South Korea 27019 226053540 2008-07-16T16:53:38Z 96.252.10.31 /* Military */ {{otherplaces2|Korea}} {{Infobox Country |native_name = {{lang|ko-Hang-KR|대한민국}}<br/>{{lang|ko-Hant-KR|大韓民國}}<br/>''Daehanminguk'' |conventional_long_name = Republic of Korea |common_name = South Korea |image_flag = Flag of South Korea.svg |image_coat = South korea coa.png |symbol_type = Coat of arms |image_map = LocationSouthKorea.png |national_anthem = ''[[Aegukga]]'' {{lang|ko|(애국가)}}<br/>''Patriotic Hymn'' |official_languages = [[Korean language|Korean]] |demonym = South Korean, Korean |motto = 널리 인간을 이롭게 하라 (홍익인간)<br/>''Benefit all mankind'' |capital = [[Seoul]] |latd=37 |latm=35 |latNS=N |longd=127 |longm=0 |longEW=E |largest_city = [[Seoul]] |government_type = [[Presidential system|Presidential]] [[republic]] |leader_title1 = [[President of South Korea|President]] |leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of South Korea|Prime Minister]] |leader_name1 = [[Lee Myung-bak]] |leader_name2 = [[Han Seung-soo]] |area_rank = 108th |area_magnitude = 1 E10 |area_km2 = 99,646 |area_sq_mi = 38,492 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |percent_water = 0.3 |population_estimate = 49,044,790 <!--UN WPP--> |population_estimate_rank = 24th |population_density_km2 = 493 |population_density_sq_mi = 1,274 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |population_density_rank = 12th |GDP_PPP = $1.201 trillion<ref>[http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/01/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2006&ey=2013&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&pr1.x=84&pr1.y=9&c=193%2C542%2C122%2C137%2C124%2C181%2C156%2C138%2C423%2C196%2C128%2C142%2C172%2C182%2C132%2C576%2C134%2C961%2C174%2C184%2C532%2C144%2C176%2C146%2C178%2C528%2C436%2C112%2C136%2C111%2C158&s=NGDP_R%2CNGDP_RPCH%2CNGDP%2CNGDPD%2CNGDPRPC%2CNGDPPC%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC%2CPPPSH%2CPPPEX%2CPCPI%2CLUR%2CLE%2CLP%2CGGB%2CGGB_NGDP&grp=0&a= Report for Selected Countries and Subjects<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |GDP_PPP_rank = 14th |GDP_PPP_year = 2007 |GDP_PPP_per_capita = $24,783 (2007) |GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 35th |GDP_nominal = $981.900 billion |GDP_nominal_rank = 13th |GDP_nominal_year = 2007 |GDP_nominal_per_capita = $19,751 (2007) |GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 34th |sovereignty_type = [[History of South Korea|Establishment]] |established_event1 = [[Gaecheonjeol|National Foundation Day]] |established_event2 = [[March 1st Movement|Independence declared]] |established_event3 = [[Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea|Provisional Government]] |established_event4 = [[Division of Korea]] |established_event5 = [[History of South Korea#First Republic|First Republic]] |established_event6 = [[United Nations|United Nations recognition]] |established_date1 = [[October 3]][[2333 BC]] |established_date2 = [[March 1]][[1919]]<sup> (''[[de jure]]'')</sup> |established_date3 = [[April 13]][[1919]] |established_date4 = [[August 15]][[1945]] |established_date5 = [[August 15]][[1948]] |established_date6 = [[December 12]][[1948]] |HDI_year = 2004 |HDI = {{increase}} 0.921 |HDI_rank = 26th |HDI_year = 2007 |HDI_category = <font color="#009900">high</font> |Gini = 31.6 |Gini_year = 2005 |Gini_category = <font color="#009900">low</font> |currency = International symbol '''₩''' ''Pronounced'' [[South Korean won|Won]] |currency_code = KRW |country_code = KOR |time_zone = [[Korea Standard Time]] |utc_offset = +9 |time_zone_DST = ''not observed'' |utc_offset_DST = +9 |cctld = [[.kr]] |calling_code = 82 |footnote1 = Mobile phone system CDMA, WCDMA, HSDPA and WiBro |footnote2 = Domestic power supply 220V/60 Hz, CEE 7/7 sockets }} '''South Korea''', officially the '''Republic of Korea''' (or '''ROK''') and often referred to as '''Korea''' ([[Korean language|Korean]]: 대한민국, {{IPA2|tɛː.han.min.ɡuk̚}}, [[Hanja]]: 大韓民國), {{Audio|KO-Daehanminguk.ogg|listen}}) is a [[Presidential system|presidential]] [[republic]] 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, [[Japan]] to the east and [[North Korea]] to the north. South Korea's capital and largest city is [[Seoul]], the world's second largest [[List of metropolitan areas by population|metropolitan city]]. Korea has a [[History of Korea|history]] of 5,000 years<ref>Nahm, Andrew, A History of the Korean People: Korea, Tradition & Transformation. Hollym International Corporation, 1988, ISBN 1565910702</ref> and is one of the oldest [[civilization]]s in the world,<ref>[http://www.rom.on.ca/news/releases/public.php?mediakey=sg1yebpnv8 Ancient civilizations]</ref> with its foundation dating back to 2333 BC by the legendary [[Dangun]]. The Korean Peninsula was first inhabited as early as the [[Lower Paleolithic]].<ref>http://www.opm.go.kr/warp/webapp/content/view?meta_id=english&id=35</ref> Following the unification of the [[Three Kingdoms of Korea|Three Korean Kingdoms]] under [[Silla]] in AD 668, Korea went through the [[Goryeo]] and [[Joseon Dynasty]] as one nation until the end of the [[Korean Empire]] in 1910. After [[Division of Korea|division]], South Korea was established in [[1948]] and has since developed a successful [[democracy]], maintaining a strong [[South Korea-United States relations|alliance]] with the [[United States]]. South Korea is now working towards a peaceful [[Korean reunification|reunification]] with North Korea. South Korea is a major [[G20 industrial nations|economic power]] and one of the wealthiest countries in [[Asia]]. It had one of the world's fastest growing economies since the 1960s, now highly [[developed country|developed]]<ref>http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1018.html</ref> and one of the [[List of Asian countries by GDP|three largest]]<ref>{{cite paper | author = IMF | title = World Economic Outlook Database, October 2007 | version = 2007 | publisher = IMF | date = 2007 | url = http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2007/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2006&ey=2008&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&pr1.x=56&pr1.y=12&c=512%2C941%2C914%2C446%2C612%2C666%2C614%2C668%2C311%2C672%2C213%2C946%2C911%2C137%2C193%2C962%2C122%2C674%2C912%2C676%2C313%2C548%2C419%2C556%2C513%2C678%2C316%2C181%2C913%2C682%2C124%2C684%2C339%2C273%2C638%2C921%2C514%2C948%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&s=PPPGDP&grp=0&a= | accessdate = 2008-02-12}} </ref> in Asia and [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|13th largest]]<ref>{{cite paper | author = IMF | title = World Economic Outlook Database, October 2007 | version = 2007 | publisher = IMF | url = http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2007/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=56&pr.y=6&sy=2007&ey=2007&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=512%2C941%2C914%2C446%2C612%2C666%2C614%2C668%2C311%2C672%2C213%2C946%2C911%2C137%2C193%2C962%2C122%2C674%2C912%2C676%2C313%2C548%2C419%2C556%2C513%2C678%2C316%2C181%2C913%2C682%2C124%2C684%2C339%2C273%2C638%2C921%2C514%2C948%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&s=PPPGDP&grp=0&a= October 2007 | accessdate = 2008-02-12}} </ref> in the world. Forming the [[G20 industrial nations]] and the world's top ten [[List of countries by exports|exporter]]s, it is an [[APEC]] and [[OECD]] member, defined as a High Income Nation by the [[World Bank Group|World Bank]] and an Advanced Economy by the [[IMF]] and [[CIA]]. A [[major non-NATO ally]], it has the world's sixth largest [[List of countries by size of armed forces|armed forces]] and one of the ten largest [[List of countries by military expenditures|defence budget]]s in the world. A leading [[Next Eleven]] country and an [[Four Asian Tigers|Asian Tiger]], it is still among the world's fastest growing [[developed country|developed countries]].<ref>[http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1018.html Korea, Republic of<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Today, its success story is known as the "[[Miracle on the Han River]]", a role model for many [[developing country|developing countries]].<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,361781,00.html Seoul's Green Revolution - TIME<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> South Korea is leading several key [[industries]] in the world, particularly in the fields of [[science]] and [[technology]].<ref>[http://www.duke.edu/~myhan/kaf0401.html ANNOTATED CHRONOLOGY OF KOREA’S SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (Moo-Young Han, Professor of physics, Duke University / Editor-in-Chief, Society of Korean-American Scholars)]</ref> It has a very advanced and modern [[infrastructure]]<ref>[http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Korea-South-INFRASTRUCTURE-POWER-AND-COMMUNICATIONS.html Korea, South Infrastructure, power, and communications, Information about Infrastructure, power, and communications in Korea, South<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and is a world leader in [[information technology]] such as [[electronics]], [[semiconductor]]s, [[LCD|LCD display]]s, [[computer]]s and [[mobile phone]]s, led by [[Samsung Group|Samsung]] and [[LG Group|LG]]. Home of the world's third largest [[steel]] producer, [[POSCO]], it is the world's largest [[shipbuilder]], the world's fourth largest [[oil refiner]]<ref>[http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/ene_oil_ref_abi-energy-oil-refining-ability]</ref> and one of the top five [[Automotive industry|automobile]] producers in the world, headed by [[Hyundai Motor Company|Hyundai]] and [[Kia Motors|Kia]]. It is also a leading country in [[engineering]], [[construction]], [[machinery]], [[textile]]s, [[petrochemical]]s, [[biotechnology]] and [[robotics]]. ==Government== {{main|Government of South Korea}} [[Image:Seoul-National.Assembly-02.jpg|thumb|left|220px|The [[National Assembly of South Korea]] in [[Seoul]].]] The government of South Korea 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. 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> http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ks00000_.html The Constitution of Republic of Korea</ref> South Korea has developed a successful [[liberal democracy]] since the 1960s and the first direct [[Elections in South Korea|election]] was held in 1987. The [[World Factbook|CIA World Factbook]] describes South Korea's democracy as a "fully functioning modern democracy".<ref>https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ks.html CIA World Factbook</ref> ==History== ===Before division=== {{main|History of Korea}} [[Image:Goguryeo tomb mural.jpg|thumb|left|220px|Tomb mural of [[Goguryeo]], one of the three kingdoms of Korea.]] Archeological findings indicate that the [[Korean Peninsula]] was occupied by humans as early in the [[Lower Paleolithic]] period. 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 BC by [[Dangun]].<ref>[http://www.asianinfo.org/asianinfo/korea/history.htm Korea's History (Ko-Choson, Three Kingdoms, Parhae Kingdom, Unified Shilla, Koryo Dynasty, Colonial Period, Independence Struggle, Provisional Government of Korea, Independence Army, Republic of Korea,)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</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. 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]]. Introduction of [[Buddhism]] and other influences from [[China]] had profound effects on Korea, which later passed on, combined with Korean advances, to [[Japan]].<ref>"[http://www.bookrags.com/history/worldhistory/yayoi-period-ema-06/ Yayoi Period History Summary]", BookRags.com; Jared Diamond, "[http://www2.gol.com/users/hsmr/Content/East%20Asia/Japan/History/roots.html Japanese Roots]", ''Discover'' 19:6 (June 1998); Thayer Watkins, "[http://www2.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/japanorigin.htm The Genetic Origins of the Japanese]"; "[http://cache.britannica.com/eb/article-8481 Shinto - History to 1900]", ''Encyclopædia Britannica''; "[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-23121?query=Yayoi&ct=%20 The Yayoi period (c. 250 BC–c. AD 250)]", ''Encyclopædia Britannica''.</ref><ref>"[http://theseoultimes.com/ST/?url=/ST/db/read.php?idx=580 Korean Buddhism Basis of Japanese Buddhism]", ''Seoul Times'', June 18, 2006; "[http://www.asiasocietymuseum.com/buddhist_trade/koreajapan.html Buddhist Art of Korea & Japan]", Asia Society Museum; "[http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2046.html Kanji]", JapanGuide.com; "[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761568150_4/Pottery.html Pottery]", MSN Encarta; "[http://www.japanvisitor.com/index.php?cID=359&pID=334&cName=Japanese History of Japan]", JapanVisitor.com.</ref><ref>{{cite book | editor = Delmer M. Brown (ed.) | year = 1993 | title = The Cambridge History of Japan | publisher = Cambridge University Press | pages = 140-149 | url = http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0521223520&id=x5mwgfPXK1kC&pg=PA159&lpg=PA159&vq=buddhism&dq=Paekche+hostage+japan&sig=dwsfsmf80GCVdVXe90a5s9Tkq34}}; George Sansom, ''A History of Japan to 1334'', Stanford University Press, 1958. p. 47. ISBN 0-8047-0523-2</ref><ref>[http://gias.snu.ac.kr/wthong/publication/paekche/eng/paekch_e.html From Paekche to Origin of Yamato]</ref> [[Image:Temple-at-gyeongju.jpg|thumb|220px|[[Bulguksa]]|[[Bulguksa]] Temple, built during the [[Silla|Silla period]], is a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]].]] [[Image:Three Kingdoms of Korea Map.png|thumb|left|220px|Map of the [[Three Kingdoms of Korea]] at the end of the 5th century.]] The unification of the Three Kingdoms by [[Unified Silla|Silla]] in 676 led to the North-South States period, in which the 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. 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|Wang Geon]] 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://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php URL_ID=3946&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html World's oldest printed Doc]</ref>{{Dead link|date=March 2008}} 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 ([[Yuan Dynasty]]), 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]]. [[Image:Gyeonbokgung-March-01.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Royal march of the Joseon Dynasty at Gyeongbokgung]] 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 King [[Sejong the Great of Joseon|Sejong the Great]] in the 14 century and the rise and influence of [[Confucianism]]. 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. However, continued Korean dominance at sea led by [[Yi Sun-sin|Admiral Yi]], the rise of local militias, and the intervention of [[Ming Dynasty|Ming China]] put Japan under great pressure to retreat in 1598. Today, Admiral Yi is celebrated as one of Korea's foremost heroes and his [[turtle ship]]s, used with great success against the Japanese, are considered the world's first [[ironclad warship]]s, although lack of hard evidence of iron plating sparks much debate. [[Image:Josun jundo jido late 1700.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Map of Korea during 18th century.]] 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]]. ===After division=== {{main|History of South Korea}} In the aftermath of [[World War II]], [[Soviet Union]] and [[United States]] troops controlled the northern and southern halves of the country respectively. The two [[Cold War]] rivals established governments sympathetic to their own ideologies, leading to Korea's division into two political entities: [[North Korea]] and South Korea. [[Image:Incheon Memorial.jpg|thumb|eight|180px|A sculpture at the Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall.]] 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: the communist North and the capitalist South. In the North, a former anti-Japanese guerilla and communist activist, [[Kim Il-sung]]<ref>[http://www.bartleby.com/65/ki/KimIlSun.html Kim Il Sung. The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and in the South, freshly shipped from America, [[Syngman Rhee]] were installed as presidents.<ref>[http://www.bartleby.com/65/rh/Rhee-Syn.html Rhee, Syngman. The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> On [[June 25]], [[1950]], [[North Korea]] invaded the South leading to the [[Korean War]]. The Soviet boycott of the [[United Nations]] at the time, and therefore, no veto, 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 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, and the two countries are still technically at war.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2800.htm |title=South Korea |work=U.S. Department of State |accessdate=2006-09-16}}</ref> In 1960, [[April Revolution|a student uprising]] led to the resignation of the autocratic and corrupt President [[Syngman Rhee]]. A period of profound civil unrest and general 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 is heavily criticized as a ruthless military dictator, although the Korean economy developed significantly during his tenure. The years after Park's assassination were marked by, again, considerable political turmoil as the previously repressed opposition leaders all campaigned to run for president in the sudden political void. In 1980, there was a [[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 protest demanding [[democracy]], in particular the city of Gwangju, in [[Jeollanam-do]] where Chun sent in special forces to violently suppress the city, in what is now known as the [[Gwangju Democratization Movement|Gwangju Massacre]]. Until 1987, he and his government held Korea under despotic rule when Park Jong Chul &mdash; a student attending [[Seoul National University]] &mdash; was tortured to death.<ref> http://www.yolsa.org/sub_plus_1.html Yolsa.org Information on Anti-Yushin protests </ref> The Catholic Priests' Association for Justice revealed that Park was tortured, igniting huge demonstrations around the country. The demonstrations snowballed when another student from [[Yonsei University]], Lee Han Yeol, was killed by a police-fired tear gas bomb while he was demonstrating against the military government. The period of resistance is called the Resistance of June when all joined the national movement. 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.<ref> http://www.encyber.com/search_w/ctdetail.php?gs=ws&gd=&cd=&q=&p=&masterno=211762&contentno=211762 Encyber Encyclopedia article on June 29th Declaration </ref> [[Image:Gangnam1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A dusky view of [[Gangnam]], [[Seoul]].]] In 1988, Seoul hosted the [[1988 Summer Olympics]], a cause of both national and international celebration in contrast to great turmoil of the past. In 1996, South Korea became a member of the [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]], a testament to further economic growth. As with many of its Asian neighbors, South Korea suffered the [[1997 Asian Financial Crisis]], but the country was able to re-emerge and continue its growth towards a major economic power after a swift recovery.<ref> http://www.korea.net/news/news/newsView.asp?serial_no=20071108002&part=104&SearchDay=&page=1 Korea.net article on East Asian Financial Crisis </ref> In June 2000, as part of South Korean president [[Kim Dae-jung]]'s [[Sunshine Policy]] of engagement, a [[Inter-Korean Summit|North-South summit]] took place in [[Pyongyang]], the capital city of North Korea. That year, Former President 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> http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2000/index.html Nobel Peace Prize Recipient in 2000 </ref> In 2004, South Korea joined the "trillion dollar club" of world economies.<ref> https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ks.html CIA World Factbook </ref> ==Foreign relations== {{main|Foreign relations of South Korea}} [[Image:Ban Ki-moon Bush.jpg|thumb|left|220px|[[Secretary-General of the United Nations|Secretary-General]] of the [[United Nations]], [[Ban Ki-moon]], with the [[President of the United States|President]] of the [[United States]], [[George W. Bush]].]] ===United States=== The United States of America 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. Upon the onset of the Korean War, the United States sent soldiers 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 [[U.S. Eighth Army]], [[Seventh Air Force]] and [[Commander Naval Forces Korea|US Naval Forces Korea]] are stationed in South Korea. ===China=== Historically, Korea has had relatively close relations with China. Before the formation of South Korea, Korean independence fighters worked with Chinese soldiers during the Japanese occupation. However, after [[World War II]], the Chinese embraced [[Maoism]] while South Korea became a [[representative democracy]] under the influence of the United States. The People's Republic of China assisted North Korea with manpower and supplies during the [[Korean War]], and in its aftermath the diplomatic relationship between South Korea and China almost completely ceased. Relations thawed gradually, however, and South Korea and China 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>[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>[http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/FI11Dg03.html Asia Times - News and analysis from Korea; North and South<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ===Japan=== 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 was heavy [[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> 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, [[President of South Korea|President]] Roh Moo-hyun suspended all summit talks between South Korea and Japan.<ref>[http://www.voanews.com/Korean/archive/2006-03/2006-03-17-voa12.cfm 노무현 대통령, “고이즈미 일본총리가 신사참배 중단하지 않으면 정상회담도 없을 것” (영문기사 첨부)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Recently under the pressure from Korean and Japanese protest groups, however, Japan has rewritten Japanese history textbooks revealing all the abuse they inflicted on Koreans during World War II and also excluded Hideki Tojo and other war criminals from the list of honorees of the shrine visits. <ref> [http://www.hani.co.kr/section-003000000/2005/04/003000000200504020107006.html]</ref>, <ref> [http://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/View/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0000315698] </ref> ===North Korea=== 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>{{cite web |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKSEO16392220071004 |title=FACTBOX - North, South Korea pledge peace, prosperity |accessdate=2007-10-04 |author=Reuters }}</ref> On [[October 4]], [[2007]], Roh Moo-Hyun and North Korean leader [[Kim Jong-il]] signed an eight-point peace 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>{{cite web |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKSEO16392220071004 |title=FACTBOX - North, South Korea pledge peace, prosperity |accessdate=2007-10-04 |author=Reuters }}</ref> 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]], and again in [[2006 North Korean nuclear test|2006]]. Recently, North Korea agreed to temporarily suspend its pursuit of a nuclear weapons program for economic and diplomatic support, although some Korean and American officials criticized the North for not being fully cooperative in its temporary suspension of a nuclear weapons program.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,251618,00.html FOXNews.com - North Korea Agrees to End Nuke Program - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ===Other nations=== 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). There is an ongoing effort at negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with the [[European Union]], the second largest importer of Korean goods.<ref>[http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=5202 Korea-EU FTA promoted at luncheon<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> South Korea is also negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with Canada.<ref>[http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/korea-coree/index.aspx?lang=en Canada-Korea - Free Trade Agreement Negotiations<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> ==Military== {{main|Military of South Korea}} [[Image:ROK_Marine_with_K2.JPEG|thumb|left|A South Korean [[Republic of Korea Marine Corps|Marine]] watches his line of fire.]] [[Image:T50GoldenEagle.jpg|thumb|right|The [[T-50 Golden Eagle]] is an advanced trainer and fighter aircraft.]] [[Image:444kc1.jpg|thumb|right|The [[K2 Black Panther]] is one of the most powerful [[main battle tank]]s in the world.]] A major [[military power]] in the world, South Korea has the world's sixth largest [[List of countries by size of armed forces|active troops]], the world's second largest [[List of countries by size of armed forces|reserve troops]] and one of the ten largest [[List of countries by military expenditures|defence budget]]s in the world. The [[South Korean army]] has 2,300 [[tank]]s in operation<ref>[http://www.csis.org/media/csis/pubs/060626_asia_balance_powers.pdf The Asian Conventional Military Balance in 2006 II]</ref>, dominated by modern designs 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]] enabled destroyer, the [[King Sejong the Great class destroyer]].<ref>[http://www.missilethreat.com/archives/id.46/subject_detail.asp MissileThreat :: South Korea<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> It has also the world's largest fleet of [[frigate]]s, the sixth largest of [[corvette]]s and the fourth largest of [[submarine]]s, with two [[nuclear submarines]] operating independently.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_size_of_armed_forces</ref> 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-16 Fighting Falcon]] and indigenous models such as the [[T-50 Golden Eagle]]. 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 border with North Korea, near the 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. [[Image:060921-N-0879R-001.jpg||thumb|left|A South Korean [[midshipman]] waves to fellow sailors aboard ROKS ''Daecheong''.]] 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]], 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>[http://www.army.mil.kr:7081/zaytun2/english/index.jsp Zaytun Division official website]</ref> 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|US military stationed in Korea]],<ref> [http://www.newsweek.com/id/68465 America's Unsinkable Fleet]</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]], Youngsan, [[Dongducheon]], Sungbok,and [[Daegu]], of which most are camps, 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]] controls all forces in South Korea, including the US forces and the entire South Korean military. ==Administrative divisions== {{Main|Administrative divisions of South Korea}} :''See also [[Special cities of Korea]] and [[Provinces of Korea]]'' [[Image:Provinces of South Korea.png|thumb|left|250px|Principal divisions of South Korea.]] [[Image:Southkoreamap.png|thumb|left|250px|General map of South Korea.]] {| class="wikitable" ! !! Name<sup><small>a</small></sup> !! hangul !! hanja |- !colspan="4"| Special cities (''Teukbyeolsi'')<sup><small>a</small></sup> |- | 1 || [[Seoul|Seoul (National Capital)]] ||서울특별시|| 서울特別市 |- !colspan="32"| Metropolitan cities (''Gwangyeoksi'')<sup><small>a</small></sup> |- | 2 || [[Busan]] ||부산광역시|| 釜山廣域市 |- | 3 || [[Daegu]] ||대구광역시|| 大邱廣域市 |- | 4 || [[Incheon]] ||인천광역시|| 仁川廣域市 |- | 5 || [[Gwangju]] ||광주광역시|| 光州廣域市 |- | 6 || [[Daejeon]] ||대전광역시|| 大田廣域市 |- | 7 || [[Ulsan]] ||울산광역시|| 蔚山廣域市 |- !colspan="4"| Provinces |- | 8 || [[Gyeonggi-do]] || 경기도 || 京畿道 |- | 9 || [[Gangwon-do (South Korea)|Gangwon-do]] || 강원도 || 江原道 |- | 10 || [[Chungcheongbuk-do]] (Northern Chungcheong) || 충청북도 || 忠淸北道 |- | 11 || [[Chungcheongnam-do]] (Southern Chungcheong) || 충청남도 || 忠淸南道 |- | 12 || [[Jeollabuk-do]] (Northern Jeolla) || 전라북도 || 全羅北道 |- | 13 || [[Jeollanam-do]] (Southern Jeolla) || 전라남도 || 全羅南道 |- | 14 || [[Gyeongsangbuk-do]] (Northern Gyeongsang) || 경상북도 || 慶尙北道 |- | 15 || [[Gyeongsangnam-do]] (Southern Gyeongsang) || 경상남도 || 慶尙南道 |- !colspan="4"| Special self-governing province (''Teukbyeoljachi-do'')<sup><small>a</small></sup> |- | 16 || [[Jeju-do]] || 제주특별자치도 || 濟州特別自治道 |} {{smaller|<sup>a</sup> [[Revised Romanization of Korean|Revised Romanization]].}} ==Geography and climate== {{main|Geography of South Korea}} [[Image:South Korea Topography.png|thumb|left|Topography of South Korea]] South Korea occupies the southern portion of the [[Korean Peninsula]], which extends some 680 miles (1,100&nbsp;km) from the Asian mainland. This mountainous peninsula is flanked by the [[Yellow Sea]] to the west, and the [[Sea of Japan]] (East Sea) to the east. Its southern tip lies on the [[Korea Strait]] and the [[East China Sea]]. The country's total area is {{convert|38462.49|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>{{Dead link|date=March 2008}} 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]]. 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. [[Image:Buddist Temple Seoraksan.JPG|thumb|right|200px|[[Seoraksan]] mountain in Gangwondo.]] 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&nbsp;mi) off the southern coast of South Korea. It is the country's largest island, with an area of 1,845 square kilometres (712&nbsp;sq&nbsp;mi). Jeju is also the site of South Korea's highest point: [[Hallasan]], an extinct [[volcano]], reaches 1,950 metres (6,398&nbsp;ft) above sea level. The most eastern islands of South Korea include [[Ulleungdo]] and [[Liancourt Rocks|Dokdo]], while [[Marado]] and [[Socotra Rock|Ieodo]] are the southernmost islands of South Korea. ===Climate=== {{climate chart |South Korea |-7.1|0.8|23 |-5|3|25 |0|10|47 |7|17|94 |13|23|92 |17|26|134 |22|29|369 |22|30|294 |17|26|169 |10|20|50 |3|11|53 |-4|4|21 |source=[http://www.climate-charts.com/Locations/k/KO47108.html climate-charts.com] |float=left}} The local [[climate]] is relatively [[temperate]], with [[precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]] heavier in summer during a short rainy season called ''[[East Asian monsoon|jangma]]'' ([[:ko:장마|장마]]), and winters that 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 July temperature range is 22 °C to 29 °C (71 °F to 83 °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&nbsp;[[inch]]es) in Seoul to 1,470 millimeters (58&nbsp;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. ===Environment=== In the past, urban areas such as [[Seoul]] had minor problems associated with [[air pollution]] and [[water pollution]]. However, the [[Mayor of Seoul]] has been working hard to restore the flow of clean water in South Korea, by recovering the flow of [[Cheonggyecheon]] in central Seoul and establishing the [[Oh Se-hoon|Seoul City Water Project]] to publicize the cleanness of Seoul [[tap water]].<ref>[http://english.seoul.go.kr/gover/initiatives/inti_02cheon.htm Seoul Metropolitan Government - "A Clean, Attractive & Global City, Seoul!"<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Numerous parks have been added to the capital, such as the [[Olympic Park, Seoul]], to restore the natural beauty of the city. South Korea is a member of numerous international environmental organizations with specific regards to Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution ([[MARPOL 73/78]]), Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, and Whaling.<ref>{{factbook}}</ref> ==Economy== {{main|Economy of South Korea}} [[Image:Tradetw01.jpg|thumb|left|210px|[[Seoul]] is a leading financial center in [[Asia]] and home to the [[World Trade Center Seoul|World Trade Center]].]] [[Image:Hanjin Vienna.jpg|thumb|right|200px|South Korea is the world's largest [[shipbuilder]] and one of the top ten [[List of countries by exports|exporter]]s in the world.]] South Korea is a major [[G20 industrial nations|economic power]] and one of the wealthiest countries in [[Asia]]. It has the [[List of Asian countries by GDP|third largest]]<ref>{{cite paper | author = IMF | title = World Economic Outlook Database, October 2007 | version = 2007 | publisher = IMF | date = 2007 | url = http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2007/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2006&ey=2008&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&pr1.x=56&pr1.y=12&c=512%2C941%2C914%2C446%2C612%2C666%2C614%2C668%2C311%2C672%2C213%2C946%2C911%2C137%2C193%2C962%2C122%2C674%2C912%2C676%2C313%2C548%2C419%2C556%2C513%2C678%2C316%2C181%2C913%2C682%2C124%2C684%2C339%2C273%2C638%2C921%2C514%2C948%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&s=PPPGDP&grp=0&a= | accessdate = 2008-02-12}} </ref> economy in Asia and the [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|13th largest]] economy<ref>{{cite paper | author = IMF | title = World Economic Outlook Database, October 2007 | version = 2007 | publisher = IMF | date = 2007 | url = http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2007/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2006&ey=2008&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&pr1.x=56&pr1.y=12&c=512%2C941%2C914%2C446%2C612%2C666%2C614%2C668%2C311%2C672%2C213%2C946%2C911%2C137%2C193%2C962%2C122%2C674%2C912%2C676%2C313%2C548%2C419%2C556%2C513%2C678%2C316%2C181%2C913%2C682%2C124%2C684%2C339%2C273%2C638%2C921%2C514%2C948%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&s=PPPGDP&grp=0&a= | accessdate = 2008-02-12}} </ref> in the world. The catalyst for South Korea's rapid economic growth was the export of manufactured goods, which made South Korea one of the [[Four Asian Tigers]]. Today, the major industries of South Korea are [[automobile]]s, [[semiconductor]]s, [[electronics]], [[shipbuilding]], and [[steel]]. South Korea has the highest [[List of countries by industrial production growth rate|industrial production]] growth rate and [[List of countries by tax revenue as percentage of GDP|some of the smallest tax burdens]] in the developed world.The South Korean economy is characterized by moderate inflation, low unemployment, an export surplus, and fairly equal distribution of income.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2092.html |title=Field Listing - Inflation Rate - (consumer prices) |work=CIA Factbook |accessdate=2006-09-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2129.html |title=Field Listing - Unemployment Rate |work=CIA Factbook |accessdate=2006-09-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2078.html |title=Field Listing - Exports |work=CIA Factbook |accessdate=2006-09-15}}</ref> ===Economic history=== In the 1950s South Korea was one of the poorest countries in Asia; its infrastructure and resources were severely exploited during the [[Korea under Japanese rule|Japanese occupation]] and completely destroyed by the [[Korean War]]. However, following the military coup led by General [[Park Chung-hee]] in 1962, South Korea became for four straight decades one of the fastest-growing economies in world history, completely transforming it from a farming and fishing based economy into one of the world's most high-tech industrial powers. [[Park Chung-hee]] embarked on a series of ambitious [[Five-Year Plans of South Korea|five-year plans]] for economic development that were similar to the macro-economic schemes of the Soviet Union.<ref>[http://mars.wnec.edu/~grempel/courses/stalin/lectures/EconDev.html Soviet Economic Development<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Emphasis shifted to foreign trade with the [[Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea|normalization of relations with Japan]] in 1965, which resulted in a boom in trade and investment. Rapid expansion in light industries, which were later followed by subsequent development in heavy industries, made South Korea in 1973 the 34th wealthiest country in the world.<ref>[http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/eco_gdp_per_cap_in_197-economy-gdp-per-capita-1973 NationMaster - NationMaster Survey<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Park's government plans for economic development greatly boosted the Korean economy. This growth is often called the "[[Miracle on the Han River]]", the [[Han River (Korea)|Han River]] being the main river that runs through the nation's capital and largest city, [[Seoul]]. In the 1980s and 1990s, growth continued as South Korea transformed itself from an exporter of textiles and shoes into a major global producer of [[automobile]]s, [[electronics]], [[shipbuilding]], [[steel]] and, later, high-tech products such as [[Computer display|digital monitor]]s, [[mobile phone]]s, and [[semiconductor]]s. [[Image:South Korea's exponential economic growth.png|thumb|right|280px|Graph comparing South Korea's rapid rise of [[GDP per capita]] with other [[developed country|advanced economies]] in the world.]] [[Image:Genesis1.jpg|thumb|left|210px|[[Hyundai Genesis]] Luxury sedan]] The South Korean model of encouraging the growth of large, internationally competitive financial services companies, business groups, and banks through easy financing and tax incentives led the South Korean economy to be dominated by family-controlled [[conglomerate (company)|conglomerates]]. These companies, known as [[chaebol]], flourished under the support of the Park regime.<ref>See Cumings 1997, chapter 6.</ref> Some such as [[Hyundai Motor Company|Hyundai]], [[Samsung Group|Samsung]], [[LG Group|LG]] and [[SK Group|SK Company]] became global corporations. Since the [[1997 Asian Financial Crisis]] the corporate landscape has changed considerably as a result of massive bankruptcies and government reforms. The crisis exposed longstanding weaknesses in South Korea's economy, including high debt-to-equity ratios, massive foreign borrowing, and an undisciplined financial sector. This led to two rounds of financial and industrial restructuring; one in 1997 and another following the collapse of [[Daewoo]] in 1999.<ref>KOIS (2003), pp. 238-239.</ref> Daewoo's collapse has been recorded as one of the largest bankruptcies in world history.<ref>[http://www.iie.com/publications/papers/paper.cfm?ResearchID=458] Paper: Economic Reform in South Korea: An Unfinished Legacy</ref> By 2003, just over one-half of the 30 largest chaebol from 1995 remained.<ref>18 out of 30, according to {{cite web |url=http://www.economist.com/countries/SouthKorea/profile.cfm?folder=Profile-Economic%20Structure |title=Country Studies: South Korea |work=The Economist |date=2003-04-10 |accessdate=2006-04-06}}</ref> Between 2003 and 2005, economic growth had slowed to about 4% per year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2003rank.html |title=GDP - Rank order - Real Growth Rate |work=CIA Factbook |accessdate=2006-09-15}}</ref> A downturn in consumer spending, attributed to massive personal [[credit card debt]], was offset by rapid export growth, primarily to China. In 2005, the government proposed labor reform legislation and a corporate pension scheme to help make the labor market more flexible, and new real estate policies to cool property speculation.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://search.hankooki.com/times/times_view.php?term=housing+property++&path=hankooki3/times/lpage/nation/200608/kt2006083119175610510.htm&media=kt |title=Anti-Speculation Measures |work=Hankooki Ilbo |accessdate=2006-09-15}}</ref> In 2006, South Korean economy has recovered its growth rate to 5.1%. South Korea has been less open economy than Japan, but has now pursued free trade policies, notably [[U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement]] and [[European Union]]-South Korea free trade agreement. ===Modern economy=== [[Image:Korean.culture-LG.electronics-01.jpg|thumb|left|200px|South Korea is the world's largest manufacturer of [[LCD]] displays.]] [[Image:Samsung G600.JPG|thumb|right|200px|[[Samsung Electronics|Samsung]] and [[LG Electronics|LG]] are two leading [[mobile phone]] makers in the world.]] Like other developed nations, the [[Tertiary sector of economic activity|service sector]] has grown to comprise about two-thirds of GDP<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.economist.com/countries/SouthKorea/profile.cfm?folder=Profile-Economic%20Structure|title=Country Studies: South Korea|work=The Economist|date=[[2003-04-10]]|accessdate=2006-04-06}}</ref>. At the same time, [[living standard]]s and in particular the [[education]] level in South Korea rose exponentially to become equivalent or higher than that of other developed Western European and North American countries, with South Korea's HDI being rated at "High" with 0.921 by the [[Human Development Index]] in 2007, owning a 99% adult literacy rate. In the most recent Quality-of-Life survey conducted by the [[Economist Intelligence Unit]], South Korea came 30th, only one rank below the [[United Kingdom]]. During this period, South Korean workers' income and wealth increased considerably, leading labour-intensive industries to move to neighbouring developing countries, such as [[China]] or [[Vietnam]]. However, South Korea still maintains the highest [[working hours]] in the world, a price the nation is paying for these continued achievements, with many workers living without weekends or holidays until they retire. South Korea has surpassed the [[United States]] and [[Japan]] in becoming the world's leader in the [[semiconductor]] (eg. RAM & Flash Memory) and [[digital display]] (eg. LCD & Plasma Panels) industries, as well as [[consumer electronics]] such as [[TV]]s or [[Mobile Phone]]s. Telecommunication technology thrived in South Korea as it became the most wired & wirelessly connected country in the world<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/18/technology/18rehab.html?_r=2&ref=business&oref=slogin&oref=slogin In Korea, a Boot Camp Cure for Web Obsession - New York Times<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>, having the 2nd highest broadband users worldwide. Nationwide 100 Mbit/s High-Speed Internet Access, Interactive Full [[High Definition]] TV Broadcasting, [[DMB]], [[WiBro]] and [[4G]] technology rolled out since 2000, which are a few of the nation's ambitious plans to set benchmarks in the global information technology industry. [[Image:DDR2 ram mounted.jpg|thumb|right|200px|South Korea is a world leader in the [[semiconductor]] and [[computer]] industry.]] Today, there are several strong South Korean industries. South Korea's largest automaker, [[Hyundai Motor Company]] and its subsidiary [[Kia Motors]] are the fifth largest car group in the world.<ref>[http://car-reviews.automobile.com/news/hyundai-kia-pass-nissan-to-become-worlds-sixth-largest-automaker/1916/ Hyundai-Kia Pass Nissan to Become Worlds Sixth Largest Automaker - Automobile.com Auto News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The South Korean shipbuilding industry is one the most highly-developed in the world, headed by [[chaebol]]s such as the [[Hyundai Heavy Industries]], [[Samsung Group|Samsung Heavy Industry]] and [[POSCO]]. It became the largest after overtaking Japan in 2004.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BJT/is_7_11/ai_109402867 Shipbuilding on the rise in South Korea - Ports And Shipping | Business Asia | Find Articles at BNET.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In 2006, approximately one in every three new vessels was constructed in Korea.<ref>[http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2007/07/127_2716.html]</ref>{{Dead link|date=March 2008}} South Korea also exports radioactive isotope production equipment for medical and industrial use to countries such as Russia, Japan, Turkey and others.<ref>[http://korea.net/news/news/newsView.asp?serial_no=20070605015&part=107&SearchDay=&page=5 Korea to export isotope production equipment to Russia, Turkey, Algeria | Korea.net News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In addition to its highly advanced IT infrastructure, the government is now beginning to invest in the [[robotics]] industry. With the aim of becoming the "World's Number 1 Robotics Nation" by 2025, there are plans to put one robot in every household by 2020. <ref>{{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>{{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=[[2006-09-06]]|accessdate=2007-06-24}}</ref> There are other ambitious plans to expand or create other sectors of the economy, including the [[finance|financial]], [[biotechnology]], [[aerospace]] and [[entertainment]] industries. ===Infrastructure=== {{main|Transportation in South Korea|Nuclear power in South Korea}} [[Image:Korea-Incheon-International-Airport-Boarding-lobby-waiting-zone.JPG|thumb|left|220px|[[Incheon International Airport]] is rated as the best airport in the world<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airports.org/cda/aci/display/main/aci_content.jsp?zn=aci&cp=1-7-46%5E6702_9_2__|title=Airport Service Excellence Awards for 2005|date=2006-03-07|accessdate=2006-08-25|work=ACI website}}</ref> and awarded the full 5-star rating from [[Skytrax]].]] Transportation in South Korea is excellent and provided by extensive networks of railways, highways, bus routes, ferry services, and air routes that criss-cross the country. [[Korea Highway Corporation]] operates the toll highways and service amenities en route. South Korea has about 3,000 kilometers of national highways. [[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 have subway systems, including the popular [[Seoul Metropolitan Subway|Seoul Subway]], [[Busan]] and [[Daegu]]. Metropolitan Cities have express bus terminals. South Korea's largest [[international airport]] is the [[Incheon International Airport]], serving as the main hub for the country's largest air carriers [[Korean Air]] and [[Asiana Airlines]] and more recently, the Korean subsidiary of [[Tiger Airways]]. South Korea has eight international airports and seven domestic airports in total, with about 71 international passenger and cargo airlines operating frequent flight services between South Korea and all over the world. The largest ports are in [[Busan]] and [[Incheon]]. [[Nuclear power in South Korea]] supplies 45% of electricity production. Nuclear power research in South Korea 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. ==Science and technology== {{main|Ministry of Science and Technology (South Korea)}} ===Aerospace Research=== {{main|Korea Aerospace Research Institute}} [[Image:Korean astronaut-Yi Soyeon-02.jpg|thumb|right|180px|[[Yi So-yeon]], South Korea's first [[astronaut]] in space.]] Korea has a space partnership with Russia<ref>[http://korea.net/news/news/newsView.asp?serial_no=20070703031&part=107&SearchDay= Korea, Russia enter full-fledged space partnership | Korea.net News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and has launched the [[Arirang-1]] and [[Arirang-2]] which both have surveillance cameras equipped. [[Naro Space Center]], the first [[spaceport]] of South Korea, is scheduled to be completed by 2008 at [[Goheung]], [[Jeollanam-do]]. Korea Space Center is expected to send a [[Korea Space Launch Vehicle]] into space in 2008.<ref>"First South Korean astronaut selected ", http://www.itwire.com/content/view/14338/1066/, William Atkins, ITWire, 5 September 2007, accessed October 12, 2007</ref> The spaceport will be controlled by the state-run [[Korea Aerospace Research Institute]] and will contain features necessary for spaceflight operation having a launch tower, a control tower, rocket assembly, test facilities and space simulators.<ref>''[http://www.spacedaily.com/news/korea-03b.html South Korea Begins Construction Of New Space Center]'' – Korean Information Service, ''SpaceDaily'', [[August 12]], [[2003]]</ref> The South Korean government has named [[Yi So-yeon]] as its first person to go to space after replacing its initial choice [[Ko San]], at the request of the [[Russian Federal Space Agency]], on [[March 10]] [[2008]].<ref>''[http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/03/10/korea.astronaut.ap/index.html S. Korea names woman as first astronaut]'' – Korean CNN, [[March 10]], [[2008]]</ref> On [[8 April]] [[2008]], Yi So-yeon became the first South Korean in space, aboard [[Soyuz TMA-12]]. ===Robotics=== [[Image:Ever-2.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Ever-1|EveR-2]], an advanced [[gynoid|female android]] capable of expressing human [[emotion]]s.]] South Korea is a world leader in the development and adoption of advanced [[robotics]] technology and has an ambitious plan to put a robot in every household by 2020.<ref>{{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>{{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=[[2006-09-06]]|accessdate=2007-06-24}}</ref> Several robot cities are about to be constructed in the country, with the first city being built in 2009 at a cost of 500 billion won, of which 50 billion is direct government investment.<ref>http://www.engadget.com/2007/08/27/south-korea-set-to-build-robot-land/</ref> The new robot city will feature research and development centers for manufacturers and part suppliers, as well as exhibition halls and a stadium for robot competitions. The government is also investing another $1.3 billion to build two new robot theme parks in [[Incheon]] and [[Masan]] by 2013, which will be developed as great centres for the country's robot industry, featuring a number of attractions that allow visitors to interact with robots and test new products.<ref>http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/21867</ref> The country's new Robotics Ethics Charter will establish ground rules and laws for human interaction with robots in the future, setting standards for robotics users and manufacturers, as well as guidelines on ethical standards to be programmed into robots to prevent human abuse of robots and vice versa.<ref>http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/03/070316-robot-ethics.html</ref> Faced with a critically low [[birth rate]] and an [[aging population]], the country is quickly turning to robots to replace disappearing workers and loss of military manpower. [[Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology]] developed the world's second walking [[humanoid robot]], [[HUBO]]. Honda's [[ASIMO]] and KAIST's HUBO lines are the only humanoid robots in the world that can walk.<ref name="IFU">{{cite web |last = Lugmayr |first = Luigi |authorlink = |coauthors = |title = New Humanoid Robot: HUBO Robot from Korea |work = |publisher = I4U |date = [[2004-12-22]] |url = http://www.i4u.com/article2641.html |format = |doi = |accessdate = 2007-07-07 }}</ref> In 2005, KAIST announced the world's smartest robot able to think and learn like a human.<ref>http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-01/07/content_406787.htm</ref> It is the first network based humanoid in the world taking advantage of South Korea's advanced communication network. in 2006, South Korean scientists from [[Korea University of Science and Technology]] unveiled the world's second [[gynoid|female android]], [[Ever-1]], capable of expressing human [[emotion]]s. Its successors are expected to walk, sing and dance, to be used in department stores and museums, as well as reading stories to children. Engineers from [[Samsung Techwin]] revealed in 2006 the Intelligent Surveillance and Guard Robot, a machine-gunned sentry robot able to detect and repel intruders along the heavily armed border with North Korea.<ref>http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=2504508</ref> ===Communication Technology=== [[Image:Korean.culture-PC.bang-01.jpg|thumb|right|200px|High-speed [[internet access]] is widely available in [[PC bang|PC Room]]s nationwide.]] South Korea is the world's most connected "information society" leading or tied for top rankings in each of internet use, internet penetration, broadband penetration, mobile phone ownership, 3G mobile telecoms, WiFi hotspots and WiBro (Mobile WiMax) coverage. The ensuing ecosystem for online always-on services is a unique testbed for concepts for the future, including such areas as intelligent bridges with self-diagnostics, the automated parking place finder, the intelligent floors for hospitals, etc. The South Korean government has pushed very hard for eGovernment initiatives to provide most government services online. The economy from TV to advertising to banking to the automobile sector has embraced wireless broadband connectivity offering everything from digital broadcast TV to handhelds and cars, to over half of South Koreans using payment systems on their mobile phones. The first book to discuss the telecoms and digital convergence innovations of South Korea is ''Digital Korea'' by Ahonen and O'Reilly in 2007. ===Biotechnology=== [[Image:Snuppy.jpg|thumb|left|210px|[[Snuppy]] is the world's first cloned [[dog]].]] The South Korean [[biotechnology]] industry transformed from a fast-follower to an innovator with extensive R&D networks based on cooperation between industry, college, and research institute. Scientific quality of Korean biotechnology is confirmed from outstanding infrastructures through increasing innovative researchers, paper publications and patents registration. In addition, the incidence of aging and adult disease brings about increase of healthcare expenditures. Recently in Korea the number of clinical trials for the new drug development is growing with the best medical doctors/hospitals and advanced IT infrastructure. Korean government is focusing on the innovation of national biotechnology promotion policy and accelerating globalization of bioindustry. Among others, [[Snuppy]], the world's first cloned [[dog]], demonstrated South Korea's leadership in the [[cloning]] and [[genetics]] field. It was the most advanced and complex animal cloned to-date and two females of an endangered species of wolf was cloned by the [[Seoul National University]] in 2007.<ref>http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2007/03/26/clonedwolf_ani.html</ref> South Korea has now commercialized dog cloning technology and is receiving orders from countries worldwide for the cloning of the owners' pet dogs. In February 2008, an American woman sent tissues from her dead pet named Booger to RNL Bio, South Korea's first dog cloning business, for cloning it at a cost of $150,000.<ref>http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/tech/2008/02/133_18963.html</ref> ==Education== {{main|Education in South Korea}} [[Image:Main bldg and gate.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Main building and gate of [[Korea University]].]] Education in South Korea is regarded essential to success and competition is consequently very tense and fierce. In the most recent [[OECD]] [[Programme for International Student Assessment]], South Korea came first in [[Problem solving]], first in [[Reading]], third in [[Mathematics]] and eleventh in [[Science]], being significantly higher than [[Western European]] and [[North American]] countries.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PISA</ref> A centralized administration in South Korea oversees the process for the education of children from kindergarten to third grade high school. Mathematics, science, Korean, social studies, and English are generally considered to be the most important subjects and are considered compulsory. South Korea was the first country in the world to provide high-speed internet access to every primary, junior, and high school. The [[Programme for International Student Assessment]], coordinated by the [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]], currently ranks South Korea's education system as the 11th best in the world, being significantly higher than the OECD average.<ref>http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/42/8/39700724.pdf</ref> The school year is divided into two semesters. The first begins in the beginning of March and ends in mid-July; the second begins in late August and ends in mid-February. The schedules are not uniformly standardized and vary from school to school. ==Demographics== [[Image:Korea-South-demography.png|left|thumb|220px|Population growth trend in South Korea]] {{main|Demographics of South Korea}} <!--Dead note "homog1": According to 2005 figures from the [[National Statistical Office]], there were 485,477 foreigners registered in the country, compared to a total registered population of 49,267,751. [http://kosis.nso.go.kr/cgi-bin/sws_888.cgi?ID=DT_1B040A2&IDTYPE=3&A_LANG=2&FPUB=4&SELITEM=0 Total population]{{dead link|date=March 2008}}, [http://kosis.nso.go.kr/cgi-bin/sws_888.cgi?ID=DT_1B040A2&IDTYPE=3&A_LANG=2&FPUB=4&SELITEM=6 Foreign population], retrieved [[April 22]] [[2006]].</ref> The population grew rapidly in late 20th century, and exceeded 49 million in 2004.<ref>According to resident registration figures from the National Statistical Office. {{cite web|url=http://kosis.nso.go.kr/cgi-bin/sws_888.cgi?ID=DT_1B040A2&IDTYPE=3&A_LANG=2&FPUB=4&SELITEM=0|title=By city & province|work=NSO Database|accessdate=2006-04-22}}</ref>{{dead link|date=March 2008}} As the [[birth rate]] has fallen to 10 per thousand, population growth has slowed and is expected to become negative by 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ks.html|title=South Korea|work=CIA Factbook|accessdate=2006-04-22}}, {{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200508/200508240021.html|title=Korea Records World's Lowest Birthrate|work=English.chosun.com August 24 2005|accessdate=2006-03-27}}; see also NSO {{cite web|url=http://kosis.nso.go.kr/cgi-bin/sws_888.cgi?|title=NSO Database|accessdate=2006-04-22}}.</ref> --> Most South Koreans live in urban areas, due to rapid migration from the countryside during the country's rapid 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. It had 10.3 million inhabitants in 2006, making Seoul one of the most populated single cities in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://worldatlas.com/citypops.htm |title=World City Populations |accessdate=2006-04-04}}</ref> Other major cities include [[Busan]] (3.65 million), [[Incheon]] (2.63 million), [[Daegu]] (2.53 million), [[Daejeon]] (1.46 million), [[Gwangju]] (1.41 million) and [[Ulsan]] (1.10 million).<ref>Populations for all cities as of 2005, {{cite web |url=http://kosis.nso.go.kr/cgi-bin/sws_888.cgi?ID=DT_1B040A2&IDTYPE=3&A_LANG=2&FPUB=4&SELITEM=0 |title=By city and province |work=NSO Database |accessdate=2006-04-22}}</ref>{{Dead link|date=March 2008}} 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 current population of South Korea is roughly 48,850,000. 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 aliens. Among them, 104,749 people were married to Koreans, 404,051 were working in Korea and 225,273 were illegal aliens.<ref>http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2880037</ref> Korean farmers have a hard time finding a wife, as few women want to live in the countryside. Farmers are forced to look abroad to find their wife, most from the much poorer [[Southeast Asia]], and increasingly [[Eastern Europe]]. For the year 2006, 41% of the marriages amongst the farmers were to foreign nationals.<ref>http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2880519</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> ===Religion=== {{bar box |title=South Korea religiosity |titlebar=#ddd |left1=religion |right1=percent |float=right |bars= {{bar percent|Christianity|blue|29.3}} {{bar percent|Buddhism|yellow|22.8}} {{bar percent|Won Buddhism|violet|0.3}} {{bar percent|Confucianism|orange|0.2}} {{bar percent|Cheondoism|red|0.1}} {{bar percent|No religion|lightgrey|46.5}} }} {{main|Religion in South Korea}} [[Image:Yoido Full Gospel Church.jpg|left|thumb|220px|[[Yoido Full Gospel Church]]]] As of 2005, approximately 46.5% of the South Korean population express 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)}} 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 religious people, 29.3% are [[Christianity|Christian]] (of which 18.3% (on total) profess to be [[Protestantism|Protestants]] and 10.9% to be [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholics]]), 22.8% are [[Buddhism|Buddhist]], and the rest adheres to various [[new religious movements]] including [[Jeungism]], [[Daesunism]], [[Cheondoism]] and [[Wonbuddhism]]. 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 (see [[Christianity in Korea]]). With nearly four million followers, [[Roman Catholicism]] may be the fastest growing sect since the late 1980s.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m2096/is_2000_Spring-Summer/ai_63300897 Christianity, Shamanism, and Modernization in South Korea]</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=Korean Christian missionaries |work=Christianity Today |accessdate=2006-09-15}}</ref> 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. [[Islam in Korea]] is estimated to be at 45,000 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> According to some estimates, Islam is also the fastest growing religion in country. <ref>http://www.islamawareness.net/Asia/KoreaSouth/ks_news001.html South Korea:Islam is this countries fastest growing religion</ref> ==Culture & Entertainment== {{main|Culture of Korea|South Korean culture}} [[Image:Korea-Hi.Seoul.Festival-Hanbok-Parade-01.jpg|thumb|right|220px|A parade at the Hi Seoul Festival]] 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 Organizations|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> Korean forms of metalwork, sculpture, painting, and ceramics flourished throughout the [[Korean Peninsula]]. In modern times, Western and particularly the US influences have been strongest. In the aftermath of Japanese occupation all Japanese cultural exports were banned from Korea until 1999. However, trading between the two countries has grown, although there is still strong anti-Japanese sentiment in South Korea. Recently, Korean pop culture has become popular in Asia and beyond, earning the name ''Hallyu'' or "[[Korean wave]]". In Japan and other Asian countries, Korean boyband [[TVXQ]] and television drama like [[Winter Sonata]] have found success.<ref>Winter Sonata: {{cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2004-12-09-korean-actor_x.htm|title=Korea's romantic hero holds Japan in thrall|work=USA Today December 9|2004|accessdate=2006-04-11|author=Wiseman, Paul}} Daejanggeum: [http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200510/200510310006.html] BoA: [http://www.japan-zone.com/modern/boa.shtml]</ref>, while [[Rain (entertainer)|Rain]] is widely acknowledged in Asia and begins to set his foot on American market. Recent [[Cinema of Korea|Korean films]] such as ''[[Oldboy]]'' and ''[[Oasis (film)|Oasis]]'' have also received international acclaim.<ref>[http://global.yesasia.com/kr/mc/-/1284592O0o/featureArticle.aspx/articleId-56/section-videos/code-c/version-all/ YesAsia.com: Feature Article: Park Chan Wook's Aesthetics of Violence<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[Image:Seoul-Mokdong view-01.jpg|thumb|left|180px|[[Seoul Broadcasting System|SBS]] headquarter in Mokdong, Seoul]] The contemporary culture of South Korea is heavily dominated by technology, including feature-rich cell phones and pervasive [[online game]]s. South Korea today features high penetration of high-speed internet access to households.<ref> However, according to the 2006 [[Face of the Web]] survey by [[Ipsos]], Japan now leads Korea in internet connections per capita. {{cite web|url=http://www.ipsos-na.com/news/pressrelease.cfm?id=3030|title=Ipsos press release|accessdate=2006-04-03}}</ref> In South Korea, computer games take on a sport-like presentation. The professional leagues are televised with announcers, professional players and major corporate sponsors. [[Image:Korean.cuisine-Banchan-02.jpg|thumb|130px|right|Various [[kimchi]] and [[banchan]]]] [[Image:Pork galbi.jpg|thumb|130px|right|Korean Pork BBQ, called Pork [[Galbi]]]] South Korea retains centuries-old customs and traditions, such as its [[Korean cuisine|cuisine]], [[ancestor worship]], and [[Confucius]] ideals. Foods like Steamed Rice(밥), [[Bulgogi]] (불고기, Korean style beef BBQ), [[Kimbap]] (김밥, rice roll wrapped in seaweed), [[Mandu (dumpling)|Mandu]] (만두, dumplings), Doenjang jjigae (된장찌개, fermented soybean paste), [[Japchae]] (잡채, Boiled sweet potato starch noodles mixed with fried vegetables), [[Tteokbokki]] (떡볶이, a broiled dish made with sliced rice cake, seasoned beef, fish cakes and vegetables), [[Bibimbap]] (비빔밥, mixed rice with vegetables, beef, egg and chili pepper paste) and [[Kimchi]] (김치, fermented vegetables) are staples of the Korean diet. Especially well-known throughout the world is the [[kimchi]] (김치), a spicy dish made of Chinese cabbage and other seasonings. [[StarCraft]] is a popular online game in Korea. Its fanbase exceeds five million, and has two Korean-based channels dedicated to its broadcast. Professional StarCraft player [[Lim Yo-Hwan]] (SlayerS `BoxeR`) earned over $300,000 during the peak of his career. ==Sports== [[Image:Exhibicion dollyo chagui con apoyo.jpg|thumb|left|200px|A [[Taekwondo]] practitioner demonstrating dollyo chagui technique.]] {{main|Sport in South Korea}} [[Taekwondo]], the world's most popular [[martial arts|martial art]]<ref>''Tae Kwon Do: The Ultimate Reference Guide to the World's Most Popular Martial Art'', by Park Yeon Hee et al. (New York: 1989)</ref>, originated in Korea. In the 1950s and 60's, modern rules were standardized, and Taekwondo became an official [[Olympic Games|Olympic sport]] in 2000. Taekwondo in the military is an integral part in the Korean land forces. Other Korean martial arts include [[taekkyeon]], [[hapkido]], [[tangsoodo]], [[Kuk Sool Won|kuksoolwon]] and [[subak]]. The [[Korea Republic national football team|South Korean national footbal team]] is widely regarded as the most successful football team in [[Asia]]. It currently holds the best FIFA World Cup record among Asian teams<ref>{{cite news | author= | last= | first= | url=http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/asia/standings/group=250439/analysis.html | title=Korean derby takes centre stage | publisher=Fifa.com | date=[[2008-01-20]] | accessdate=2008-02-07 }}</ref> and in the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]], jointly hosted by South Korea and Japan, [[Korea Republic national football team|South Korea]] became the first and only [[Asian Football Confederation|Asian team]] to reach the semi-finals, beating [[Spain]], [[Italy]] and [[Portugal]] in the knock-out stages. The football team, also known as the "Taeguk Warriors", played in the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]] in [[Germany]] for their sixth consecutive World Cup. In 1988, South Korea hosted the [[1988 Summer Olympics|Summer Olympics in Seoul]], coming fourth in the world with 12 [[gold]] medals, 10 [[silver]] medals and 11 [[bronze]] medals. South Korea regularly comes in the top ten countries in the [[Olympic Games]], performing particularly strongly in [[archery]], [[shooting]], [[table tennis]], [[short track speed skating]], [[team handball|handball]], [[freestyle wrestling]], [[judo]], [[taekwondo]], and [[association football|football]]. South Korea has also hosted the [[Asian Games]] in 1986 and 2002. [[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. During the [[2006 World Baseball Classic|2006]] [[World Baseball Classic]], South Korea came third in the world. In 2007, South Korea hosted a cycling competition called [[Tour de Korea]]. It was the first international cycling competition in South Korea in 10 years. In 2010 South Korea will host their first [[Formula One]] race to be staged at [[Korean International Circuit]] in [[Yeongam]] about {{convert|240|mi|km|-1}} south of [[Seoul]]. ==International rankings== {| class="sortable wikitable" |- ! Organization ! Title ! Ranking |- | [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD, Programme for International Student Assessment]] | [[Mathematics]], [[Science]], [[Reading]] and [[Problem solving]] | 1 out of 38<ref>[http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2005/2005003.pdf International Outcomes of Learning in Mathematics Literacy and Problem Solving<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |- |- | [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]] | [[Working time|Annual work hours]] | 1 out of 27 |- |- | [http://www.clarksons.co.uk/ Clarkson PLC] | [[Shipbuilding|Ranking in the global shipbuilding industry]] | 1 out of 15<ref>[http://www.rzd-partner.com/news/2008/01/25/318438.html S. Korea Stays Top Shipbuilding Nation — News — RZD-Partner Portal<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |- | [[Economist Intelligence Unit]] | [[information technology|IT Industry Competitiveness Index]] | 3 out of 64<ref>[http://a330.g.akamai.net/7/330/25828/20070711101329/graphics.eiu.com/upload/portal/BSA_COMPETITIVENESS_WEBrrr.pdf BSA_COMPETE.indd<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |- | [[World Intellectual Property Organization|WIPO]] | [[Number of International Patent Filings (2007)]] | 4 out of 138<ref>[http://www.wipo.int/pressroom/en/articles/2008/article_0006.html Unprecedented Number of International Patent Filings in 2007<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |- |- | [[Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles|OICA]] | [[List of countries by automobile production|Automobile Production]] | 5 out of 53 |- | [http://www.un.org/esa/desa/ UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs] | [[UN E-Government Survey 2008]] | 6 out of 192<ref>http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/un/unpan028607.pdf</ref> |- | [http://www.weforum.org/en/initiatives/gcp/Global%20Information%20Technology%20Report/index.htm The Global Information Technology Report] | [[Networked Readiness Index 2008]] | 9 out of 127<ref>http://www.insead.edu/v1/gitr/wef/main/explore/chapters/Korea,%20Rep..pdf</ref> |- | [[International Monetary Fund]] | [[List of countries by GDP (PPP)|Gross Domestic Product (PPP)]] | 14 out of 227 |- | [[World Economic Forum]] | [[Global Competitiveness Report#Ranking 2007-2008|Global Competiveness]] | 11 out of 131<ref>[http://www.gcr.weforum.org/pages/GCI_2007_2008.aspx WEF<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |- | [[International Monetary Fund]]/[[World Bank]] | [[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|Gross Domestic Product (nominal)]] | 13 out of 183 |- | [[World Bank]] | [[Ease of Doing Business Index#Ranking|Ease of Doing Business]] | 30 out of 177 |- | [[United Nations Development Programme]] | [[List of countries by Human Development Index|Human Development Index]] | 26 out of 177 |- |[[The Economist]] |[[Global Peace Index|Global Peace Rating]] |29 out of 121 |- |[[Economist Intelligence Unit]] |[[Quality-of-life index|Quality of Life]] |30 out of 155 |- | [[International Monetary Fund]] | [[List of countries by GDP (nominal) per capita|Gross Domestic Product per capita (nominal)]] | 34 out of 179 |- | [[Heritage Foundation]]/''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' | [[Index of Economic Freedom#Index of Economic Freedom|Index of Economic Freedom]] | 36 out of 157<ref>[http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/countries.cfm Index of Economic Freedom<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |- | [[Reporters Without Borders]] | [[Reporters Without Borders#Worldwide press freedom index|Worldwide press freedom index]] | 39 out of 169 |- | [[Transparency International]] | [[Corruption Perceptions Index]] | 42 out of 180 |- |[[Freedom House]] |[[Freedom in the World (report)|Civil Liberties and Political Rights]] |''Free'' |} ==See also== <!-- Please DO NOT use a scroll template/form/table for the reflink, please read warning on the scroll template page. Thank you. --> {{Reflist|2}} ==References== <div class="references-small"> *{{cite book |title=Korea's place in the sun |author=Cumings, Bruce |year=1997 |location=New York |publisher=W.W. Norton |id=ISBN 0-393-31681-5}} *{{cite book |title=Handbook of Korea, 11th ed. |author=KOIS ([[Korea Overseas Information Service]]) |location=Seoul |publisher=[[Hollym (publishing house)|Hollym]] |year=2003 |id=ISBN 1-56591-212-8}} *{{cite book |title=Korea: A history of the Korean people (2nd ed.) |author=Nahm, Andrew C. |year=1996 |location=Seoul |publisher=Hollym |id=ISBN 1-56591-070-2}} *{{cite book |title=The North and South Korean political systems: A comparative analysis (rev. ed.) |author=Yang, Sung Chul |year=1999 |location=Seoul |publisher=Hollym |id=ISBN 1-56591-105-9}} *{{cite book |title=Korea Annual 2004 |author=Yonhap News Agency |year=2004 |location=Seoul |publisher=Author|id=ISBN 89-7433-070-9}} *{{cite book |title=From Tradition to Consumption: Constructing a Capitalist Culture in South Korea |author=Dennis Hart |year=2003 |location=Seoul |publisher=Author |id=ISBN 89-88095-44-8}} *{{cite book |title=[[The Koreans (book)|The Koreans: Who They Are, What They Want, Where Their Future Lies ]] |author=[[Michael Breen]] |year=2004 |location= |publisher=St. Martin's Griffin|id=ISBN 0312326092}} </div> ==External links== {{portalpar|Korea|Korea gyeongbokgung.jpg}} {{commons|대한민국|South Korea}} {{sisterlinks|South Korea}} * [http://www.korea.net/ Korea.net: Gateway to Korea] * [http://www.nso.go.kr/eng2006/emain/index.html Korea National Statistical Office] * [http://www.britannica.com/nations/Korea,-South South Korea] in [[Encyclopædia Britannica]] * {{CIA World Factbook link|ks|South Korea}} * [http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/krtoc.html A Country Study: South Korea] in the [[Library of Congress]] * {{dmoz|Regional/Asia/South_Korea/}} * {{yahoo directory|Regional/Countries/Korea__South/|South Korea}} * [http://www.turbomaps.com.ar/english/southkorea.php Main cities of South Korea], satellite views and geographical coordinates {{Korea topics}} {{Template group |title = Geography and administration |list = {{Regions and administrative divisions of South Korea}} {{Countries and territories of East Asia}} {{Countries of Asia}} }} {{Template group |title = International membership |list = {{East Asia Summit}} {{APEC}} {{WTO}} {{OECD}} {{Four Asian Tigers}} }} <!--Other languages--> {{DEFAULTSORT:Korea, South}} <!--Categories--> [[Category:South Korea| ]] [[Category:Divided regions]] [[Category:Liberal democracies]] {{Link FA|vi}} <!--Interwiki--> [[af:Suid-Korea]] [[als:Südkorea]] [[am:ደቡብ ኮርያ]] [[ar:كوريا الجنوبية]] [[an:Corea d'o Sur]] [[frp:Corê du Sud]] [[ast:Corea del Sur]] [[az:Koreya Respublikası]] [[bn:দক্ষিণ কোরিয়া]] [[zh-min-nan:Hân-kok]] [[be:Паўднёвая Карэя]] [[be-x-old:Рэспубліка Карэя]] [[bar:Südkorea]] [[bo:ཁྲའོ་ཤན་ལྷོ་རྒྱུད]] [[bs:Južna Koreja]] [[br:Republik Korea]] [[bg:Южна Корея]] [[ca:Corea del Sud]] [[ceb:Habagatang Korea]] [[cs:Jižní Korea]] [[cy:De Corea]] [[da:Sydkorea]] [[de:Südkorea]] [[dv:ދެކުނު ކޮރެއާ]] [[dsb:Pódpołdnjowa Koreja]] [[dz:ལྷོ་ཀོ་རི་ཡ་]] [[et:Lõuna-Korea]] [[el:Νότια Κορέα]] [[es:Corea del Sur]] [[eo:Sud-Koreio]] [[eu:Hego Korea]] [[fa:کره جنوبی]] [[fr:Corée du Sud]] [[fy:Súd-Korea]] [[ga:An Chóiré Theas]] [[gan:大韓民國]] [[gv:Yn Chorea Yiass]] [[gd:Coirea a Deas]] [[gl:Corea do Sur - 한국]] [[zh-classical:大韓民國]] [[hak:Thai-hòn mìn-koet]] [[ko:대한민국]] [[hy:Հարավային Կորեա]] [[hi:दक्षिण कोरिया]] [[hsb:Južna Koreja]] [[hr:Južna Koreja]] [[io:Sud-Korea]] [[ilo:Abagatan a Korea]] [[bpy:খা কোরিয়া]] [[id:Korea Selatan]] [[ia:Corea del Sud]] [[ie:Sud-Korea]] [[os:Республикæ Корей]] [[is:Suður-Kórea]] [[it:Corea del Sud]] [[he:קוריאה הדרומית]] [[jv:Koréa Kidul]] [[pam:Mauling Korea]] [[kn:ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಕೊರಿಯಾ]] [[ka:სამხრეთი კორეა]] [[ks:दक्षिण कोरिया]] [[csb:Repùblika Kòreji]] [[kk:Оңтүстік Корея]] [[kw:Korea Dheghow]] [[sw:Korea Kusini]] [[ht:Kore disid]] [[ku:Komara Korêyê]] [[la:Respublica Coreae]] [[lv:Dienvidkoreja]] [[lb:Republik Korea]] [[lt:Pietų Korėja]] [[li:Zuud-Korea]] [[hu:Dél-Korea]] [[mk:Јужна Кореја]] [[ml:ദക്ഷിണ കൊറിയ]] [[mt:Korea t'Isfel]] [[mr:दक्षिण कोरिया]] [[ms:Korea Selatan]] [[cdo:Hàng-guók]] [[mn:Өмнөд Солонгос]] [[nah:Corea Huitztlāmpa]] [[nl:Zuid-Korea]] [[ne:दक्षिण कोरिया]] [[ja:大韓民国]] [[nap:Corea d%27%27o Sud]] [[no:Sør-Korea]] [[nn:Sør-Korea]] [[nrm:Corée du Sud]] [[nov:Sud Korea]] [[oc:Corèa del Sud]] [[uz:Janubiy Koreya]] [[ps:سوېلي کوريا]] [[km:កូរ៉េខាងត្បូង]] [[pms:Coréa dël Sud]] [[nds:Süüdkorea]] [[pl:Korea Południowa]] [[pt:Coreia do Sul]] [[crh:Cenübiy Koreya]] [[ro:Coreea de Sud]] [[rm:Corea dal sid]] [[qu:Uralan Hansuyu]] [[ru:Республика Корея]] [[se:Mátta-Korea]] [[sa:दक्षिण कोरिया]] [[sq:Korea Jugore]] [[scn:Corea dû Sud]] [[simple:South Korea]] [[sk:Kórejská republika]] [[sl:Južna Koreja]] [[szl:Koryjo Pouedńowo]] [[sr:Јужна Кореја]] [[sh:Južna Koreja]] [[su:Koréa Kidul]] [[fi:Korean tasavalta]] [[sv:Sydkorea]] [[tl:Timog Korea]] [[ta:தென்கொரியா]] [[te:దక్షిణ కొరియా]] [[tet:Koreia Súl]] [[th:ประเทศเกาหลีใต้]] [[vi:Hàn Quốc]] [[tpi:Saut Koria]] [[chr:ᎤᎦᎾᏭ ᎢᏗᎵ ᎪᎴᎠ]] [[tr:Güney Kore]] [[tk:Günorta Koreýa]] [[udm:Республика Корея]] [[uk:Південна Корея]] [[ur:جنوبی کوریا]] [[vec:Corea del Sud]] [[vo:Sulüda-Koreyän]] [[war:Salatan nga Korea]] [[wo:Kore gu Bëj-saalum]] [[wuu:韩国]] [[yi:דרום קארעע]] [[zh-yue:大韓民國]] [[diq:Korya Veroci]] [[bat-smg:Pėitū Kuoriejė]] [[zh:大韩民国]]