South Korea

A country of traditions, technology and breathtaking beauty.

Republic of Korea is a nation that is found on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, where the ancient traditions and modern innovation go in harmony. South Korea is one of the most active and authoritative countries in the Asian region, famous for its lively cities, vast cultural heritage, and amazing nature, being one of the leaders in technologies and entertainment.

In this thorough guide we are going to gain some insight into the geography of South Korea, its history and culture, its economy, as well as the things that you should not miss to see in this amazing place.

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Geographical Location

South Korea is located in the south segment of the Korean Peninsula and has North Korea to the north, the Yellow Sea on the west, the Sea of Japan (East Sea) on the east, and the Korea Strait on the south. With an area of about 100,210 square kilometers, the country is slightly lower than the state of Indiana in the U.S. Although it is a small country, the country of South Korea has a varied topography with mountains, rivers, forests and apartments along the seashore.

Seoul, which is the capital city and is in the northwestern region of the country, is the political center of South Korea, the cultural, and the economic hub.

For an in-depth travel guide, visit the Official tourism guide for South Korea

Terrains and Geographic Features

South Korea is also described as a mountainous country with 70 percent of the entire country being mountainous. The Taebaek Mountains that extend along the northern and the southern areas of the peninsula are the spinal region of the South Korean land. Mount Hallasan (1,947 meters), the highest mountain peak, is found on the southern island of Jeju, which is one of the most commonly visited tourist destinations.

Coastland in the country is also very extensive, with beautiful beaches being found along the yellow sea and the Sea of hasan. The major rivers of South Korea like the Han River that flows through Seoul accommodate fertile plains which have been used in agriculture and are also very significant in the history of the country.

Three Kingdoms Period and Ancient History

The history of South Korea could be traced to the time before history; the existence of prehistoric society taking residence in the area. It was during the Three Kingdoms Period (57 BCE 668 CE) that three biggest kingdoms developed in the Korean Peninsula: Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla. All these kingdoms had something to do with the formation of Korean culture, religion, and government.

It is during this time that Buddhism was imported to Korea and the Silla Kingdom became the strongest of the three Kingdoms and united the peninsula in the year 668 CE. The Unified Silla Dynasty brought about the era of prosperity of a cultural and artistic life, and several most famous Buddhist temples and pieces of art of Korea were created during this period.

Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties

After the fall of the Silla Kingdom the power in Korea came to the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Celadon pottery was produced during the Goryeo period, the civil service examination system of Korea was instituted during the same period and during the Goryeo period Confucianism spread.

The Goryeo Dynasty was replaced by Joseon Dynasty (13921897) which can be referred to as the golden age of Korea. The period of Joseon was also the era of creation of the Korean alphabet (Hangul) by King Sejong the Great which was a great success to the development of literacy to the people. The dynasty also witnessed the formation of recognizable icons including Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul and Bukchon Hanok Village.

Occupation by Japanese and Korean Independence

During the beginning of the 20 th century, Japan annexed Korea (1910 1945). The political repression, economic exploitation and cultural assimilation practiced in Korea during this period did not go down well. Lots of Koreans struggled over freedom, and their struggle led to freeing Korea out of Japanese control in 1945, after World War II was over.

Nevertheless, Korea got split into two separate regions of occupation (Soviet-controlled North Korea and U.S. ruled South Korea), and eventually, two distinct states were formed. This split preconditioned the Korean War (1950-1953) that was terminated by an armistice but not a peace treaty, making the Korean Peninsula divided to this very day.

The Modern South Korea and Emergence as Economic Powerhouse

South Korea experienced reconstruction and a very fast pace of industrialization following the Korean War, particularly in the 1960s and the 1970s. Led by Park Chung-hee, South Korea moved out of agricultural society and into an industrial economy with the major growth makers like the electronics industry, automobile industry and even in ship and ship building industry.

South Korea is a major world economy leader and technology center today and hosts multinationals like Samsung, Hyondai and LG. It has also become a cultural powerhouse of the country with K-pop, K-dramas, and K-beauty becoming popular all over the globe.

Ethnic Diversity and Religious Diversity

Most of the South Koreans are ethnic Koreans with small populations of the Chinese, foreigners, multicultural families including the Chinese and foreigners. Confucianism has a very strong influence in Korean society; especially on how their family operates, and the way they behave. Buddhism and Christianity are also very popular and South Korea is a very religiously diverse nation in the Asian continent.

Culture; Beliefs and Customs

The culture of South Korea presupposes Confucianism that underlines respect towards elders, hierarchical family structure and social harmony. The traditional Hanbok (Korean dress) is used on special occasions and holidays, especially during the Lunar New Year (Seollal) and Korean Harvest Festival (Chuseok).

Kimchi is a vegetable dish that is fermented and is the basic dish of Korean cuisine; Korean BBQ (gogi-gui) is a popular socializing amusement. Other Korean foods are bibimbap (rice which is cooked and then mixed with vegetables and meat and chili paste), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and soju, a traditional Korean liquor.

South Korea is also bright with illuminating festivals such as the Boryeong Mud Festival, the Seoul Lantern Festival and the Kimchi Making Days. These are Korean culture, Korean cuisine and traditions.

Language and literature in Korean

The Korean identity is built on the Korean language which is Hangul. Hangul was invented by King Sejong the Great in the 15 th century, it is simple and phonetic and as such it allowed universal literacy among citizens. South Korea also has rich literature spreading through pieces of traditional poetry and prose to contemporary novels and screenplays.

Technology and Manufacturing

South Korea has one economy that is characterized by top-quality technology and innovation. It is characterized by giant electronics organizations from around the world, like Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics that have made South Korea energized in the last couple of decades. The automobile industry has also seen South Korea take the lead in the production of cars such as Hyundai and Kia that have taken the world market on its heels.

Ship building, especially in Ulsan, is another very important segment of the South Korean economy. The nation has also been investing a lot in green energy such as solar energy, wind power, and also electric cars.

Exports and Agriculture

Although South Korea has a very industrialized economy, agriculture has not been eliminated in the economy. Making rice, ginseng and fruit are major products of the country. Third, South Korea is renowned in the production of textiles and food processing especially in the production of seafood, kimchi and soju.

Being one of the biggest export countries, South Korea has established strong trading ties, in particular the countries such as China, the United States and Japan among others. International free trade agreements have also enhanced the presence of the country in the world.

Historical and Cultural Monuments

Gyeongbokgung Palace Built in Seoul, it is one of the brightest examples of royal history in Korea and the place that should be visited by all people interested in the heritage of the country.

Bukchon Hanok Village- This Korean traditional village in Seoul gives the visitor an idea on how life was in Joseon Dynasty.

Haeinsa Temple: It is the UNESCO World Heritage site and the place to house the Tripitaka Koreana which is the Buddhist scriptures.

DMZ The Demilitarized Zone is a historiographic and iconic border separating South and North Korea.

Natural Attractions

Jeju Island – Jeju with its beautiful beaches, volcanic craters and cascades is one of the most popular places among the local population and visitors alike.

Mount Seorak- One of the most beautiful mountains in Korea, and here tourists can find hiking places, temples, and views.

Bukhansan National Park – It is situated around Seoul, the park has beautiful mountains, hiking paths and temples.

Healthcare System

The South Korean healthcare system is one of the most developed worldwide featuring universal healthcare and state-of-the-art medical equipment. The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) guarantees the citizens access to affordable healthcare service. Korea is another destination of medical tourism, especially cosmetic surgery and dental procedures.

Education System

The education system of South Korea is very competitive and it focuses on academic performance. The nation pays considerable attention to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, and such universities as Seoul National University and KAIST are based in this nation.

Ideal Seasons

Visitors must go to South Korea during the Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is cool and there is a perfect climate that allows tourists to go on tours and other outdoor activities. The spring flowers or cherry blossom and the fall foliage is a beauty in the autumn.

Festivals and Events

This is unless you come during the Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok times, when you will be privy to the traditions of Korean celebrations including food, family and culture.

Conclusion: 

South Korea is the nation that has perfectly managed to integrate ancient customs with modern technologies and facilities. Covering the temples of Seoul, hiking the mountains of Jeju or a chance to indulge in the fun of K-pop culture, South Korea has something interesting to offer apart from its rich history and progressive thinking contributions. Wonderful nature and cities, ancient monuments and a living history form it a destination that every traveler should visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is it better to go to South Korea?

South Korea has mild temperatures and sceneries during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), hence the most appropriate time to visit.

Which are the best attractions in South Korea?

The best places to visit are Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jeju Island, Mount Seorak and DMZ.

Which languages are used in South Korea?

Sign language is Korean with English being widely spoken in the cities and tourist spots.

Is South Korea a secure tourist destination?

Yes, South Korea is among those nations which are claimed to be rather safe when it comes to tourist destinations due to low rates of crime and modern infrastructure.

Which cultural festivals must I attend in South Korea?

Make sure to experience the Seollal (Lunar New Year), Chuseok (Harvest Festival) and Boryeong Mud Festival to have a profound experience of the culture of South Korea.