's top ten [[List of countries by exports|exporters]], and is a leader in technologically advanced goods such as [[electronics]], [[Automotive industry|automobile]]s, [[Shipbuilding|ship]]s, [[machinery]], [[petrochemical]]s and [[robotics]], headed by [[Samsung]], [[LG]] and [[Hyundai Kia Automotive Group|Hyundai-Kia]]. South Korea is a member of the [[United Nations]], [[WTO]], [[OECD]] and [[G-20 major economies]]. It is also a founding member of [[APEC]] and the [[East Asia Summit]], and a [[major non-NATO ally]] of the [[United States]]. More recently, South Korean culture has gained international interest, a trend known as the [[Korean wave]].<ref>http://www.korea.net/news/news/NewsView.asp?serial_no=20061127020&part=106&SearchDay=</ref><ref>http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/21/content_393440.htm</ref> |
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==Government== |
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{{main|Government of South Korea}} |
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[[File:Seoul-National.Assembly-01.jpg|thumb|left|The [[National Assembly of South Korea]]]] |
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Like many democracies, <ref>[http://a330.g.akamai.net/7/330/25828/20081021185552/graphics.eiu.com/PDF/Democracy%20Index%202008.pdf The Economist Intelligence Unit's Index of Democracy 2008]</ref> South Korea's government is divided into three branches: [[executive (government)|executive]], [[judiciary|judicial]], and [[legislature|legislative]]. The executive and legislative branches operate primarily at the national level, although various ministries in the executive branch also carry out local functions. Local governments are semi-autonomous, and contain executive and legislative bodies of their own. The judicial branch operates at both the national and local levels. South Korea is a constitutional democracy. |
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The South Korean government's structure is determined by the [[Constitution of the Republic of Korea]]. This document has been revised several times since its first promulgation in 1948 (see [[History of South Korea]]). However, it has retained many broad characteristics; with the exception of the short-lived [[Second Republic of South Korea]], the country has always had a presidential system with an independent chief executive.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ks00000_.html |title=South Korea - Constitution |publisher=International Constitutional Law |accessdate=2009-02-16}}</ref> South Korea has developed a successful [[liberal democracy]] since the 1960s and the first direct [[Elections in South Korea|election]] was held in 1948. The [[The World Factbook|CIA World Factbook]] 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=[[Central Intelligence Agency]] |work=[[The World Factbook]] |date=10 February 2009 |accessdate=2009-02-16}}</ref> |
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==History== |
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===Before division=== |
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{{main|History of Korea}} |
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Korea began with the founding of Joseon (The name [[Gojoseon]] is almost always used to prevent confusion with another Joseon dynasty founded in 14th century; the prefix Go- means 'old' or 'earlier') in 2333 [[BCE]] by [[Dangun]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/korea/history.htm |title=Korea's History |publisher=AsianInfo |accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> Gojoseon expanded until it controlled much of the northern Korean peninsula and parts of [[Manchuria]]. After numerous wars with the Chinese [[Han Dynasty]], Gojoseon disintegrated, leading to the [[Proto-Three Kingdoms of Korea]] period. |
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In the early centuries of the Common Era, [[Buyeo Kingdom|Buyeo]], [[Okjeo]], [[Dongye]], and the [[Samhan]] confederacy occupied the peninsula and southern Manchuria. Of the various small states, [[Goguryeo]], [[Baekje]], and [[Silla]] grew to control the peninsula as [[Three Kingdoms of Korea|the Three Kingdoms]]. The unification of the Three Kingdoms by [[Unified Silla|Silla]] in 676 led to the North-South States period, in which much of the Korean peninsula was controlled by [[Unified Silla]], while [[Balhae]] succeeded the northern parts of Goguryeo. In [[Unified Silla]], poetry and art was encouraged, and Buddhist culture flourished. Relationships between Korea and China remained relatively peaceful during this time. However, Unified Silla weakened under internal strife, and surrendered to [[Goryeo]] 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 Russia. It fell to the [[History of the Khitans|Khitan]] in 926. |
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[[Image:SelectedTeachingsofBuddhistSagesandSonMasters1377.jpg|thumb|''[[Jikji]]'', the earliest known book printed with movable metal type in 1377. Bibliothèque Nationale de Paris.]] |
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After the North-South Period, successor states fought for control during the [[Later Three Kingdoms]] period. The peninsula was soon united by [[Taejo of Goryeo|Emperor Taejo]] of [[Goryeo]]. Like Silla, Goryeo was a highly cultural state and created the [[Jikji]] in 1377, using the world's oldest movable metal [[printing press]].<ref>[http://www.digitaljikji.net/digital_jikji/main.asp Digital Jikji]</ref> |
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The [[Mongol invasions of Korea|Mongol invasions]] in the 13th century greatly weakened Goryeo. However, Goryeo continued to rule Korea as a tributary ally to the Mongols. After the fall of the [[Mongolian Empire]], Goryeo continued its rule. After severe political strife and continued invasions, Goryeo was replaced by the [[Joseon Dynasty]] in 1388 following a rebellion by General [[Taejo of Joseon|Yi Seong-gye]]. General Yi declared the new name of Korea as Joseon in reference to [[Gojoseon]], and moved the capital to [[Seoul]]. The first 200 years of the Joseon Dynasty was marked by relative peace and saw the creation of [[hangul]] by [[Sejong the Great of Joseon|Sejong the Great]] in the 14th century and the rise and influence of [[Confucianism]]. |
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[[File:Gyeongbok Palace main attraction.png|thumb|left|[[Gyeongbokgung|Gyeongbok Palace]] is the largest of the [[Five Grand Palaces]] built during the [[Joseon Dynasty]].]] |
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In the latter of the 16th century, Joseon was invaded by a newly unified Japan. During the [[Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598)]], centuries of peace had left the dynasty unprepared, and the lack of technology and poor leadership from the [[Seonjo of Joseon|Joseon government]] and generals led to the destruction of much of the Korean peninsula. In the first Japanese invasion (1592–1593), the army sent from China to assist Korea had a prescribed strength of 100,000, including 42,000 from five northern military districts and a contingent of 3,000 soldiers proficient in the use of firearms from South China. In the second Japanese invasion (1597–1598), Chinese army and navy involved were around 75,000 at the climax of the second campaign. In comparison, Japan's invasion army was depleted from 167,700 in the first invasion to 122,100 in the second invasion. Though outnumbered by the Japanese invasion force, however, continued Korean dominance at sea led by [[Yi Sun-sin|Admiral Yi]], the rise of [[Righteous army|local militias]], and the intervention of [[Ming Dynasty|Ming China]] put Japan under great pressure to retreat in 1598. |
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[[File:KoreanEmbassy1655KanoTounYasunobu.jpg|thumb|300px|right|The [[Joseon Tongsinsa|Joseon Tongsinsa (Joseon royal embassies to Tokugawa Japan)]] between 1607 and 1811.]] |
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Between the years [[1607]] and [[1811]], Joseon sent [[Joseon Tongsinsa|Tongsinsa(royal embassies)]] to Japan for the diplomatic exchange between two countries, and before the [[Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598)]] it was to make formal requests to the shogun to take control of ''[[waegu]]'' (J: ''wakō''), or "Japanese [[pirate]]s", which ravaged and plundered along Joseon’s coastline<ref>Frederic, Louis. "Wakō." ''Japan Encyclopedia''. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 2002. p1026.</ref>. |
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During the last years of the Joseon Dynasty, Korea's isolationist policy earned it the name the "[[hermit kingdom|Hermit Kingdom]]", primarily for protection against Western [[imperialism]] before it was forced to open trade beginning an era leading into [[Korea under Japanese rule|Japanese colonial rule]]. |
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===After division=== |
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{{main|History of South Korea}} |
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In the aftermath of [[World War II]], [[Soviet Union]] and [[United States]] troops controlled the northern and southern halves of the country respectively. |
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Despite the initial plan of a unified Korea in the 1943 [[Cairo Declaration]], escalating [[Cold War]] antagonism eventually led to the establishment of two separate governments, each with its own ideology, leading to [[division of Korea|Korea's division]] into two political entities: [[North Korea]] and South Korea. In the North, a former anti-Japanese guerrilla and communist activist, [[Kim Il-sung]], and in the South, an exiled Korean political leader, [[Syngman Rhee]], were installed as presidents. |
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On 25 June 1950, North Korea invaded the South leading to the [[Korean War]]. At the time, the Soviet Union boycotted the [[United Nations]] (UN), thus forfeiting their veto rights. This allowed the UN to intervene when it became apparent that the superior communist forces would easily take over the entire country. The Soviet Union and [[People's Republic of China|China]] backed North Korea, with the later participation of millions of [[People's Liberation Army|Chinese]] troops. After huge advances on both sides, the war eventually reached a stalemate. The 1953 armistice, never signed by South Korea, split the peninsula along the [[Korean Demilitarized Zone|demilitarized zone]] near the original demarcation line. No peace treaty was ever signed at the time of the armistice, resulting in the two countries remaining technically at war. At least 2.5 million people died during the Korean War.<ref>[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/322419/Korean-War Korean War (1950-53)]. Britannica Online Encyclopedia.</ref> |
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In 1960, [[April Revolution|a student uprising]] led to the resignation of the autocratic President [[Syngman Rhee]]. A period of political instability followed, broken by General [[Park Chung-hee]]'s [[Supreme Council for National Reconstruction|military coup]] (the ''"5-16 coup d'état"'') against the weak and ineffectual government the next year. Park took over as president until his assassination in 1979, overseeing rapid [[Export-oriented industrialization|export-led economic growth]] as well as severe political repression. Park was heavily criticised as a ruthless military dictator, although the Korean economy developed significantly during his tenure. |
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The years after Park's assassination were marked again by considerable political turmoil as the previously repressed opposition leaders all campaigned to run for president in the sudden political void. In 1980 there was another [[coup d'état]] by General [[Chun Doo-hwan]] against the transitional government of Choi Gyu Ha, the interim president and a former prime minister under Park. Chun assumed the presidency. His [[Coup d'état of December Twelfth|seizure of power]] triggered nationwide protests demanding [[democracy]], in particular in the city of Gwangju, in [[Jeollanam-do]], where Chun sent special forces to violently suppress the unrest, in what is now known as the [[Gwangju Democratization Movement|Gwangju Massacre]]. |
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[[File:Inside Seoul World Cup Stadium.jpg|thumb|right|200px|View of the [[Seoul World Cup Stadium]] used during the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]] co-hosted by South Korea and Japan]] |
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Until 1987, Chun and his government held Korea under a despotic rule when Park Jong Chul — a student attending [[Seoul National University]] — was tortured to death. On 10 June, the Catholic Priests' Association for Justice revealed Park's torture, igniting huge demonstrations around the country. Eventually, Chun's party, the [[Democratic Justice Party]], and its leader, [[Roh Tae-woo]] announced the June 29th Declaration, which included the direct election of the president. Roh went on to win the election by a narrow margin against the two main opposition leaders, [[Kim Dae-Jung]] and [[Kim Young-Sam]]. |
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[[File:Gangnampicturefromtheoffice.jpg|thumb|200px|left|View of [[Seoul]]'s [[Gangnam-gu]] district in the present day. South Korea is often described as [[Miracle on the Han River]] and [[Four Asian Tigers]].]] |
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In 1988, Seoul successfully hosted the [[1988 Summer Olympics]], and continuing economic development led to membership in the [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development]] (OECD) in 1996. As with many of its Asian neighbors, South Korea was adversely affected by the [[1997 Asian Financial Crisis]], however the country was able to recover and continue its economic growth. |
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In June 2000, as part of president Kim Dae-Jung's ''[[Sunshine Policy]]''' of engagement, a [[Inter-Korean Summit|North-South summit]] took place in [[Pyongyang]], the capital of North Korea. Later that year, Kim received the [[Nobel Peace Prize]] ''"for his work for democracy and human rights in South Korea and in East Asia in general, and for peace and reconciliation with North Korea in particular."''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2000/index.html|title=The Nobel Peace Prize 2000|publisher=The Nobel Foundation|year=2000|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> |
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In 2002, South Korea and Japan jointly co-hosted the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]], however [[Japan–Korea relations|South Korean and Japanese relations]] later [[Japan–Korea disputes|soured]] due to conflicting claims of [[sovereignty]] over the Dokdo Islets (also known as the [[Liancourt Rocks]]), in what became known as the [[Liancourt Rocks dispute]]. |
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==Foreign relations== |
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{{main|Foreign relations of South Korea}} |
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South Korea maintains diplomatic relations with approximately 170 countries. The country has also been a member of the [[United Nations]] since 1991, when it became a member state at the same time as North Korea. On January 1, 2007, South Korean Foreign Minister [[Ban Ki-moon]] assumed the post of [[United Nations Secretary-General|UN Secretary-General]]. It has also developed links with [[Association of Southeast Asian Nations]] as both a member of ''ASEAN Plus three,'' a body of observers, and the [[East Asia Summit]] (EAS). |
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Beginning in May 2007, South Korea and the [[European Union]] are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement to reduce trade barriers.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/bilateral/countries/korea/index_en.htm |title=External Trade - Trade Issues - South Korea |publisher=European Commission |date=December 2008 |accessdate=2009-03-05}}</ref> 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 - Free Trade Agreement Negotiations |publisher=Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada |date=5 January 2009 |accessdate=2009-03-05}}</ref> and another with [[New Zealand]].<ref>http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-03/03/content_10933684.htm</ref> |
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===United States=== |
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[[File:Ban Ki-moon Bush.jpg|thumb|right|[[Secretary-General of the United Nations|Secretary-General]] of the [[United Nations]] [[Ban Ki-moon]], with former [[President of the United States|U.S. President]] [[George W. Bush]]]] |
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The United States engaged in the decolonization of Korea (mainly South, Soviet Union engaged North Korea) from Japan after World War II. After 3 years of military administration by the United States, the South Korean government was established. |
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Upon the onset of the Korean War, the United States Military was sent to South Korea to defend against the invasion of North Korea and later China. Since then, the two nations have had strong economic, diplomatic and military ties, although they have at times disagreed with regards to policies towards North Korea. Currently, the [[US Eighth Army|U.S. Eighth Army]], [[Seventh Air Force]] and [[Commander Naval Forces Korea|U.S. Naval Forces Korea]] are stationed in South Korea. |
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===China=== |
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Historically, Korea has had relatively close relations with the [[Republic of China]]. Before the formation of South Korea, Korean independence fighters worked with Chinese soldiers during the Japanese occupation. However, after [[World War II]], the [[People's Republic of China]] embraced [[Maoism]] while South Korea fell under the influence of the United States. The PRC assisted North Korea with manpower and supplies during the [[Korean War]], and in its aftermath the diplomatic relationship between South Korea and the PRC almost completely ceased. Relations thawed gradually and South Korea and the PRC re-established formal diplomatic relations on August 24, 1992. The two countries sought to improve bilateral relations and lifted the forty-year old trade embargo, and<ref name="autogenerated2">[http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/FI11Dg03.html Asia Times - News and analysis from Korea; North and South<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> South Korean-Chinese relations have improved steadily since 1992.<ref name="autogenerated2" /> Korea broke off official relations with the [[Republic of China]] upon gaining official relations with the People's Republic. |
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===Japan=== |
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[[File:Dokdo 20080628-panorama.jpg|thumb|left|[[Liancourt Rocks|Dokdo]] has become an issue known as the [[Liancourt Rocks dispute]].]] |
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Although there were no formal diplomatic ties between South Korea and Japan after the Korean War, South Korea and Japan signed the [[Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea]] in 1965 to establish diplomatic ties. There is heavy [[Anti-Japanese sentiment in Korea|anti-Japanese sentiment in South Korea]] due to a number of unsettled [[Japanese-Korean disputes]], many of which stem from the period of [[Korea under Japanese rule|Japanese occupation]]. During [[World War II]], more than 100,000 Koreans were forced to serve in the [[Imperial Japanese Army]].<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 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= |
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http://www.gangje.go.kr/admin_view0305.asp?idx=711&page=1|title=Truth Commission on Forced Mobilization under the japanese Imperialism Republic of Korea.|accessdate=18/03/9}}</ref> Longstanding issues such as [[Japanese war crimes]] against Korean civilians, the visits by Japanese politicians to the [[Yasukuni Shrine]] honoring Japanese soldiers killed at war, including class A war criminals like [[Hideki Tojo]], the re-writing of [[Japanese history textbook controversies|Japanese textbooks]] to overlook Japanese aggression during World War II, and the territorial disputes over [[Liancourt Rocks]] continue to trouble Korean-Japanese relations. In response to then-[[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]] [[Junichiro Koizumi]]'s repeated visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, former [[President of South Korea|President]] 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|title=President Roh Moo-hyun will not hold a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi until Koizumi stops visits to Japan's Yasukuni shrine|publisher=[[Voice of America]]|date=17 March 2006|accessdate=2009-02-15}}</ref> |
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===North Korea=== |
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Both [[North Korea|North]] and South Korea continue to officially claim sovereignty over the entire peninsula and any outlying islands. With longstanding animosity following the [[Korean War]] from 1950 to 1953, North Korea and South Korea signed an agreement to pursue peace.<ref name="autogenerated4">{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKSEO16392220071004|title=FACTBOX - North, South Korea pledge peace, prosperity |accessdate=2007-10-04|publisher=Thomson Reuters|agency=Reuters|date=4 October 2007|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> On October 4, 2007, Roh Moo-Hyun and North Korean leader [[Kim Jong-il]] 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" /> |
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Despite the Sunshine Policy and efforts at reconciliation, the progress was complicated by [[North Korean missile tests]] in [[1993 North Korean missile test|1993]], [[1998 North Korean missile test|1998]], [[2006 North Korean nuclear test|2006]] and 2009. {{Asof|2009|May|alt=As of mid 2009}}, relationships between North and South Korea are very tense; North Korea has been reported to have deployed missiles,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7905361.stm |title=N Korea 'deploying more missiles'|publisher=BBC News |date=23 February 2009}}</ref> ended its former agreements with South Korea,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7859671.stm |title=North Korea tears up agreements |publisher=BBC News |date=30 January 2009 |accessdate=2009-03-08}}</ref> and threatened South Korea and the United States not to interfere with a satellite launch it had planned.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7931670.stm |publisher=BBC News |date=3 March 2009 |accessdate=2009-03-08}}</ref> |
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As of 2009, North and South Korea are still technically at war (having never signed an armistice after the Korean War) and share the world’s most heavily-fortified border.<ref> http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/06/03/koreas.agree/index.html </ref> Since May 27 2009 , North Korea declared that the ceasefire treaty, signed post Korean War, is no longer valid due to South Korea government's pledged to "definitely join" the [[Proliferation Security Initiative]]. |
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==Armed forces== |
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{{Article issues |
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{{main|Military of South Korea}} |
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[[File:T-50 Golden Eagle over Chungnam.jpg|thumb|right|South Korea's [[T-50 Golden Eagle]], a [[supersonic]] trainer aircraft]] |
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South Korea has the world's sixth largest number of [[List of countries by number of total troops|active troops]],<ref name="South Korea">{{cite news|title=South Korea's Armed Forces, CSIS (Page 24) |date=[[2006-07-25]]|url=http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/060626_asia_balance_powers.pdf}}</ref> the world's second largest number of [[List of countries by size of armed forces|reserve troops]]<ref name="South Korea"/> and the twelfth largest [[List of countries by military expenditures|defence budget]]. The [[South Korean army]] has 2,300 [[tank]]s in operation,<ref>{{ cite paper |url=http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/060626_asia_balance_powers.pdf|title=The Asian Conventional Military Balance in 2006: Overview of major Asian Powers|date=26 June 2006|publisher=Center for Strategic and International Studies|last=Cordesman|first=Anthony H.|coauthors=Kleiber, Martin|format=PDF|accessdate=2009-02-14}}</ref> consisting of technologically advanced models such as the [[K1A1]] and the new [[K2 Black Panther]]. The [[Republic of Korea Navy|South Korean navy]] has the world's sixth largest fleet of [[destroyer]]s and is one of the five navies in the world to operate an [[Aegis combat system|Aegis guided missile]] enabled destroyer, the [[King Sejong the Great class destroyer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/05/25/asia/AS-GEN-SKorea-Aegis-Destroyer.php|title=South Korea launches first Aegis-equipped destroyer|date=24 May 2007|accessdate=2009-02-15}}</ref><!-- This article summary (not from the original source) is dated 2007. It does NOT say Korea operates an Aegis BMD destroyer, only that one will be operational in 2009. -->. The [[Republic of Korea Airforce|South Korean airforce]] operates the ninth largest airforce in the world,<ref>[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/rokaf-equipment.htm ROK Air Force Equipment]</ref> composed of advanced [[United States|American]] fighters such as the [[F-15K]], [[KF-16]] and advanced indigenous models such as the [[T-50 Golden Eagle]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/01/205_34171.html|title=US Pilots Test Fly T-50 Trainer|last=Jung|first=Sung-ki|date=10 November 2008|publisher=[[The Korea Times]]|accessdate=2009-02-15}}</ref> |
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The South Korean military consists of the [[Republic of Korea Army|Army]] (ROKA), the [[Republic of Korea Navy|Navy]] (ROKN), the [[Republic of Korea Air Force|Air Force]] (ROKAF), and the [[Republic of Korea Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] (ROKMC), together with reserve forces.<ref> GlobalSecurity on Military of Republic of Korea http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/index.html</ref> Many of these forces are concentrated near the [[Korean Demilitarized Zone]]. All South Korean males are constitutionally required to serve in the military, typically for a period of two years. However, there have been debates about shortening the length of the military services, and even dismissing the mandatory service itself. The government recently allowed some male students who were in the process of earning a university bachelor's degree and master's degree to dismiss the military requirements to allow them to further study and research their fields. |
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[[Image:ROKS Munmu the Great (DDH 976).jpg|thumb|left|[[Republic of Korea Navy|ROKS]] ''Munmu the Great'' (DDH 976) sails in formation at the end of [[RIMPAC]] 2006.]] |
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From time to time, South Korea has sent its troops overseas to assist American forces. It has participated in most major conflicts that the United States has been involved in the past 50 years. South Korea dispatched 320,000 troops to fight alongside American, [[Australia]]n, [[Philippines|Filipino]], [[New Zealand]] and [[South Vietnam]]ese soldiers in the [[Vietnam War]], with a peak strength of 50,000. Most recently, South Korea sent 3,300 troops of the [[Zaytun Division]] to help re-building in northern [[Iraq]], and was the 3rd largest contributor in the [[Multinational force in Iraq|coalition forces]] after only the US and Britain.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mil.kr:7081/zaytun2/english/index.jsp|title=Zaytun Division official website|publisher=|date=|accessdate=2009-02-17}}{{dead link|date=February 2009}}</ref> |
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The United States has stationed a substantial contingent of [[troop]]s in South Korea since the [[Korean War]] to defend South Korea in case of a North Korean attack. There are also approximately 29,000 [[United States Forces Korea|U.S. Military personnel stationed in Korea]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/68465|title=America's Unsinkable Fleet|publisher=Newsweek|date=26 Feb 2007|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> most of them serving one year of unaccompanied tours. The American Troops, which primarily are assigned to the [[Eighth United States Army]] are stationed in installations at [[Osan]], Yongsan, [[Dongducheon]], Sungbuk, and [[Daegu]], which are considered camps not for their lack of buildings or support structure, but to make a political and military statement representing a lack of permanence. A still functioning [[United Nations Command (Korea)|UN Command]] is technically the top of the [[chain of command]] of all forces in South Korea, including the US forces and the entire South Korean military. Although, if a sudden escalation of war between North and South Korea were to occur, as of currently, the United States would assume control of the South Korean Army in all military and paramilitary moves. However, in September 2006, the Presidents of the United States and the Republic of Korea agreed that South Korea should assume the lead for its own defense. In early 2007, the U.S. Secretary of Defense and ROK Minister of National Defense determined that South Korea will assume wartime operational control of its forces on April 17, 2012. U.S. Forces Korea will transform into a new jointwarfighting command, provisionally described as Korea Command (KORCOM).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/doctrine.htm|title=South Korean Military Doctrine|publisher=Global Security|date=02 March 2009|accessdate=2009-06-07}}</ref> |
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==Administrative divisions== |
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{{Main|Administrative divisions of South Korea}} |
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:''See also [[Special cities of Korea]] and [[Provinces of Korea]]'' |
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[[File:Provinces of South Korea.svg|thumb|Principal divisions of South Korea]] |
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[[File:Southkoreamap.png|thumb|General map of South Korea]] |
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The major administrative divisions in South Korea are '''provinces''', '''metropolitan cities''' (self-governing cities that are not part of any province), and one '''special city'''. |
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<center> |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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! !! Name<sup><small>a</small></sup> !! hangul !! hanja |
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|- |
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!colspan="4"| Special cities (''Teukbyeolsi'')<sup><small>a</small></sup> |
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|- |
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|1||[[Seoul|Seoul (National Capital)]]||서울특별시||首爾特別市 |
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|- |
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!colspan="32"| Metropolitan cities (''Gwangyeoksi'')<sup><small>a</small></sup> |
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|- |
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|2||[[Busan]]||부산광역시||釜山廣域市 |
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|- |
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|3||[[Daegu]]||대구광역시||大邱廣域市 |
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|- |
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|4||[[Incheon]]||인천광역시||仁川廣域市 |
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|- |
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|5||[[Gwangju]]||광주광역시||光州廣域市 |
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|- |
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|6||[[Daejeon]]||대전광역시||大田廣域市 |
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|- |
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|7||[[Ulsan]]||울산광역시||蔚山廣域市 |
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|- |
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!colspan="4"|Provinces (''Do'')<sup><small>a</small></sup> |
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|- |
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|8||[[Gyeonggi-do]]||경기도||京畿道 |
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|9||[[Gangwon-do (South Korea)|Gangwon-do]]||강원도||江原道 |
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|- |
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|10||[[Chungcheongbuk-do]] (Northern Chungcheong)||충청북도||忠淸北道 |
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|- |
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|11||[[Chungcheongnam-do]] (Southern Chungcheong)||충청남도||忠淸南道 |
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|- |
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|12||[[Jeollabuk-do]] (Northern Jeolla)||전라북도||全羅北道 |
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|13||[[Jeollanam-do]] (Southern Jeolla)||전라남도||全羅南道 |
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|14||[[Gyeongsangbuk-do]] (Northern Gyeongsang)||경상북도||慶尙北道 |
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|- |
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|15||[[Gyeongsangnam-do]] (Southern Gyeongsang)||경상남도||慶尙南道 |
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|- |
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!colspan="4"|Special self-governing province (''Teukbyeoljachi-do'')<sup><small>a</small></sup> |
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|- |
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|16||[[Jeju-do|Jeju-teukbyeoljachido]]||제주특별자치도||濟州特別自治道 |
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|} |
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</center> |
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{{smaller|<sup>a</sup> [[Revised Romanisation of Korean|Revised Romanisation]].}} |
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==Geography and climate== |
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{{main|Geography of South Korea}} |
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{{main|National parks of South Korea}} |
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[[File:South Korea Topography.png|thumb|left|[[Topography]] of South Korea]] |
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[[File:Suncheon3.jpg|thumb|right|[[Suncheon Ecological Park|Suncheon Bay Ecological Park]] in [[Suncheon]], [[South Jeolla]] Province.]] |
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[[File:Korea-Boseong-Green.tea-09.jpg|thumb|right|[[Boseong]] tea field.]] |
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South Korea occupies the southern portion of the [[Korean Peninsula]], which extends some 680 miles (1,100 km) from the Asian mainland. This mountainous peninsula is flanked by the [[Yellow Sea]] to the west, and the [[Sea of Japan]] (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 [[Korea Strait]] and the [[East China Sea]]. |
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The country's total area is {{convert|38622.57|sqmi|km2|2}}.<ref>The estimated area rises steadily from year to year, possibly due to land reclamation. {{cite web |url=http://kosis.nso.go.kr/cgi-bin/sws_999.cgi?ID=DT_1A1&IDTYPE=3&A_LANG=1&FPUB=3&SELITEM= |work=Korea Statistical Information Service |title=행정구역(구시군)별 국토적 |accessdate=2006-03-27}}</ref> |
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South Korea can be divided into four general regions: an eastern region of high mountain ranges and narrow [[coastal plains]]; a western region of broad coastal plains, [[drainage basin|river basins]], and rolling hills; a southwestern region of mountains and valleys; and a southeastern region dominated by the broad basin of the [[Nakdong River]]. |
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South Korea's terrain is mostly mountainous, most of which is not [[arable land|arable]]. [[Lowland]]s, located primarily in the west and southeast, constitute only 30% of the total land area. |
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About three thousand islands, mostly small and uninhabited, lie off the western and southern coasts of South Korea. [[Jeju-do]] is located about 100 kilometers (about 60 mi) off the southern coast of South Korea. It is the country's largest island, with an area of 1,845 square kilometres (712 sq mi). Jeju is also the site of South Korea's highest point: [[Hallasan]], an extinct [[volcano]], reaches 1,950 meters (6,398 ft) above sea level. The most eastern islands of South Korea include [[Ulleungdo]] and [[Liancourt Rocks]] (Dokdo in Korean), while [[Marado]] and [[Socotra Rock]] are the southernmost islands of South Korea. |
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South Korea has 20 national parks and some popular nature places like [[Boseong]] Tea Field, [[Suncheon Ecological Park|Suncheon Bay Ecological Park]] in [[South Jeolla]] province. |
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===Climate=== |
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{{climate chart |
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|Seoul |
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|-7.1|0.8|23 |
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|-5|3|25 |
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|0|10|47 |
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|7|17|94 |
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|13|23|92 |
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|17|26|134 |
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|22|29|369 |
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|22|30|294 |
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|17|26|169 |
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|10|20|50 |
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|3|11|53 |
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|-4|4|21 |
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|source=[http://www.climate-charts.com/Locations/k/KO47108.html climate-charts.com] |
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|float=right}} |
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South Korea has a [[humid continental climate]] and a [[humid subtropical climate]], and is affected by the [[East Asian monsoon]], with [[precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]] heavier in summer during a short rainy season called ''[[East Asian rainy season|jangma]]'' ([[:ko:장마|장마]]), which begins end of June through the end of July. Winters can be bitterly cold, in Seoul, the average January temperature range is -7 °[[Celsius|C]] to 1 °C (19 °[[Fahrenheit|F]] to 33 °F), and the average August temperature range is 22 °C to 30 °C (71 °F to 86 °F). Winter temperatures are higher along the southern coast and considerably lower in the mountainous interior. Rainfall is concentrated in the summer months of June through September. The southern coast is subject to late summer [[tropical cyclone|typhoons]] that bring strong winds and heavy rains. The average annual [[precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]] varies from 1,370 millimeters (54 [[inch]]es) in Seoul to 1,470 millimeters (58 inches) in [[Busan]]. There are occasional typhoons that bring high winds and floods. The government is concerned of the impact of [[global warming]] on the natural disasters. |
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===Environment=== |
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{{Main|Environment of South Korea}} |
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[[File:Korea-Seoul-Cheonggyecheon-2008-01.jpg|thumb|left|[[Cheonggyecheon]] is a major success in urban nature-friendly renewal.]] |
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Following the rapid industrialization, [[air pollution]] and [[water pollution]], in particular in urban areas, rose rapidly. Government actions taken since the 1990s to improve the environment led to a rapid decrease of [[Sulfur dioxide#Emissions|sulfur emissions]],<ref>[http://www1.american.edu/TED/KORPOLL.htm "Korean Air Pollution Problems"]</ref> though the continuing growth of traffic has led to increase of other pollutants. Despite its small size, South Korea is the ninth largest consumer of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons. There are major issues with air and water pollution due to South Korea's high population density.{{fact|date=March 2009}} Recently, though, there have been several initiatives (such as the restoration of [[Cheonggyecheon]] in central Seoul.<ref>[http://english.seoul.go.kr/gover/initiatives/inti_02cheon.htm Seoul Metropolitan Government - "A Clean, Attractive & Global City, Seoul!"<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>) to improve the environment in Korea.{{Fact|date=April 2009}} In mid-2008, the [[Ministry of Knowledge Economy]] said the country intends to spend 194.4 billion won ($193 million) on technologies and projects, including solar, wind and [[biofuel]]s, in 2008.<ref>http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/south-korea-to-boost-renewable-energy-investments-by-60-1191.html</ref> |
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South Korea is a member of numerous international environmental organisations and treaties, including [[Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty|Antarctic-Environmental Protocol]], [[Antarctic Treaty System|Antarctic Treaty]], [[Convention on Biological Diversity|Biodiversity Treaty]], [[Kyoto Protocol]], [[United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification|Desertification]], [[CITES|Endangered Species]], [[Environmental Modification Convention|Environmental Modification]], [[Basel Convention|Hazardous Wastes]], [[United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea|Law of the Sea]], [[Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping from Ships and Aircraft|Marine Dumping]], [[Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty|Nuclear Test Ban]], [[Montreal Protocol|Ozone Layer Protection]], [[MARPOL 73/78|Ship Pollution]], [[International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1983|Tropical Timber 83]], [[International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1994|Tropical Timber 94]], [[Ramsar Convention|Wetlands]], and [[International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling|Whaling]].<ref>{{CIA World Factbook}}</ref> |
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==Economy== |
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{{main|Economy of South Korea}} |
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{{Article issues |
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[[File:South Korea's GDP (nominal) growth from 1960 to 2007.png|thumb|right|South Korea's nominal GDP growth from 1960 to 2007, in billions of US dollars. Koreans term this growth the [[Miracle on the Han River]].]] |
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[[File:Hanggangfireworks.jpg|thumb|left|300px|[[Han River (Korea)|Han River]] with [[Banpo Bridge]], and [[63 Building]] on [[Yeouido]] are iconic landmarks of the [[Miracle on the Han River]] and [[Seoul]].]] |
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South Korea has been the world's second fastest growing economy for over four decades.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=zdqAakpAeloC&pg=PA328&lpg=PA328&dq=south+korea+fastest+growing+economy+20th+century&source=web&ots=UUvZrK4buo&sig=cvQaMFViBSklOtjirClbbGjgPKY&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=10&ct=result |title=Handbook of Markets and Economies |last=Pecotich |first=Anthony |coauthors=Shultz, Clifford J. |publisher=M.E. Sharpe |isbn=978-0-7656-0972-4 |accessdate=2009-02-17}}{{page number|date=February 2009}}</ref> For example, in 1957 South Korea's annual per capita [[GDP]] was comparable to that of [[Ghana]],<ref>[http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/113450313/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0 Ghana and South Korea: Lessons from world bank case studies]. Herbert Werlin. ''University of Maryland.''</ref> and by 2008 it was 17 times as high as Ghana's.<ref>Data refer to the year 2008. $26,341 GDP for Korea, $1513 for Ghana. [http://imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2008&ey=2008&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&pr1.x=29&pr1.y=12&c=512%2C446%2C914%2C666%2C612%2C668%2C614%2C672%2C311%2C946%2C213%2C137%2C911%2C962%2C193%2C674%2C122%2C676%2C912%2C548%2C313%2C556%2C419%2C678%2C513%2C181%2C316%2C682%2C913%2C684%2C124%2C273%2C339%2C921%2C638%2C948%2C514%2C943%2C218%2C686%2C963%2C688%2C616%2C518%2C223%2C728%2C516%2C558%2C918%2C138%2C748%2C196%2C618%2C278%2C522%2C692%2C622%2C694%2C156%2C142%2C624%2C449%2C626%2C564%2C628%2C283%2C228%2C853%2C924%2C288%2C233%2C293%2C632%2C566%2C636%2C964%2C634%2C182%2C238%2C453%2C662%2C968%2C960%2C922%2C423%2C714%2C935%2C862%2C128%2C716%2C611%2C456%2C321%2C722%2C243%2C942%2C248%2C718%2C469%2C724%2C253%2C576%2C642%2C936%2C643%2C961%2C939%2C813%2C644%2C199%2C819%2C184%2C172%2C524%2C132%2C361%2C646%2C362%2C648%2C364%2C915%2C732%2C134%2C366%2C652%2C734%2C174%2C144%2C328%2C146%2C258%2C463%2C656%2C528%2C654%2C923%2C336%2C738%2C263%2C578%2C268%2C537%2C532%2C742%2C944%2C866%2C176%2C369%2C534%2C744%2C536%2C186%2C429%2C925%2C178%2C746%2C436%2C926%2C136%2C466%2C343%2C112%2C158%2C111%2C439%2C298%2C916%2C927%2C664%2C846%2C826%2C299%2C542%2C582%2C443%2C474%2C917%2C754%2C544%2C698%2C941&s=PPPPC&grp=0&a= World Economic Outlook Database-October 2008], [[International Monetary Fund]]. Accessed on February 14, 2009.</ref> South Korea's transformation into a [[developed country]] during the latter half of the 20th century has been termed the [[Miracle on the Han River]], and South Korea is considered one of the "[[Four Asian Tigers]]". |
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Today, South Korea has an advanced economy and is a member of the [[OECD]],<ref>[http://www.oecd.org/countrieslist/0,3351,en_33873108_33844430_1_1_1_1_1,00.html OECD's country websites]</ref> classified as a [[High income economy|High-income economy]] by the [[World Bank Group|World Bank]] and an [[Developed country|Advanced economy]] by the [[IMF]] and [[CIA]]<ref name=qq>[http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/02/weodata/groups.htm#ae IMF Advanced Economies List. World Economic Outlook, Database—WEO Groups and Aggregates Information, October 2008.]</ref><ref name=cia>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/appendix/appendix-b.html|title=Appendix B. International Organizations and Groups. [[World Factbook]].|author=CIA|date=2008|accessdate=2008-04-10}}</ref> and a [[Developed market]] by the [[FTSE Group]]. In 2009. However, it is still considered an emerging market by MSCI due to the lack of full convertibility of the Korean won.<ref>http://www.marketwatch.com/story/msci-may-reclassify-korea-israel-as-developed-markets</ref> Its capital, Seoul, is consistently placed among the world's top ten [[financial]] and [[Commercial district|commercial]] cities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citymayors.com/economics/financial-cities.html|title=London remains number one but the future belongs to Asia|publisher=City Mayors|date=10 June 2008|accessdate=2009-02-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://webnet.oecd.org/wbos/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=REG_ACC_TL2|title=OECD Regional Accounts|year=2006|publisher=Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|accessdate=2009-02-16}}</ref> South Korea has the smallest gap between rich and poor in high-income Asian economies.<ref name=ciagini>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2172.html Gini index] CIA World Fact Book |
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</ref><ref name=oecdgini>[http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/544701673235 Gini coefficient] 2009 OECD Factbook</ref> |
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South Korea is regarded as a strong economy,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/10/260_32859.html |title=Korea Lacks in Strong Identity in Brand Positioning |last=Cromwell |first=Thomas |publisher=The Korea Times |date=17 October 2008 |accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref><!-- Cherry picking for "one of the world strongest economies" -- the reference doesn't compare world economies. Delete statement. --> despite lacking [[natural resources]] and having the [[List of countries and outlying territories by total area|smallest territory]] among the [[G-20 major economies]]. The [[South Korean economy]] is the [[List of Asian countries by GDP|fourth largest]] in Asia and [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|13th largest]] in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://siteresources.worldbank.org/DATASTATISTICS/Resources/GDP_PPP.pdf |title=Gross domestic product 2007, PPP |publisher=World Development Indicators database, World Bank |date=17 October 2008 |accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> Like [[West Germany]] and [[Japan]], rapid [[industrialization]] since the 1960s has made South Korea one of the world's top ten [[List of countries by exports|exporters]]. <!-- "In 2007, it was" NOT "it is" (see census.gov reference) --> It is the seventh largest [[List of the largest trading partners of the United States|trading partner of the United States]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/statistics/highlights/top/top0712.html|title=Top Trading Partners - Total Trade, Exports, Imports|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|date=14 February 2008|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> South Korea has the second highest [[savings rate]] in the developed world<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/eco_adj_net_sav_exc_par_emi_dam_of_gni-excluding-particulate-emission-damage-gni|title=Economy Statistics: Adjusted net savings, excluding particulate emission damage: % of GNI (most recent) by country|publisher=NationMaster|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> and has the world's sixth biggest [[foreign exchange reserves]].<ref>See [[List of countries by foreign exchange reserves]]<!-- Not the best reference. Copy CIA World Fact Book reference here. --></ref> |
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An extremely competitive [[Education in South Korea|education]] environment<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/BUSINESS/05/14/ft.korea.megastudy/index.html|title=Web-based tutorials take off in South Korea|publisher=Cable News Network|year=2007|accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref> and motivated [[workforce]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cic.sfu.ca/forum/DongSungChoOct211999.html|title=Korean Economic Crisis: Causes and Cures|last=Cho|first=Dong-Sung|publisher=Seoul National University|date=11 May 1999|quote=Until 1980 the highly educated and motivated workforce was the main driving force behind Korea's economic growth. However, growth-oriented policies encouraged a very rapid growth in real wages in excess of the productivity growth rate.|accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref> are two key factors driving this [[knowledge economy]]. the country files the largest number of [[patents]] per [[GDP]] and [[R&D]] expenditure in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/freepublications/en/patents/931/wipo_pub_931.pdf|title=WIPO Patent Report: Statistics on Worldwide Patent Activities|publisher=World Intellectual Property Organization|year=2007|accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref><!-- cherry picking --> |
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[[File:Tradetw01.jpg|thumb|left|[[World Trade Center Seoul]].]] |
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Many globally well-known South Korean [[Conglomerate (company)|conglomerates]] such as [[Samsung]], [[Hyundai Kia Automotive Group|Hyundai-Kia]], [[LG]], [[SK Group|SK]], [[POSCO]], [[Daewoo]], [[GS Group]], [[STX Corporation]], [[Hanwha]], [[Hyundai Heavy Industries]], [[Kumho Asiana Group]], [[Doosan Group]] and [[Hanjin Group]] have rapidly grown to become world leaders in their respective industries. And there are also many globally well-known South Korean [[Small and medium enterprises]] like [[Hankook Tire]], [[Daelim]], [[Taepyeongyang Corporation|Taepyeongyang Corporation(Amore Pacific)]], [[Hynix]], [[CJ Corporation]], [[Hyosung]], [[Pantech Curitel]], [[Young Chang]], and [[SsangYong Group]]. Samsung Group is the world's largest [[Conglomerate (company)|conglomerate]]<ref>See [[List of companies by revenue]].</ref> and a leading [[consumer electronics]] brand.<ref>http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/07/top_brands/source/20.htm</ref> In 2006, Samsung Group alone would have been the world's 34th largest economy if ranked.<ref>[http://www.chosun.com/economy/news/200602/200602130520.html [초 국가기업] <上> 삼성 매출>싱가포르 GDP… 국가를 가르친다 - 조선닷컴<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The Hyundai Kia Automotive Group is the second largest car company in Asia and one of the top five [[automaker]]s in the world.<ref>See [[Automotive industry]].</ref> Hyundai Heavy Industries is the world's largest shipbuilder<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aau_Zeq74Z9k|title=Bloomberg.com|accessdate=2009-01-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.mk.co.kr/outside/view.php?year=2008&no=703877|title=HHI Constructs World’s Best Ship for 26 Years Straight|accessdate=2008-11-18}}</ref> and POSCO is the world's second largest steel maker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=ae5qz21hHvhM|title=Bloomberg.com|accessdate=2009-01-15}}</ref> South Korea is the world's largest [[shipbuilding|shipbuilder]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.straightstocks.com/investing-in-asia-stocks/south-korea-dominates-shipbuilding-industry/|title=South Korea dominates shipbuilding industry|publisher=StraightStocks|date=9 September 2008|accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref> and one of the world's top five [[automobile]] manufacturing nations,<ref>See [[List of countries by automobile production]]</ref> and the sixth largest [[Steel production by country|steel producer]] in the world.<ref>See [[Steel production by country]]</ref> |
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The new [[Lee Myung-bak]] administration has a stated goal of making South Korea's economic power and wealth match the [[G7]], with a target of annual [[Economic growth|GDP growth]] of 7%, a [[GDP per capita]] of $40,000 and making South Korea the world's seventh largest economy by 2013.<ref>Robert Koehler (Mar. 2008). Korea's CEO President Lee Myung-bak, Seoul Selection.[http://seoulselection.com/shopping_book_view.html?pid=1557]</ref> President Lee describes himself as the [[CEO]] of "Korea Inc." and his [[macroeconomic]] policies are often called [[Mbnomics]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.mosf.go.kr/about/dpm/dpm2.php|title=Biography: Yoon Jeung-Hyun|publisher=Ministry of Strategy and Finance|year=2007|accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref> In 2008, [[Free Trade Agreement]]s with the [[United States|US]] (also known as [[U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement|KORUS FTA]]) and [[EU]] were carried out.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/2008/11/176_27098.html|title=S. Korea, EU Seek to Conclude FTA This Year|last=Kim|first=Se-jeong|publisher=The Korea Times|date=7 June 2008|accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref> |
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In 2008, Korea's GDP (PPP) per capita was estimated at $27,646. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2009/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2007&ey=2014&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&pr1.x=74&pr1.y=12&c=193%2C542%2C122%2C137%2C124%2C181%2C156%2C138%2C423%2C196%2C935%2C142%2C128%2C182%2C172%2C576%2C132%2C936%2C134%2C961%2C174%2C184%2C532%2C144%2C176%2C146%2C178%2C436%2C112%2C136%2C111%2C158&s=PPPPC&grp=0&a=|title=IMFWorld Economic Outlook Database, April 2009 |
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}}</ref> |
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===High-tech industries=== |
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[[File:Touch-watch-phone 4 450.jpg|thumb|right|[[Cell phone]]s such as [[Samsung]] and [[LG]] brands are major industry in South Korea.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20090120PD205.html|title=(paid subscription only)}}</ref>]] |
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[[File:SAMSUNG at CES 2009.jpg|thumb|left|[[Samsung Group]], the world's 11th largest company<ref>See [[List of companies by revenue]].</ref> and a global [[consumer electronics]] brand<ref>{{cite web|url=http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/09/0918_best_brands/22.htm|title=The 100 Top Brands: Samsung|publisher=McGraw-Hill Companies|work=BusinessWeek|date=|accessdate=}}</ref>]] |
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South Korea has a [[high-tech]] and futuristic [[infrastructure]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=25697|title=KOREA: Future is now for Korean info-tech|publisher=Regents of the University of California|work=AsiaMedia|date=14 June 2005|accessdate=2009-02-24}}</ref> with the world's highest [[broadband internet access]] per capita,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/int_bro_acc_percap-internet-broadband-access-per-capita |title=Internet Statistics: Broadband access (per capita) (most recent) by country |publisher=NationMaster |date=(undated) |accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref> and is a world leader in [[International Innovation Index|innovation]].<ref>See [[International Innovation Index]].</ref> |
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In 2007, the [[Economist Intelligence Unit]] ranked South Korea's IT industry competitiveness third in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.cnet.com/2300-1022_3-6196218-1.html |title=Chart: World's most competitive IT industries |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=12 July 2007 |accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref> Korea's [[e-readiness]] was ranked 15th,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://a330.g.akamai.net/7/330/25828/20080331202303/graphics.eiu.com/upload/ibm_ereadiness_2008.pdf|title=2008 EIU e-readiness rankings|publisher=[[Economist Intelligence Unit]]|date=2008}} </ref> and [[e-Government|e-Government readiness]] 6th<ref>[http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/UN/UNPAN028607.pdf UN e-Government Survey 2008]</ref> in 2008. |
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In consumer electronics, South Korea is the world's largest [[LCD]], [[OLED]] and [[plasma display]] maker.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/02/08/2009020800069.html?Dep0=chosunmain&Dep1=news&Dep2=headline7&Dep3=h3_07|title=한국 또 '세계 디스플레이 4관왕'|date=8 February 2009|accessdate=08-02-09}}</ref> Both Samsung and LG are major makers of televisions,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200902/200902200020.html|title=Samsung, LG Boost Global TV Market Share|accessdate=2009-02-20}}</ref> and mobile phones.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.informationweek.com/news/mobility/business/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=212001304|title=Samsung Overtakes U.S. Market Share Lead From Motorola|last=Gardner|first=W. David|publisher=United Business Media|date=7 November 2008|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> |
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South Korea is also the world's leading [[RAM|memory chip]] producer and Samsung and [[Hynix]] are the world's second and sixth largest semiconductor companies in the world.<ref>See [[Semiconductor sales leaders by year]].</ref> Samsung is also the world's largest maker of [[laser printer]]s.<ref>http://www.samsung.com/hk_en/news/newsRead.do?news_seq=10721</ref> [[Samsung Techwin]] is the world's third largest maker of [[digital camera]]s.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/ousiv/idUST1940320080313?sp=true Samsung snaps at heels of camera giants Canon and Nikon]</ref> |
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South Korean shipbuilding industry is one of the most highly developed in the world, headed by [[chaebol]]s such as the [[Hyundai Heavy Industries]], [[Samsung Group|Samsung Heavy Industry]] and [[Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering]]. South Korea is the world's largest [[shipbuilding]] nation, producing over half of the world's ships in 2008.<ref>http://www.straightstocks.com/investing-in-asia-stocks/south-korea-dominates-shipbuilding-industry/</ref> |
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South Korea also exports [[radioactive isotope]] production equipment for medical and industrial use to countries such as Russia, Japan and Turkey.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://korea.net/news/news/newsView.asp?serial_no=20070605015∂=107&SearchDay=&page=5 |title=Korea to export isotope production equipment to Russia, Turkey, Algeria |publisher=Korean Culture and Information Service |date=5 June 2007 |accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref> |
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The government is also investing in the [[robotics]] industry, with the stated aim of becoming the "world's number 1 robotics nation" by 2025.<ref name="autogenerated5">{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/02/world/asia/02robot.html?ex=1301634000&en=7d5fcaf014309078&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss|title=In a Wired South Korea, Robots Will Feel Right at Home|work=The New York Times|date=[[2006-04-02]]|accessdate=2007-06-24}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated3">{{cite web|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/09/060906-robots.html|title=A Robot in Every Home by 2020, South Korea Says|work=National Geographic News|date=6 September 2006|accessdate=2007-06-24}}</ref> There are also plans to develop other sectors, including [[financial services]], [[biotechnology]], [[aerospace]] and [[entertainment]] industries. |
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===Transportation and energy=== |
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{{main|Transportation in South Korea|Nuclear power in South Korea}} |
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[[File:Incheon International Airpot (interesting architecture).jpg|thumb|right|[[Incheon International Airport]], rated best airport worldwide 2005-2008 by [[Airports Council International]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airport.kr/notice/NoticeView.iia?functioncode=46&bulletinid=4994|title=Incheon International Airport, Best Airport Worldwide for 4 Years Straight|publisher=Incheon International Airport Corp.|accessdate=2005-05-20}}</ref>]] |
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[[File:Expressbusterminalsubwaystation.jpg|thumb|right|The Express Bus Terminal station, [[Seoul Subway Line 9]] has become a new landmark of [[Seoul]].]] |
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South Korea has a technologically advanced transportation network consisting of high-speed railways, highways, bus routes, ferry services, and air routes that criss-cross the country. [[Korea Expressway Corporation]] operates the toll highways and service amenities en route. |
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[[Korail]] provides frequent train service to all major South Korean cities. Two rail lines, [[Gyeongui Line|Gyeongui]] and [[Donghae Bukbu Line]], to [[North Korea]] are now being reconnected. The Korean [[high-speed rail]] system, [[Korea Train Express|KTX]], provides high-speed service along [[Gyeongbu Line|Gyeongbu]] and [[Honam Line]]. Major cities—including Seoul[http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=103&oid=079&aid=0002055321], Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon and Gwangju—have subway systems. Metropolitan Cities (''gwangyeoksi'', self-governing cities that are not incorporated into any province) have express bus terminals. |
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Construction of South Korea's largest airport, [[Incheon International Airport]], was completed in 2001. By 2007, the airport was serving 30 million passengers a year <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airport.kr/notice/NoticeView.iia?functioncode=46&bulletinid=5049|title=Incheon International Airport celebrates its eighth year|publisher=Incheon International Airport Corp.|accessdate=2005-05-20}}</ref>. The airport has been selected as the "Best Airport Worldwide" for four consecutive years since 2005 by [[Airports Council International]] <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airport.kr/notice/NoticeView.iia?functioncode=46&bulletinid=4994|title=Incheon International Airport, Best Airport Worldwide for 4 Years Straight|publisher=Incheon International Airport Corp.|accessdate=2005-05-20}}</ref>. Other international airports include [[Gimpo International Airport|Gimpo]], [[Gimhae International Airport|Busan]] and [[Jeju International Airport|Jeju]]. There are also seven domestic airports, and a large number of [[heliports]] <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/tra_hel-transportation-heliports |title=Transportation Statistics > Heliports (most recent) by country |publisher=NationMaster |year=2008 |accessdate=2009-02-21}}</ref>. |
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[[Korean Air]], founded in 1962, served 2,164 million passengers, including 1,249 million international passengers in 2008<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.koreanair.com/local/kr/gd/eng/au/ci/eng_au_ci_ov.htm|title = Company Info / Overview|publisher=Korean Air|accessdate=2005-05-19}}</ref>. A second carrier, [[Asiana Airlines]], established in 1988, also serves domestic and international traffic. Combined, South Korean airlines currently serve 297 international routes<ref>{{cite web|url= http://english.mltm.go.kr/USR/WPGE0201/m_19549/DTL.jsp|title=International Aviation Policy|publisher=Ministry of Land, Transportation and Maritime Affairs|accessdate=2005-05-19}}</ref>. Smaller airliners, such as [[Hansung Airlines]] and [[Jeju Air]], provide domestic service with lower fares. |
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South Korea is the world's sixth largest [[nuclear power]] producer and the second largest in Asia.<ref>See [[Nuclear power by country]]</ref> [[Nuclear power in South Korea]] 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/[[nuclear transmutation#Transmutation of nuclear wastes|transmutation]] reactor and a high-temperature [[hydrogen]] generation design. Fuel production and waste handling technologies have also been developed locally. It is also a member of the [[ITER]] project. |
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{{clear}} |
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==Science and technology== |
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{{main|Science and technology in Korea}} |
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===Aerospace research=== |
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{{main|Korea Aerospace Research Institute}} |
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[[File:Korean astronaut-Yi Soyeon-02.jpg|thumb|right|[[Yi So-yeon]], South Korea's first astronaut]] |
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South Korea has launched two satellites, [[Arirang-1]] in 1999 and [[Arirang-2]] 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=3 July 2007 |accessdate=2009-03-01}}</ref> |
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[[Naro Space Center]], the first [[spaceport]] of South Korea, was completed in 2008 at [[Goheung]], [[Jeollanam-do]]. The [[Korea Space Launch Vehicle]] is planned to be launched from Naro in the summer of 2009.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.itwire.com/content/view/14338/1066/ |title=First South Korean astronaut selected |last=Atkins |first=William |publisher=ITWire |date=5 September 2007 |accessdate=2009-03-01}}</ref> |
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In April 2008, [[Yi So-yeon]] became the first Korean to fly in space, aboard the Russian [[Soyuz TMA-12]]. |
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===Biotechnology=== |
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[[File:Snuppy.jpg|thumb|left|[[Snuppy]], the world's first cloned [[dog]]]] |
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Since the 1980s, the Korean government has actively invested in the development of a domestic [[biotechnology]] industry, and the sector is expected to grow to $6.5 billion by 2010.<ref>[http://www.bio2008.org/siteobjects/published/ec046034f6d7506aa06582be6902d018/af4810817445624b5dbc9d45f79c348b/file/Korea%20Country%20Profile.pdf Bio International Convention Korea Country Profile]</ref> Medical sector accounts for a large part of the production, including production of [[Hepatitis A vaccine|hepatitis vaccines]] and [[antibiotic]]s. |
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Recently, research and development in [[genetic]]s and [[cloning]] has received increasing attention, with the first successful cloning of a dog, [[Snuppy]], and the cloning of two females of an endangered species of wolves by the [[Seoul National University]] in 2007.<ref>[http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2007/03/26/clonedwolf_ani.html Discovery Channel :: News - Animals :: Endangered Wolf Cloned in South Korea<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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The rapid growth of the industry has resulted in significant voids in regulation and ethics,<ref>[http://www.philau.edu/schools/liberalarts/news/documents/AbdulhaqqSSH.pdf Biotechnology:A Changing Global Landscape]</ref> however, as was highlighted by the [[Hwang Woo-Suk#Controversies|scientific misconduct]] case involving [[Hwang Woo-Suk]]. |
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===Robotics=== |
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[[File:Ever3inhanbokinmarch2009.jpg|thumb|right|[[EveR-1#Future models|EveR-3]], an [[android]] in traditional [[Korean]] dress [[Hanbok]], capable of dancing and singing.]] |
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[[Robotics]] has been included in the list of main national R&D projects in Korea since 2003.<ref>[ http://www.mke.go.kr/language/eng/news/news_view.jsp?seq=7&srchType=1&srchWord=&tableNm=E_01_02&pageNo=1 Special Report - [Business Opportunities] R&D]</ref> In 2009, the government announced plans to build robot-themed parks in [[Incheon Free Economic Zone|Incheon]] and [[Masan]] with a mix of public and private funding.<ref>[ http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2900986 Robot parks, a world first]</ref> |
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In 2005, [[Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology]] developed the world's second walking [[humanoid robot]], [[HUBO]]. A team in the [[Korea Institute of Industrial Technology]] developed the first Korean [[android]], [[EveR-1]] in May 2006. EveR-1 has been succeeded by more complex models with improved movement and vision. Next models are scheduled to be completed by 2010. |
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==Education== |
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{{main|Education in South Korea}} |
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[[File:Korean pavillion.jpg|thumb|left|A pavilion in [[Korea University]], one of the oldest [[universities]] in South Korea]] |
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Education in South Korea is regarded as being crucial to one's success and competition is consequently very heated and fierce. In the 2006 results of the [[OECD]] [[Programme for International Student Assessment]], South Korea came first in [[Reading education|reading]], third in [[mathematics]] and eleventh in [[science]].<ref>http://wiki.riteme.site/wiki/PISA</ref>{{unreliable source|date=June 2009}} |
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A centralised administration in South Korea oversees the process for the education of children from kindergarten to the third and final year of high school. South Korea has adopted a new educational program to increase the number of their foreign students through the year 2010. According to Ministry of Education, Science and Technology estimate, by that time, the number of scholarships for foreign students in South Korea will be doubled, and the number of foreign students will reach 100,000.<ref>[http://www.education-blog.net/2008/08/28/south-korea-now-open-for-foreign-students/ South Korea Now Open For Foreign Students]</ref> |
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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. |
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==Demographics== |
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[[File:Gangnammediapolls.jpg|thumb|right|A view of [[Gangnam-gu]] in [[Seoul]], shows how crowded [[Seoul]] is, as the world's second largest [[List of metropolitan areas by population|metropolitan area]].]] |
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{{main|Demographics of South Korea|Koreans}} |
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Most South Koreans live in urban areas, due to rapid migration from the countryside during the country's quick economic expansion in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/south-korea/33.htm |title=South Korea |work=CIA Country Studies |accessdate=2006-04-22}}</ref> The capital city of [[Seoul]] is also the country's largest city and chief industrial center. According to 2005 census, Seoul had a population of 9.8 million inhabitants, making it one of the most populated single cities in the world. Other major cities include [[Busan]] (3.5 million), [[Incheon]] (2.5 million), [[Daegu]] (2.5 million), [[Daejeon]] (1.4 million), [[Gwangju]] (1.4 million) and [[Ulsan]] (1 million).<ref>Populations for all cities as of 2005, {{cite web|url=http://www.kosis.kr/eng/e_stat_OLAP.jsp?tbl_id=DT_1IN0001&org_id=101&vwcd=MT_ETITLE&path=&oper_YN=Y&lang_mode=eng|title=Summary of Census Population (by administrative district/sex/age)|work=NSO Database|accessdate=2009-05-11}}</ref> |
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The population has also been shaped by international migration. Following the [[Division of Korea|division of the Korean peninsula]] after World War II, about four million people from North Korea crossed the border to South Korea. This trend of net entry reversed over the next forty years due to emigration, especially to the [[United States]] and [[Canada]]. However, South Korea's burgeoning economy and democracy in the early and mid-1990s slowed the high emigration rates typical of the previous decades. The South Korea’s total population in 1960 was 25 million.<ref>[http://esa.un.org/unpp/p2k0data.asp World Population Prospects: The 2006 Revision]. Source: ''Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat.''</ref> The current population of South Korea is roughly 49,540,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ups.kosis.kr/upload/Magazine/NEW/AC/AC10_2008.xls |title=2008년 12월 31일 기준 주민등록인구 및 세대 |work=Korea National Statistical Office |accessdate=2009-04-08}}</ref> |
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South Korea is a homogeneous society with absolute majority of the population of [[Koreans|Korean]] ethnicity.<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ks.html#People South Korea]. CIA - The World Factbook.</ref> Although small, the percentage of non-Koreans has been increasing. Officially, as of the summer of 2007, there are just over 1 million foreigners living in Korea. That number includes foreign residents, students, tourists and illegal immigrants. Among them, 104,749 people were married to Koreans, 404,051 were working in Korea and 225,273 were illegal immigrants.<ref>[http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2880037 INSIDE JoongAng Daily<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> There are 31,000 [[United States Forces Korea|US military]] personnel.<ref>US military figures as of 2005, from [http://www.heritage.org/Research/NationalSecurity/troopMarch2005.xls] ([[Microsoft Excel|Excel]] file) Tim Kane Global US Troop Deployment, 1950-2003</ref> Another notable group is women from [[Southeast Asia]] who comprised 41% of new marriages with Korean farmers in 2006. <ref>[http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2880519 INSIDE JoongAng Daily<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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South Korea's birthrate has fallen to approximately 2 births per 1000 annually, and it has the world's lowest fertility rate<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.who.int/entity/whosis/whostat/EN_WHS09_Table9.pdf|title=World Health Statistics 2009|publisher=World Health Organization|accessdate=2005-05-22}}</ref>. South Korea's population is expected to shrink from 2019<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/39101/story.htm |title= S.Korea to Start Population Slide in 2018 - Report |accessdate=2009-05-11}}</ref>. [[Life expectancy]] in 2008 was 79.10 years<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2102.html CIA - The World Factbook 2008] – Rank Order - Life expectancy at birth</ref>. |
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===Religion=== |
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{{main|Religion in South Korea}} |
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{{seealso|Korean Shamanism|Korean Confucianism|Buddhism in Korea|Christianity in Korea}} |
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{{bar box |
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|title=Religion in South Korea |
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{{bar percent|Christianity|blue|29.3}} |
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{{bar percent|Buddhism|yellow|22.8}} |
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{{bar percent|Won Buddhism|violet|0.3}} |
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{{bar percent|Confucianism|orange|0.2}} |
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{{bar percent|Cheondoism|black|0.1}} |
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{{bar percent|No religion|lightgrey|46.5}} |
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}} |
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[[File:Seokguram Buddha.JPG|right|thumb|The [[Seokguram]] [[Grotto]] in [[Bulguksa]] temple, [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]]] |
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As of 2005, approximately 46.5% of the South Korean population express [[Irreligion|no religious]] preference.<ref name=koreastats>According to figures compiled by the South Korean [[National Statistical Office]]. {{cite web|url=http://kosis.nso.go.kr:7001/ups/chapterRetrieve.jsp?pubcode=MA&seq=292&pub=3|accessdate=2006-08-23|work=NSO online KOSIS database|title=인구,가구/시도별 종교인구/시도별 종교인구 (2005년 인구총조사)}} South Korea is, therefore, the only Asian nation to have a majority of those calling themselves religious to be of the Christian faith. This should not be confused with other figures which report only the percentage of the ''religious'' population that are Buddhist, Christian, Cheondoist, etc...</ref> Of the rest, most are [[Christianity|Christian]] or [[Buddhism|Buddhist]]; according to the 2005 census, 29.2% of the population at that time was [[Christianity|Christian]] (18.3% professed to being [[Protestantism|Protestants]] and 10.9% [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholics]]), and 22.8% were [[Buddhism|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 - Religion}}</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 - Korea, Republic of|date=2009-01-22|accessdate=2009-01-31}}</ref> Approximately half of Koreans (49.3% in 1995<ref name="1995census">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ks.html#People|work=[[The World Factbook]]|publisher=[[Central Intelligence Agency]]|title=Korea, South|date=2009-01-22|accessdate=2009-01-31}}</ref>) are unaffiliated with any religion, and the remaining portion (1.3% in 1995<ref name="1995census"/>) affiliated with other religions, including [[Islam]] and various [[new religious movement]]s such as [[Jeungism]], [[Daesunism]], [[Cheondoism]] and [[Wonbuddhism]]. |
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Throughout history, numerous religions—including [[Mahayana Buddhism]], [[Confucianism]], [[Taoism]] and [[Korean Shamanism]]—have existed in Korea, and South Korea remains religiously diverse.<ref name="korea.net"/><ref>[http://www.everyculture.com/wc/Japan-to-Mali/South-Koreans.html Every Culture - South Koreans]</ref><ref>[http://www.everyculture.com/Ja-Ma/South-Korea.html Every Culture - Culture of SOUTH KOREA]</ref> The relationship between numerous religions in Korea today has been described as one of "peaceful coexistence",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200808/200808110023.html|accessdate=2009-01-31|author=Staff|title=Religion Continues to Haunt the Lee Administration|work=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]}}</ref> and government guarantees [[freedom of religion]].<ref name="AFP religion">{{cite web|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/World/Story/STIStory_267202.html|author=[[Agence France-Presse]]|title=S. Korea president faces protests from Buddhists|work=[[The Straits Times]]|accessdate=2009-01-31|date=2009-01-31}}</ref> |
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Korean shamanism is the original religion in South Korea. It is however interesting to note that religion in South Korea and in particular, the dominant religious faiths of Buddhism and Christianity have imbibed much from Confucianism as practiced in South Korea. [[Korean Confucianism]] had been the [[state religion]] of the [[Joseon Dynasty]] which ruled for 500 years. More than being a religion in South Korea, Confucianism and its inherent values have actually become a way of life for the South Korean people.<ref>[http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/south-korea/culture-of-south-korea/religion-in-south-korea.html Religion In South Korea]</ref> |
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[[File:Myeongdongchurch.jpg|left|thumb|The [[Myeongdong Cathedral]].]] |
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There are approximately 13.7 million Christians<ref name="AFP religion"/> (8.6 million Protestants and 5.1 million Catholics<ref name="korea.net"/>) in the country today. The largest Christian church in South Korea, [[Yoido Full Gospel Church]], is located in Seoul and has approximately 780,000 members (2003 estimate). Including Yoido Full Gospel, 11 of the world's 12 largest churches are located in Seoul.{{fact|date=February 2009}}<!-- the information about Yiodo Full Gospel Church has no sources. It's linked to another wiki article that also has no sources for these statistics --> [[Roman Catholicism]] has been the fastest growing religion in South Korea since the late 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2096/is_2000_Spring-Summer/ai_63300897|title=Christianity, Shamanism, and Modernization in South Korea|last=Kim|first=Andrew Eungi|publisher=CBS Interactive|year=2000|accessdate=2009-02-13}}</ref> South Korea is also the second largest missionary-sending nation on earth, after the US.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/003/16.28.html|title=Missions Incredible|last=Moll|first=Rob|publisher=Christianity Today International|work=Christianity Today|date=2009-03-01|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> |
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Buddhism was introduced to Korea from [[China]] in the year 372.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.buddhismtoday.com/english/world/country/027-korea.htm|title=Buddhism in Korea|publisher=Korean Buddhism Magazine, Seoul|year=1997|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> According to the national census as of 2005, South Korea has over 10.7 million Buddhists.<ref name="korea.net"/><ref name="AFP religion"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2008/108411.htm|title=International Religious Freedom Report 2008 - Korea, Republic of|publisher=[[United States Department of State]]|date=2009-09-19|accessdate=2009-02-17}}</ref> Today, about 90% of [[Korean Buddhism|Korean Buddhist]]s belong to [[Jogye Order]]. Most of the [[National Treasures of South Korea]] are Buddhist artifacts. Along with [[Neo-Confucianism]], Buddhism was also a state religion during the periods from [[Three Kingdoms of Korea]] to [[Goryeo]] before suppression under the Joseon Dynasty.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/subdivisions/koreanzen.shtml BBC - Korean Zen Buddhism]</ref> |
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There are an estimated 45,000 [[Islam in Korea|Muslim Koreans]], in addition to some 100,000 foreign workers from Muslim countries,<ref>[http://www.islamawareness.net/Asia/KoreaSouth/ks_news002.html Islam takes root and blooms]</ref> particularly [[Bangladesh]] and [[Pakistan]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Korea’s Muslims Mark Ramadan|publisher=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|date=September 11, 2008|url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200809/200809110016.html|accessdate=2008-10-09}}</ref> |
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A growing number of South Koreans adhere to new religious movements. Among these are [[Cheondoism]] (0.1%), [[Jeungism]] (0.07%) and [[Daesunjinrihoe]].<ref name=koreastats /> These religions have developed as a reaction to the influence of [[Christianity]] and Western culture in [[Korean society]]. The exact figures of the amount of followers of these new religions remain controversial. |
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===Largest cities=== |
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{{main|Cities of South Korea}} |
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The figures below are the 2007 estimates for the ten largest cities populations within administrative city limits; the figures below only include long-term residents. |
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{{Largest cities of South Korea}} |
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==Culture== |
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{{main|Culture of Korea|South Korean culture}} |
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[[File:Deoksugungpalacefromthebuilding.jpg|thumb|left|[[Deoksugung]] Palace in [[Seoul]].]] |
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South Korea shares its traditional culture with [[North Korea]], but the two Koreas have developed distinct contemporary forms of culture since the peninsula was divided in 1945. The South Korean [[Ministry of Culture and Tourism (South Korea)|Ministry of Culture and Tourism]] actively encourages the traditional arts, as well as modern forms, through funding and education programs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mct.go.kr/english/section/bureau/cultural_1.jsp|work=MCT Website|title=Associated Organisations|accessdate=2006-04-11}} See also {{cite web|url=http://www.kcaf.or.kr/ehome3/mission.htm|title=Mission and Goal|work=Korea Cultural Administration website|accessdate=2006-04-11}}</ref> The industrialization and urbanization of South Korea have brought many changes to the way [[Korean people]] 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 [[nuclear family]] living arrangements. |
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===Entertainment=== |
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In addition to domestic consumption, South Korean mainstream culture, including televised drama, films, and popular music, also generates significant exports to Asia, [[South America]] and [[Eastern Europe]] in a phenomenon known as the [[Korean wave]], or ''hallyu'' (한류). |
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Until the 1990s, [[trot]] dominated the Korean popular music. The emergence of the group [[Seo Taiji and Boys]] in 1992 marked a turning point for Korean popular music, [[K-Pop]], as the group incorporated elements of American popular musical genres of [[Rap music|rap]], [[rock music|rock]], and [[techno]] into its music. Dance and ballad oriented acts have become dominant in the Korean popular music scene, though trot is still popular among older Koreans. Many K-Pop stars and groups are also well known abroad. |
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Since the success of the film ''[[Shiri (film)|Shiri]]'' in 1999, [[Korean film]] has become more popular in South Korea and abroad. Domestic film has a dominant share of the market, partly due to the existence of [[screen quotas]] requiring cinemas to show Korean films at least 73 days a year. |
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[[Korean drama|Korean television shows]], especially the short form dramatic mini-series called "dramas", have also become popular outside of Korea, becoming another driving trend for the Korean Wave in Asia. The trend has generated internationally known Korean stars and has boosted the image of Korean popular culture. The dramas are popular in Asia, Australia and America, especially among Asian-American communities. The stories have a wide range, but the most prominent among the export dramas have been romance dramas, such as [[Autumn Fairy Tale]], [[Winter Sonata]], [[All About Eve (TV series)|All About Eve]], and historical/fantasy dramas, such as [[Dae Jang Geum]], [[The Legend (TV series)|The Legend]] and [[Goong]]. |
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===Cuisine=== |
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{{main|Korean cuisine}} |
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[[File:Soju jinro gfdl.jpg|thumb|left|[[Soju]], a distilled beverage native to Korea.]] |
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[[File:DCNM12.jpg|thumb|[[Bulgogi]], a traditional Korean barbecue made of either beef or pork]] |
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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 [[Korean royal court cuisine]] 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. |
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Korean cuisine is largely based on [[rice]], [[noodle]]s, [[tofu]], vegetables, fish and meats. Traditional Korean meals are noted for the number of side dishes, ''[[banchan]]'' (반찬), which accompany steam-cooked short-grain rice. Every meal is accompanied by numerous banchan. [[Kimchi]], 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 [[sesame oil]], ''[[doenjang]]'' (된장), a type of ([[Fermented bean paste|fermented soybean paste]]), [[Soy sauce#Korean soy sauce|soy sauce]], salt, garlic, ginger, and ''[[gochujang]]'' (고추장), a hot pepper paste. |
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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 ''[[guk]]'' (국) are often made with meats, shellfish and vegetables. Similar to guk, ''tang'' (탕) has less water, and is more often served in restaurants. Another type is ''[[jjigae]]'' (찌개), which is similar to western stew, and is typically heavily seasoned with chili pepper and served boiling hot. |
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===Technology culture=== |
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In recent years [[Video game culture|online games]] have become a significant part of Korean culture. [[StarCraft]], the PC [[Real-time strategy|real-time strategy game]] is by far the most popular televised game in South Korea. Game tournaments, recorded in places like the [[COEX Mall]] are often broadcast live on TV stations such as [[MBCGame]] and [[Ongamenet]]. Professional StarCraft players can command considerable salaries in South Korea as members of pro-gaming teams that are sponsored primarily by cell phone providers. PC games are usually played in [[PC bang]]s which are basically internet cafes, dedicated to LAN games of popular titles like [[Kart Rider]], [[Maple Story]], [[World of Warcraft]], [[Mabinogi (video game)|Mabinogi]] and [[Lineage (video game)|Lineage]]. |
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South Korean corporations [[Samsung]] and [[LG]] are the second and third largest cell phone companies in the world, and South Korean consumers change their phones on average every 11 months. An estimated 90% of South Koreans own [[mobile phones]] and use them not only for calling and messaging but also for watching [[Digital Multimedia Broadcasting]] (DMB) or viewing websites. Over one million DMB phones have been sold and providers like [[SK Telecom]] and [[KTF]] provide coverage throughout many parts of major cities. |
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[[File:Kim 2008SA by Dave Carmichael.jpg|thumb|right|[[Kim Yun-A]], winner of the [[2009 World Figure Skating Championships]]]] |
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==Sports== |
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{{main|Sport in South Korea}} |
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[[File:Exhibicion dollyo chagui con apoyo.jpg|thumb|left|A [[Taekwondo]] practitioner demonstrating a [[round house kick]]]] |
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The [[martial arts|martial art]] [[taekwondo]] originated in Korea. In the 1950s and 60s, modern rules were standardised, and Taekwondo became an official [[Olympic Games|Olympic sport]] in 2000. Other Korean martial arts include [[taekkyeon]], [[hapkido]], [[tang soo do]], [[kuk sool won]], [[kumdo]] and [[subak]]. |
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[[Baseball]] was first introduced to Korea in 1905 and has since become the most popular spectator sport in South Korea.<ref>KOIS (2003), p.632.</ref> The first South Korean professional sports league was the [[Korea Baseball Organization]], established in 1982. South Korea finished third during the [[2006 World Baseball Classic]] and second during the [[2009 World Baseball Classic]]. In the 2008 Olympics held in Beijing, South Korea won the gold medal in baseball. |
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In 1988, South Korea hosted the [[1988 Summer Olympics|Summer Olympics in Seoul]], coming fourth with 12 gold medals, 10 silver medals and 11 bronze medals. South Korea regularly performs well in [[archery]], [[shooting]], [[table tennis]], [[badminton]], [[short track speed skating]], [[team handball|handball]], [[hockey]], [[freestyle wrestling]], [[baseball]], [[judo]], taekwondo, and [[weightlifting]]. South Korea also hosted the [[Asian Games]] in 1986 (Seoul) and 2002 (Busan), and will host again in 2014 (Incheon). It also hosted the [[Asian Winter Games]] in 1999, the Winter [[Universiade]] in 1997 and the Summer Universiade in 2003. |
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In the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]], jointly hosted by South Korea and Japan, the [[South Korean national football team|national football team]] became the first team in the [[Asian Football Confederation]] to reach the semi-finals. |
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In 2010, South Korea will host their first [[Formula One]] race to be staged at the [[Korean International Circuit]] in [[Yeongam]], about {{convert|400|km|mi|-1}} south of Seoul. In 2011, the South Korean city of Daegu will host the [[2011 IAAF World Championships in Athletics]]. |
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==See also== |
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{{main|Outline of South Korea}} |
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==Notes== |
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{{Reflist|3}} |
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==References== |
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<div class="references-small"> |
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*{{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}} |
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*{{cite book |title=Handbook of Korea, 11th ed. |author=KOIS ([[Korea Overseas Information Service]]) |location=Seoul |publisher=[[Hollym (publishing house)|Hollym]] |year=2003 |isbn=1-56591-212-8}} |
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*{{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}} |
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*{{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}} |
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*{{cite book |title=Korea Annual 2004 |author=Yonhap News Agency |year=2004 |location=Seoul |publisher=Author|isbn=89-7433-070-9}} |
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*{{cite book |title=From Tradition to Consumption: Constructing a Capitalist Culture in South Korea |author=Dennis Hart |year=2003 |location=Seoul |publisher=Author |isbn=89-88095-44-8}} |
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*{{cite book |title=[[The Koreans (book)|The Koreans: Who They Are, What They Want, Where Their Future Lies]] |author=[[Michael Breen (author)|Michael Breen]] |year=2004 |location= |publisher=St. Martin's Griffin|isbn=0312326092}} |
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</div> |
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==External links== |
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{{portalpar|Korea|Korea gyeongbokgung.jpg}} |
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{{commons|South Korea}} |
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{{sisterlinks|South Korea}} |
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*[http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/intro.html The Official Korea Tourism Guide Site] |
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*[http://www.korea.net/ Korea.net: Gateway to Korea] |
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*[http://www.nso.go.kr/eng2006/emain/index.html Korea National Statistical Office] |
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*[http://www.britannica.com/nations/Korea,-South South Korea] in [[Encyclopædia Britannica]] |
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*{{CIA World Factbook link|ks|South Korea}} |
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*[http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/krtoc.html A Country Study: South Korea] in the [[Library of Congress]] |
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*{{dmoz|Regional/Asia/South_Korea/}} |
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*{{yahoo directory|Regional/Countries/Korea__South/|South Korea}} |
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*[http://www.turbomaps.com.ar/english/southkorea.php Main cities of South Korea], satellite views and geographical coordinates |
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{{Korea topics}} |
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{{Template group |
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|title = Geography and administration |
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{{Regions and administrative divisions of South Korea}} |
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{{Countries and territories of East Asia}} |
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{{Countries of Asia}} |
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}} |
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|list = |
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{{Major non-NATO ally}} |
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{{East Asia Summit}} |
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{{Community of Democracies}} |
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{{Four Asian Tigers}} |
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}} |
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[[Category:Liberal democracies]] |
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[[sah:Соҕуруу Кэриэйэ]] |
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[[se:Mátta-Korea]] |
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[[sm:Kolea i Saute]] |
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[[sa:दक्षिण कोरिया]] |
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[[sq:Korea Jugore]] |
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[[scn:Corea dû Sud]] |
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[[simple:South Korea]] |
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[[sk:Kórejská republika]] |
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[[sl:Južna Koreja]] |
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[[szl:Koryjo Pouedńowo]] |
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[[sr:Јужна Кореја]] |
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[[sh:Južna Koreja]] |
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[[su:Koréa Kidul]] |
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[[fi:Korean tasavalta]] |
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[[sv:Sydkorea]] |
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[[tl:Timog Korea]] |
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[[ta:தென்கொரியா]] |
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[[te:దక్షిణ కొరియా]] |
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[[tet:Koreia Súl]] |
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[[th:ประเทศเกาหลีใต้]] |
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[[chr:ᎤᎦᎾᏭ ᎢᏗᎵ ᎪᎴᎠ]] |
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[[tr:Güney Kore]] |
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[[tk:Günorta Koreýa]] |
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[[udm:Республика Корея]] |
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[[uk:Південна Корея]] |
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[[ur:جنوبی کوریا]] |
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[[ug:جەنۇبىي چاۋشيەن]] |
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[[vec:Corea del Sud]] |
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[[vi:Hàn Quốc]] |
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[[vo:Sulüda-Koreyän]] |
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[[fiu-vro:Lõunõ-Korea]] |
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[[zh-classical:大韓民國]] |
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[[war:Salatan nga Korea]] |
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[[wo:Kore gu Bëj-saalum]] |
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[[wuu:大韩民国]] |
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[[yi:דרום קארעע]] |
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[[zh-yue:南韓]] |
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[[diq:Korya Veroci]] |
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[[bat-smg:Pėitū Kuoriejė]] |
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[[zh:大韩民国]] |
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Revision as of 19:47, 22 June 2009
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