Korea (South)

An independent Korean state or collection of states has existed almost continuously for several millennia. Between its initial unification in the 7th century - from three predecessor Korean states - until the 20th century, Korea existed as a single independent country. In 1905, following the Russo-Japanese War, Korea became a protectorate of imperial Japan, and in 1910 it was annexed as a colony. Korea regained its independence following Japan's surrender to the United States in 1945. After World War II, a Republic of Korea (ROK) was set up in the southern half of the Korean Peninsula while a Communist-style government was installed in the north (the DPRK). During the Korean War (1950-53), US troops and UN forces fought alongside soldiers from the ROK to defend South Korea from DPRK attacks supported by China and the Soviet Union. An armistice was signed in 1953, splitting the peninsula along a demilitarized zone at about the 38th parallel. Thereafter, South Korea achieved rapid economic growth with per capita income rising to roughly 14 times the level of North Korea. In 1993, KIM Young-sam became South Korea's first civilian president following 32 years of military rule. South Korea today is a fully functioning modern democracy. In June 2000, a historic first North-South summit took place between the South's President KIM Dae-jung and the North's leader KIM Jong Il.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 49,044,790 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Korean(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Korean

Official Language(s): Korean

Major Languages Spoken: English, Korean

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Korea

Country Name (short form): South Korea

Country Name (local long form): Taehan-min'guk

Country Name (local short form): Han'guk

Name of Capital: Seoul

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Korea (South): Japan, Korea (North)

Land Area: 98190 sq km

Water Area: 290 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly larger than Indiana

Total Land Boundry: 238 km

Coastline: 2,413 km

National Holiday: Liberation Day, 15 August (1945)

International Phone Code: 82

Currency Code: South Korean won (KRW)

Internet Country Code: .kr

US Embassy Location: 32 Sejong-no, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-710

US Embassy Mailing Address: US Embassy Seoul, Unit 15550, APO AP 96205-5550