In the southern part of the Korean peninsula is South Korea, a sovereign country that is part of the Asian continent, its capital is Seoul and its real name is Korean republic but it is recognized by this name in order to distinguish it from North Korea. Its boundaries are North Korea to the north, the China Sea in the south, the Sea of Japan to the east, and the Yellow Sea to the west.
Its territory makes up the southern half of the Korean peninsula, including approximately three thousand islands that are around, mostly small and uninhabited. The total area amounts to 100,300 km2, dividing into four regions: the eastern region that is made up of high mountains, the western region that has wide coastal plains and hills; the southeastern region where you will find the wide Nakdong River basin and the southwestern region that is made up of mountains.
South Korea is a modern and futuristic country, with good healthcare, excellent public facilities such as western toilets, parks, public transport, pools and recreational areas.
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Facts about South Korea
South Korea and its population
One of the facts about South Korea is the remarkable density of its population, having approximately 515 inhabitants per square kilometer, this being more than ten times the global average. Its current population is approximately 51,635,000, the most populous city is Seoul, its capital, with a population of 10 million; followed by Busan with 4 million, Inchon with 3 million, and Daegu with 3 million.
Part of its overpopulation is due to international migration following the division of the Korean Peninsula that occurred after World War II, it is estimated that at least four million North Koreans crossed the border, this number continued to rise over the next 40 years.
South Korea and its history
In 936, Korea was unified by Emperor Taejo of the Goryeo dynasty, this was a highly developed state, but nevertheless, in the 13th century, the country weakened by Mongol invasions. Unsurprisingly, the Joseon dynasty replaced Goryeo in 1388, this happened after the collapse of the Mongol Empire and the political dispute that did not stop.
After Joseon’s first 200 years peace remained, however, in the late 19th century, the country became one of Japan’s colonial desires. Which caused Korea to be taken over by Japan in 1910 and maintained in this way until World War II ended in August 1945.
In 1945, an agreement was reached between the United States and the Soviet Union, where Japanese forces were redeemed and Soviet troops occupied the north, while those of the United States would deal with South Korea. This was the basis for Korea’s division to start due to the inability to reach an agreement that gave Korean independence.
Each of the rivals that made up the Cold War determined what governments would look like based on their ideologies, resulting in the current division of North Korea, officially the Democratic Republic of Korea, a single-party political country with a fixed and planned economy, and South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, a democratic and free-market country.
South Korea’s economy and its core industries
When we talk about facts about South Korea, it is impossible not to mention the economic development so great that this country has had, due to its limited size, natural resources, and population, the country paid attention to the development of technology to achieve growth and go from an agricultural nation to an industrialized country.
Major industries include steel, textiles, shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing; Also in this country is where the largest production of LCD, OLED, and plasma screens is made with important companies such as LG and Samsung.
Most of its manufactures are export-oriented so in 2009 they became the ninth country with the highest income due to the export of their products.
Health care in South Korea
Health care in South Korea is considered one of the best in the world; also, the majority of the population has health insurance that is paid a portion by the beneficiary and another by the government of the country. In the case of hospitals, 94% are privately owned and the rest are public.
Things to do in South Korea
South Korea is still a slightly unknown destination within Asia but it shouldn’t, because its futuristic cities contrast with its traditional villages and subtropical mountains and beaches, ensuring an unforgettable journey. Here are some things you can do in South Korea:
1. Enjoy nature in the secret garden of Changdeok Palace.
2. Discover Seoul from the heights at Lotte World Tower Seul Sky.
3. Watch the Herb Island Light Festival light show.
4. Connect with nature in Seoraksan National Park.
