South Korea - KR - KOR - KOR - East and Southeast Asia

Last updated: May 07, 2025
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  • Biryong (Flying Dragon) Waterfall in South Korea's Seoraksan National Park.

    Biryong (Flying Dragon) Waterfall in South Korea's Seoraksan National Park.

  • Close view of Cheongwadae, or the Blue House (literally "pavilion of blue tiles”), the former executive office and official residence of the president of the Republic of Korea. In 2022, the president of South Korea moved his residence to the Ministry of National Defense Building in Seoul. Cheongwadae and its grounds were converted into a public park and opened to visitors for the first time in the country's history.

    Close view of Cheongwadae, or the Blue House (literally "pavilion of blue tiles”), the former executive office and official residence of the president of the Republic of Korea. In 2022, the president of South Korea moved his residence to the Ministry of National Defense Building in Seoul. Cheongwadae and its grounds were converted into a public park and opened to visitors for the first time in the country's history.

  • Gyeongbokgung royal palace in northern Seoul, South Korea. First constructed in 1394, it was reconstructed in 1867.

    Gyeongbokgung royal palace in northern Seoul, South Korea. First constructed in 1394, it was reconstructed in 1867.

  • Namsan (Nam Mountain) is a 262 m (860 ft) peak overlooking Seoul, South Korea. It offers hiking, picnic areas, and views of downtown Seoul's skyline. The N Seoul Tower (236 m; 774 ft), located on top of Mt. Namsan, marks the second highest point in Seoul and serves as both a communication and observation tower.

    Namsan (Nam Mountain) is a 262 m (860 ft) peak overlooking Seoul, South Korea. It offers hiking, picnic areas, and views of downtown Seoul's skyline. The N Seoul Tower (236 m; 774 ft), located on top of Mt. Namsan, marks the second highest point in Seoul and serves as both a communication and observation tower.

  • Beomeosa is the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Located in Busan, South Korea, on the eastern edge of Geumjeongsan mountain and founded in 678. The three-story stone pagoda dates back to the Silla Era (first millennium A.D.) and was probably erected between 826-836, as part of the original temple that was destroyed by fire in 1592.

    Beomeosa is the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Located in Busan, South Korea, on the eastern edge of Geumjeongsan mountain and founded in 678. The three-story stone pagoda dates back to the Silla Era (first millennium A.D.) and was probably erected between 826-836, as part of the original temple that was destroyed by fire in 1592.

  • Located at Tanggok in the Nam district of Busan, the United Nations Memorial Cemetery is the burial ground for United Nations Command casualties of the Korean War. It contains 2,300 graves and is the only UN cemetery in the world. Laid out over 14 hectares (35 acres), the graves are set out in 22 sites designated by the nationalities of the buried service members.

    Located at Tanggok in the Nam district of Busan, the United Nations Memorial Cemetery is the burial ground for United Nations Command casualties of the Korean War. It contains 2,300 graves and is the only UN cemetery in the world. Laid out over 14 hectares (35 acres), the graves are set out in 22 sites designated by the nationalities of the buried service members.

  • Located in the Joint Security Area (JSA), the so-called "Bridge of No Return" crosses the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) between North Korea and South Korea. It was used for prisoner exchanges at the end of the Korean War in 1953. The name originates from the ultimatum that was given to prisoners of war brought to the bridge for repatriation: they could either remain in the country of their captivity or cross the bridge to return to their homeland.

    Located in the Joint Security Area (JSA), the so-called "Bridge of No Return" crosses the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) between North Korea and South Korea. It was used for prisoner exchanges at the end of the Korean War in 1953. The name originates from the ultimatum that was given to prisoners of war brought to the bridge for repatriation: they could either remain in the country of their captivity or cross the bridge to return to their homeland.

  • South Korean soldiers standing guard at the Joint Security Area (JSA) between blue UN buildings. The white buildings are North Korean. This view is from the House of Freedom in South Korea looking towards the three-story Panmungak Hall in North Korea.

    South Korean soldiers standing guard at the Joint Security Area (JSA) between blue UN buildings. The white buildings are North Korean. This view is from the House of Freedom in South Korea looking towards the three-story Panmungak Hall in North Korea.

  • Ganghwa Peace Observatory on Ganghwa Island, Incheon, South Korea. Observations from this elevated area provide a view into North Korea.

    Ganghwa Peace Observatory on Ganghwa Island, Incheon, South Korea. Observations from this elevated area provide a view into North Korea.

  • View from the Ganghwa Peace Observatory across the Han River estuary into North Korea.

    View from the Ganghwa Peace Observatory across the Han River estuary into North Korea.

  • Gwangseongbo Fort, located on Ganghwa Island in South Korea. The fort and its outposts were built in the 1600s to protect the city of Seoul from raiders sailing up the Han River.

    Gwangseongbo Fort, located on Ganghwa Island in South Korea. The fort and its outposts were built in the 1600s to protect the city of Seoul from raiders sailing up the Han River.

  • Cheomseongdae is an astronomical observatory in Gyeongju, South Korea. Cheomseongdae, which means "star-gazing tower" in Korean, is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, and one of the oldest in the world.

    Cheomseongdae is an astronomical observatory in Gyeongju, South Korea. Cheomseongdae, which means "star-gazing tower" in Korean, is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, and one of the oldest in the world.

  • Wolji Pond, formerly known as Anapji, is an artificial pond in Gyeongju National Park in South Korea. Part of the palace complex of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. – A.D. 935), it was constructed by order of King Munmu in A.D. 674.

    Wolji Pond, formerly known as Anapji, is an artificial pond in Gyeongju National Park in South Korea. Part of the palace complex of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. – A.D. 935), it was constructed by order of King Munmu in A.D. 674.

  • Bulguksa temple, located on the slopes of Mount Toham, North Gyeongsang province, is considered a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. – A.D. 935). The South Korean government has classified the temple as Historic and Scenic Site No. 1. This photo shows the main entrance to the temple.

    Bulguksa temple, located on the slopes of Mount Toham, North Gyeongsang province, is considered a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. – A.D. 935). The South Korean government has classified the temple as Historic and Scenic Site No. 1. This photo shows the main entrance to the temple.

  • Dabotap (Many Treasure Pagoda) at Bulguksa Temple in South Korea is a 10.4 m-tall stone pagoda known for its highly ornate structure.

    Dabotap (Many Treasure Pagoda) at Bulguksa Temple in South Korea is a 10.4 m-tall stone pagoda known for its highly ornate structure.

  • Daereungwon Tomb Complex (Tumuli Park) in Gyeongju, South Korea, is a walled area containing the tombs (tumuli) of Silla Dynasty (57 B.C. – A.D. 935) monarchs and members of their families. Five tombs on these grounds are believed to include the founder of the Silla Kingdom, Bak (Park, Pak) Hyeokgeose, his queen Aryeong, and three of the next four kings of Silla.

    Daereungwon Tomb Complex (Tumuli Park) in Gyeongju, South Korea, is a walled area containing the tombs (tumuli) of Silla Dynasty (57 B.C. – A.D. 935) monarchs and members of their families. Five tombs on these grounds are believed to include the founder of the Silla Kingdom, Bak (Park, Pak) Hyeokgeose, his queen Aryeong, and three of the next four kings of Silla.

  • The entrance to Hwaseong Fortress, or Suwon Hwaseong, in South Korea. Built between 1794 and 1796, the fortification surrounds the center of Suwon, the provincial capital of Gyeonggi-do. Located 30 km (19 mi) south of Seoul, the fortress includes a palace, Haenggung, and UNESCO designated both as a World Heritage site in 1997.

    The entrance to Hwaseong Fortress, or Suwon Hwaseong, in South Korea. Built between 1794 and 1796, the fortification surrounds the center of Suwon, the provincial capital of Gyeonggi-do. Located 30 km (19 mi) south of Seoul, the fortress includes a palace, Haenggung, and UNESCO designated both as a World Heritage site in 1997.

  • The Bell of King Seongdeok, known as the Emille Bell, is the largest bronze bell (18.9 tons) in South Korea. Cast in 771, the bell is considered a masterpiece of Unified Silla art and is on display in the National Museum of Gyeongju.

    The Bell of King Seongdeok, known as the Emille Bell, is the largest bronze bell (18.9 tons) in South Korea. Cast in 771, the bell is considered a masterpiece of Unified Silla art and is on display in the National Museum of Gyeongju.

  • The bronze Buddha of Sinheungsa (Buddhist Temple) near the main entrance to Seoraksan National Park in South Korea.

    The bronze Buddha of Sinheungsa (Buddhist Temple) near the main entrance to Seoraksan National Park in South Korea.

  • Part of the Sinheungsa Buddhist Temple complex near the main entrance to Seoraksan National Park in South Korea.

    Part of the Sinheungsa Buddhist Temple complex near the main entrance to Seoraksan National Park in South Korea.

  • Including its main peak, Daecheongbong, Seoraksan National Park in South Korea has 30 imposing peaks spread across its territory. Some of the ridges of the Seorak Mountains have stairways to assist visitors and hikers that also provide spectacular views.

    Including its main peak, Daecheongbong, Seoraksan National Park in South Korea has 30 imposing peaks spread across its territory. Some of the ridges of the Seorak Mountains have stairways to assist visitors and hikers that also provide spectacular views.

  • A view from the trail that ascends to Daecheongbong peak in South Korea's Seorak National Park.

    A view from the trail that ascends to Daecheongbong peak in South Korea's Seorak National Park.

  • South Korea's Seoraksan National Park has a total of 30 imposing peaks spread across its territory.

    South Korea's Seoraksan National Park has a total of 30 imposing peaks spread across its territory.

  • Biryong (Flying Dragon) Waterfall in South Korea's Seoraksan National Park.

    Biryong (Flying Dragon) Waterfall in South Korea's Seoraksan National Park.

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  • Seoul, South Korea, as seen from the air.
  • Close view of Cheongwadae, or the Blue House (literally "pavilion of blue tiles”), the former executive office and official residence of the president of the Republic of Korea. In 2022, the president of South Korea moved his residence to the Ministry of National Defense Building in Seoul. Cheongwadae and its grounds were converted into a public park and opened to visitors for the first time in the country's history.
  • Gyeongbokgung royal palace in northern Seoul, South Korea. First constructed in 1394, it was reconstructed in 1867.
  • Namsan (Nam Mountain) is a 262 m (860 ft) peak overlooking Seoul, South Korea. It offers hiking, picnic areas, and views of downtown Seoul's skyline. The N Seoul Tower (236 m; 774 ft), located on top of Mt. Namsan, marks the second highest point in Seoul and serves as both a communication and observation tower.
  • Beomeosa is the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Located in Busan, South Korea, on the eastern edge of Geumjeongsan mountain and founded in 678. The three-story stone pagoda dates back to the Silla Era (first millennium A.D.) and was probably erected between 826-836, as part of the original temple that was destroyed by fire in 1592.
  • Located at Tanggok in the Nam district of Busan, the United Nations Memorial Cemetery is the burial ground for United Nations Command casualties of the Korean War. It contains 2,300 graves and is the only UN cemetery in the world. Laid out over 14 hectares (35 acres), the graves are set out in 22 sites designated by the nationalities of the buried service members.
  • Located in the Joint Security Area (JSA), the so-called "Bridge of No Return" crosses the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) between North Korea and South Korea. It was used for prisoner exchanges at the end of the Korean War in 1953. The name originates from the ultimatum that was given to prisoners of war brought to the bridge for repatriation: they could either remain in the country of their captivity or cross the bridge to return to their homeland.
  • South Korean soldiers standing guard at the Joint Security Area (JSA) between blue UN buildings. The white buildings are North Korean. This view is from the House of Freedom in South Korea looking towards the three-story Panmungak Hall in North Korea.
  • Ganghwa Peace Observatory on Ganghwa Island, Incheon, South Korea. Observations from this elevated area provide a view into North Korea.
  • View from the Ganghwa Peace Observatory across the Han River estuary into North Korea.
  • Gwangseongbo Fort, located on Ganghwa Island in South Korea. The fort and its outposts were built in the 1600s to protect the city of Seoul from raiders sailing up the Han River.
  • Cheomseongdae is an astronomical observatory in Gyeongju, South Korea. Cheomseongdae, which means "star-gazing tower" in Korean, is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia, and one of the oldest in the world.
  • Wolji Pond, formerly known as Anapji, is an artificial pond in Gyeongju National Park in South Korea. Part of the palace complex of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. – A.D. 935), it was constructed by order of King Munmu in A.D. 674.
  • Bulguksa temple, located on the slopes of Mount Toham, North Gyeongsang province, is considered a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. – A.D. 935). The South Korean government has classified the temple as Historic and Scenic Site No. 1. This photo shows the main entrance to the temple.
  • Dabotap (Many Treasure Pagoda) at Bulguksa Temple in South Korea is a 10.4 m-tall stone pagoda known for its highly ornate structure.
  • Daereungwon Tomb Complex (Tumuli Park) in Gyeongju, South Korea, is a walled area containing the tombs (tumuli) of Silla Dynasty (57 B.C. – A.D. 935) monarchs and members of their families. Five tombs on these grounds are believed to include the founder of the Silla Kingdom, Bak (Park, Pak) Hyeokgeose, his queen Aryeong, and three of the next four kings of Silla.
  • The entrance to Hwaseong Fortress, or Suwon Hwaseong, in South Korea. Built between 1794 and 1796, the fortification surrounds the center of Suwon, the provincial capital of Gyeonggi-do. Located 30 km (19 mi) south of Seoul, the fortress includes a palace, Haenggung, and UNESCO designated both as a World Heritage site in 1997.
  • The Bell of King Seongdeok, known as the Emille Bell, is the largest bronze bell (18.9 tons) in South Korea. Cast in 771, the bell is considered a masterpiece of Unified Silla art and is on display in the National Museum of Gyeongju.
  • The bronze Buddha of Sinheungsa (Buddhist Temple) near the main entrance to Seoraksan National Park in South Korea.
  • Part of the Sinheungsa Buddhist Temple complex near the main entrance to Seoraksan National Park in South Korea.
  • Including its main peak, Daecheongbong, Seoraksan National Park in South Korea has 30 imposing peaks spread across its territory. Some of the ridges of the Seorak Mountains have stairways to assist visitors and hikers that also provide spectacular views.
  • A view from the trail that ascends to Daecheongbong peak in South Korea's Seorak National Park.
  • South Korea's Seoraksan National Park has a total of 30 imposing peaks spread across its territory.
  • Biryong (Flying Dragon) Waterfall in South Korea's Seoraksan National Park.

Korea, South Factbook Data

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Ambassador Joseph (Joe) YUN (since January 2025)

embassy: 188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

mailing address: 9600 Seoul Place, Washington, DC  20521-9600

telephone: [82] (2) 397-4114

FAX: [82] (2) 397-4101

email address and website:
seoulinfoACS@state.gov

https://kr.usembassy.gov/

consulate(s): Busan

Age structure

0-14 years: 11.3% (male 3,024,508/female 2,873,523)

15-64 years: 69.4% (male 18,653,915/female 17,465,817)

65 years and over: 19.3% (2024 est.) (male 4,440,688/female 5,623,348)
2024 population pyramid
This is the population pyramid for South Korea. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.

For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.

Geographic coordinates

37 00 N, 127 30 E

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female

0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female

15-64 years: 1.07 male(s)/female

65 years and over: 0.79 male(s)/female

total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

Natural hazards

occasional typhoons bring high winds and floods; low-level seismic activity common in southwest

volcanism: Halla (1,950 m) is considered historically active although it has not erupted in many centuries

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than Pennsylvania; slightly larger than Indiana
Area comparison map

slightly smaller than Pennsylvania; slightly larger than Indiana

Military service age and obligation

18-35 years of age for compulsory military service for all men; minimum conscript service obligation varies by service - 18 months (Army, Marines, auxiliary police), 20 months (Navy, conscripted firefighters), 21 months (Air Force, social service), 36 months for alternative service; 18-29 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women (2024)

note 1: women, in service since 1950, are able to serve in all branches and as of 2024 more than 15,000 served in the armed forces

note 2: the military brings on over 200,000 conscripts each year

Background

The first recorded kingdom (Choson) on the Korean Peninsula dates from approximately 2300 B.C. Over the subsequent centuries, three main kingdoms -- Kogoryo, Baekche, and Silla -- were established on the Peninsula. By the 5th century A.D., Kogoryo emerged as the most powerful, with control over much of the Peninsula and part of Manchuria (modern-day northeast China). However, Silla allied with the Chinese to create the first unified Korean state in 688. Following the collapse of Silla in the 9th century, Korea was unified under the Koryo (Goryeo; 918-1392) and the Chosen (Joseon; 1392-1910) dynasties.

Korea became the object of intense imperialistic rivalry among the Chinese (its traditional benefactor), Japanese, and Russian empires in the latter half of the 19th and early 20th centuries. After the Sino-Japanese War (1894-95) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), Korea was occupied by Imperial Japan. In 1910, Japan formally annexed the entire Peninsula. Korea regained its independence after Japan's surrender to the US and its allies in 1945. A US-supported democratic government (Republic of Korea, ROK) was set up in the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, while a communist-style government backed by the Soviet Union was installed in the north (North Korea; aka Democratic People's Republic of Korea, DPRK). During the Korean War (1950-53), US troops and UN forces fought alongside ROK soldiers to defend South Korea from a North Korean invasion supported by communist China and the Soviet Union. After the 1953 armistice, the two Koreas were separated by a demilitarized zone.

Syngman RHEE led the country as its first president from 1948 to 1960. PARK Chung-hee took over leadership of the country in a 1961 coup. During his controversial rule (1961-79), South Korea achieved rapid economic growth, with per capita income rising to roughly 17 times the level of North Korea by 1979. PARK was assassinated in 1979, and subsequent years were marked by political turmoil and continued military rule as the country's pro-democracy movement grew. South Korea held its first free presidential election under a revised democratic constitution in 1987, with former South Korean Army general ROH Tae-woo winning a close race. In 1993, KIM Young-sam became the first civilian president of South Korea's new democratic era. President KIM Dae-jung (1998-2003) won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000 for his contributions to South Korean democracy and his "Sunshine Policy" of engagement with North Korea. President PARK Geun-hye, daughter of former South Korean President PARK Chung-hee, took office in 2013 as South Korea's first female leader. In 2016, the National Assembly passed an impeachment motion against PARK over her alleged involvement in a corruption and influence-peddling scandal, triggering an early presidential election in 2017 won by MOON Jae-in. In 2022, longtime prosecutor and political newcomer YOON Suk Yeol won the presidency by the slimmest margin in South Korean history.

Discord and tensions with North Korea, punctuated by North Korean military provocations, missile launches, and nuclear tests, have permeated inter-Korean relations for years. Relations remained strained, despite a period of respite in 2018-2019 ushered in by North Korea's participation in the 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in South Korea and high-level diplomatic meetings, including historic US-North Korea summits. In 2024, Pyongyang announced it was ending all economic cooperation with South Korea, a move that followed earlier proclamations that it was scrapping a 2018 military pact to de-escalate tensions along their militarized border, abandoning the country’s decades-long pursuit of peaceful unification with South Korea, and designating the South as North Korea’s “principal enemy.”

Environment - current issues

air pollution in large cities; acid rain; water pollution from the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents; drift-net fishing; solid waste disposal; transboundary air pollution from China

Environment - international agreements

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Military expenditures

2.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
2.6% of GDP (2022)
2.6% of GDP (2021)
2.6% of GDP (2020)
2.7% of GDP (2019)

Population below poverty line

14.4% (2016 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

lowest 10%: 2.9% (2021 est.)

highest 10%: 24.6% (2021 est.)

note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population

Exports - commodities

integrated circuits, cars, refined petroleum, plastics, machine parts (2023)

note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars

Exports - partners

China 25%, USA 18%, Hong Kong 4%, Japan 4%, Taiwan 4% (2023)

note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports

Administrative divisions

9 provinces (do, singular and plural), 6 metropolitan cities (gwangyeoksi, singular and plural), 1 special city (teugbyeolsi), and 1 special self-governing city (teukbyeoljachisi)

provinces: Chungcheongbuk-do (North Chungcheong), Chungcheongnam-do (South Chungcheong), Gangwon-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do (North Gyeongsang), Gyeonggi-do, Gyeongsangnam-do (South Gyeongsang), Jeju-do (Jeju), Jeollabuk-do (North Jeolla), Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla)

metropolitan cities: Busan (Pusan), Daegu (Taegu), Daejeon (Taejon), Gwangju (Kwangju), Incheon (Inch'on), Ulsan

special city: Seoul

special self-governing city: Sejong

Agricultural products

rice, vegetables, cabbages, milk, onions, pork, chicken, eggs, tangerines/mandarins, potatoes (2023)

note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage

Military and security forces

Armed Forces of the Republic of Korea: Republic of Korea Army (ROKA), Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN, includes Marine Corps, ROKMC), Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF)

Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries: Korea Coast Guard; Ministry of Interior and Safety: Korean National Police Agency (2025)

Budget

revenues: $542.275 billion (2022 est.)

expenditures: $563.156 billion (2022 est.)

note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenses converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated

Capital

name: Seoul

geographic coordinates: 37 33 N, 126 59 E

time difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

etymology: the name originates from the Korean word meaning "capital city;" it was the capital of the unified Korea from 1392 to 1910

note: Sejong, located some 120 km (75 mi) south of Seoul, serves as an administrative capital for segments of the South Korean government

Imports - commodities

integrated circuits, natural gas, crude petroleum, machinery, cars (2023)

note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars

Climate

temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter; cold winters

Coastline

2,413 km

Constitution

history: several previous; latest passed by National Assembly 12 October 1987, approved in referendum 28 October 1987, effective 25 February 1988

amendment process: proposed by the president or by majority support of the National Assembly membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly membership, approval in a referendum by more than one half of the votes by more than one half of eligible voters, and promulgation by the president

Exchange rates

South Korean won (KRW) per US dollar -

Exchange rates:
1,305.663 (2023 est.)
1,291.447 (2022 est.)
1,143.952 (2021 est.)
1,180.266 (2020 est.)
1,165.358 (2019 est.)

Executive branch

chief of state: LEE Ju Ho (Acting President and Prime Minister since 2 May 2025 after Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck Soo resigned to run for president); on 14 December 2024 the National Assembly impeached and suspended President YOON Suk Yeol (inaugurated 10 May 2022) from office; on 4 April 2025, the Constitutional Court confirmed YOON's impeachment and removal from office; under Article 68 of the Constitution, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days of the court's ruling

head of government: LEE Ju Ho (Acting President and Prime Minister since 2 May 2025 after Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck Soo resigned to run for president); on 14 December 2024 the National Assembly impeached and suspended President YOON Suk Yeol (inaugurated 10 May 2022) from office; on 4 April 2025, the Constitutional Court confirmed YOON's impeachment and removal from office

cabinet: State Council appointed by the president on the prime minister's recommendation

elections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a single 5-year term; election last held on 9 March 2022 (next to be held on 3 June 2025); prime minister appointed by president with consent of the National Assembly

election results: 2022: YOON Suk-yeol elected president; YOON Suk-yeol (PPP) 48.6%, LEE Jae-myung (DP) 47.8%; other 3.6%

2017: MOON Jae-in elected president; MOON Jae-in (DP) 41.1%, HONG Joon-pyo (Liberty Korea Party) 24%, AHN Cheol-soo (PP) 21.4%, YOO Seung-min (Bareun Party) 6.8%, SIM Sang-jung (Justice Party) 6.2%

note: the president is both chief of state and head of government; the prime minister serves as the principal executive assistant to the president, similar to the role of a vice president

Flag description

white with a red (top) and blue yin-yang symbol in the center; there is a different black trigram from the ancient I Ching (Book of Changes) in each corner of the white field; the South Korean national flag is called Taegukki; white is a traditional Korean color and represents peace and purity; the blue section represents the negative cosmic forces of the yin, while the red symbolizes the opposite positive forces of the yang; each trigram (kwae) denotes one of the four universal elements, which together express the principle of movement and harmony

Independence

15 August 1945 (from Japan)

Industries

electronics, telecommunications, automobile production, chemicals, shipbuilding, steel

Judicial branch

highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of a chief justice and 13 justices); Constitutional Court (consists of a court head and 8 justices)

judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president with the consent of the National Assembly; other justices appointed by the president on the recommendation of the chief justice and consent of the National Assembly; position of the chief justice is a 6-year nonrenewable term; other justices serve 6-year renewable terms; Constitutional Court justices appointed - 3 by the president, 3 by the National Assembly, and 3 by the Supreme Court chief justice; court head serves until retirement at age 70, while other justices serve 6-year renewable terms with mandatory retirement at age 65

subordinate courts: High Courts; District Courts; Branch Courts (organized under the District Courts); specialized courts for family and administrative issues

Land boundaries

total: 237 km

border countries (1): North Korea 237 km

Land use

agricultural land: 16.2% (2022 est.)

arable land: 13.5% (2022 est.)

permanent crops: 2.1% (2022 est.)

permanent pasture: 0.6% (2022 est.)

forest: 64.2% (2022 est.)

other: 19.6% (2022 est.)

Legal system

mixed legal system combining European civil law, Anglo-American law, and Chinese classical thought

Legislative branch

legislature name: National Assembly (Kuk Hoe)

legislative structure: unicameral

number of seats: 300 (all directly elected)

electoral system: mixed system

scope of elections: full renewal

term in office: 4 years

most recent election date: 4/10/2024

parties elected and seats per party: Democratic Party of Korea (161); People Power Party (90); People Future Party (18); Other (31)

percentage of women in chamber: 20.3%

expected date of next election: April 2028

Maritime claims

territorial sea: 12 nm; between 3 nm and 12 nm in the Korea Strait

contiguous zone: 24 nm

exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

continental shelf: not specified

International organization participation

ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, Arctic Council (observer), ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, CABEI, CD, CICA, CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club (associate), PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

National holiday

Liberation Day, 15 August (1945)

Nationality

noun: Korean(s)

adjective: Korean

Natural resources

coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydropower potential

Geography - note

strategic location on Korea Strait; about 3,000 mostly small and uninhabited islands lie off the western and southern coasts

Economic overview

strong export- and technology-oriented East Asian economy; manufacturing led by semiconductor and automotive industries; aging workforce; increased restraint in fiscal policy while maintaining industry support initiatives

Political parties

Basic Income Party 
Democratic Party of Korea or DPK 
New Future Party
New Reform Party 
Open Democratic Party or ODP 
People Power Party or PPP 
Progressive Party or Jinbo Party 
Rebuilding Korea Party 
Social Democratic Party 

note:  the Democratic Alliance coalition consists of the DPK and the smaller Basic Income, Jinbo, Open Democratic, and Social Democratic parties, as well as two independents; for the 2024 election, the Basic Income Party, the ODP, and the Social Democratic Party formed the New Progressive Alliance

Railways

total: 3,979 km (2016)

standard gauge: 3,979 km (2016) 1.435-m gauge (2,727 km electrified)

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal; note - the voting age was lowered from 19 to 18 beginning with the 2020 national election

Telecommunication systems

general assessment: South Korea is second only to Hong Kong in the world rankings of telecom market maturity; it is also on the leading edge of the latest telecom technology developments, including around 6G; with its highly urbanized, tech-savvy population, South Korea also enjoys very high communication levels across all segments – fixed-line telephony (44% at the start of 2022), fixed broadband (46%), mobile voice and data (144%), and mobile broadband (120%); the performance of the mobile sector is on a par with other developed markets around the region, but it’s the wire line segment that allows South Korea to stand out from the crowd; this is partly a reflection of the large proportion of its population who live in apartment buildings (around 60%), making fiber and apartment LAN connections relatively easy and cost-effective to deploy; the government’s Ultra Broadband convergence Network (UBcN) had aimed to reach 50% adoption by the end of 2022, but that target may be a few more years away; fixed-line teledensity is also at a very high level compared to most of the rest of the world, but it has been on a sharp decline from a rate of 60% ten years ago; on the mobile front, users have enthusiastically migrated from one generation of mobile platform to the next as each iteration becomes available; there also doesn’t appear to be any great concern about there being a lack of demand for 5G in South Korea (when the country is already well supported by 4G networks), with 30% of all subscribers having already made the switch; part of the reason behind the rapid transition may be the subsidized handsets on offer from each of the MNOs and the MVNOs (2022)

domestic: fixed-line approximately 45 per 100 and mobile-cellular services 141 per 100 persons; rapid assimilation of a full range of telecommunications technologies leading to a boom in e-commerce (2021)

international: country code - 82; landing points for EAC-C2C, FEA, SeaMeWe-3, TPE, APCN-2, APG, FLAG North Asia Loop/REACH North Asia Loop, KJCN, NCP, and SJC2 submarine cables providing links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Southeast Asia and US; satellite earth stations - 66 (2019)

Terrain

mostly hills and mountains; wide coastal plains in west and south

Government type

presidential republic

Country name

conventional long form: Republic of Korea

conventional short form: South Korea

local long form: Taehan-min'guk

local short form: Han'guk

abbreviation: ROK

etymology: derived from the Chinese name for Goryeo, which was the Korean dynasty that united the peninsula in the 10th century A.D.; the South Korean name "Han'guk" derives from the long form, "Taehan-min'guk," which is itself a derivation from "Daehan-je'guk," which means "the Great Han Empire"

Location

Eastern Asia, southern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea

Map references

Asia

Irrigated land

7,780 sq km (2012)

Diplomatic representation in the US

chief of mission: Ambassador CHO Hyundong (since 19 April 2023)

chancery: 2450 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 939-5600

FAX: [1] (202) 797-0595

email address and website:
generalusa@mofa.go.kr

https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-en/index.do

consulate(s) general: Anchorage (AK), Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Hagatna (Guam), Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Philadelphia

Internet users

percent of population: 97% (2023 est.)

Internet country code

.kr

Refugees and internally displaced persons

stateless persons: 202 (2022)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$1.713 trillion (2023 est.)

note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Credit ratings

Fitch rating: AA- (2012)

Moody's rating: Aa2 (2015)

Standard & Poors rating: AA (2016)

note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained.

Total renewable water resources

69.7 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

total: 17 years

male: 17 years

female: 16 years (2020)

Urbanization

urban population: 81.5% of total population (2023)

rate of urbanization: 0.31% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)

Broadcast media

multiple national TV networks with 2 of the 3 largest networks publicly operated; the largest privately owned network, Seoul Broadcasting Service (SBS), has ties with other commercial TV networks; cable and satellite TV subscription services available; publicly operated radio broadcast networks and many privately owned radio broadcasting networks, each with multiple affiliates, and independent local stations

Drinking water source

improved:

urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 99.9% of population

unimproved:

urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.)

National anthem

name: "Aegukga" (Patriotic Song)

lyrics/music: YUN Ch'i-Ho or AN Ch'ang-Ho/AHN Eaktay

note: adopted 1948, well-known by 1910; both North Korea's and South Korea's anthems share the same name and have a vaguely similar melody but have different lyrics
This is an audio of the National Anthem for Korea, South. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.

Major urban areas - population

9.988 million SEOUL (capital), 3.472 million Busan, 2.849 million Incheon, 2.181 million Daegu (Taegu), 1.577 million Daejon (Taejon), 1.529 million Gwangju (Kwangju) (2023)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Physician density

2.61 physicians/1,000 population (2022)

Hospital bed density

12.4 beds/1,000 population (2018)

National symbol(s)

taegeuk (yin yang symbol), Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon), Siberian tiger; national colors: red, white, blue, black

Mother's mean age at first birth

32.2 years (2019 est.)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

82.3% (2018)

note: percent of women aged 20-49

GDP - composition, by end use

household consumption: 48.9% (2023 est.)

government consumption: 18.9% (2023 est.)

investment in fixed capital: 32.2% (2023 est.)

investment in inventories: 0% (2023 est.)

exports of goods and services: 44% (2023 est.)

imports of goods and services: -43.9% (2023 est.)

note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

Dependency ratios

total dependency ratio: 43.6 (2024 est.)

youth dependency ratio: 15.2 (2024 est.)

elderly dependency ratio: 28.4 (2024 est.)

potential support ratio: 3.5 (2024 est.)

Citizenship

citizenship by birth: no

citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of South Korea

dual citizenship recognized: no

residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years

Population distribution

with approximately 70% of the country considered mountainous, the country's population is primarily concentrated in the lowland areas, where density is quite high; Gyeonggi Province in the northwest, which surrounds the capital of Seoul and contains the port of Incheon, is the most densely populated province; Gangwon in the northeast is the least populated

Electricity access

electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

HL

Sanitation facility access

improved:

urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 99.9% of population

unimproved:

urban: NA

rural: NA

total: 0.1% of population (2020 est.)

Ethnic groups

homogeneous

Religions

Protestant 17%, Buddhist 16%, Catholic 6%, none 60% (2021 est.)

note: many people also carry on at least some Confucian traditions and practices

Languages

Korean, English 

major-language sample(s):
월드 팩트북, 필수적인 기본 정보 제공처 (Korean)

The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Korean audio sample

Imports - partners

China 31%, USA 13%, Japan 9%, Germany 5%, Australia 4% (2023)

note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports

Elevation

highest point: Halla-san 1,950 m

lowest point: Sea of Japan 0 m

mean elevation: 282 m

Current health expenditure

9.7% of GDP (2022)

Military - note

the South Korean military is primarily focused on the threat from North Korea; it also deploys abroad for multinational missions, including peacekeeping and other security operations

South Korea's primary defense partner is the US, and the 1953 US-South Korea Mutual Defense Treaty is a cornerstone of the country's national security; the Treaty committed the US to provide assistance in the event of an attack and gave the US permission to station land, air, and sea forces in and about the territory of South Korea as determined by mutual agreement; the US maintains approximately 28,000 military personnel in the country and regularly conducts bilateral exercises with the South Korean military; South Korea has Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US, a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; the South Korean military has assisted the US in conflicts in Afghanistan (5,000 troops; 2001-2014), Iraq (20,000 troops; 2003-2008), and Vietnam (325,000 troops; 1964-1973)

in 2016, South Korea concluded an agreement with the EU for participation in EU Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) missions and operations, such as EU counter-piracy operations off the coast of East Africa; South Korea has been engaged with NATO since 2005 and is considered by NATO to be a global partner; in 2022, South Korea established its Mission to NATO to further institutionalize its cooperative relationship; it has participated in NATO-led missions and exercises, including in Afghanistan and in the Gulf of Aden (2024)

Literacy

total population: 98.8% NA

male: 99.2% NA

female: 98.4% NA

Military and security service personnel strengths

approximately 500,000 active-duty personnel (365,000 Army; 70,000 Navy, including about 30,000 Marines; 65,000 Air Force) (2023)

Military equipment inventories and acquisitions

the South Korean military is equipped with a mix of mostly modern domestically produced and imported weapons systems, particularly from the US; South Korea's defense industry produces a wide range of military hardware for both domestic use and export, including armored fighting vehicles, artillery, aircraft, missiles, and naval ships; it also jointly produces equipment with other countries (2024)

Military deployments

250 Lebanon (UNIFIL); 275 South Sudan (UNMISS); 170 United Arab Emirates; note - since 2009, South Korea has kept a naval flotilla with approximately 300 personnel in the waters off of the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula (2024)

Total water withdrawal

municipal: 6.672 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

industrial: 4.45 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

agricultural: 15.96 billion cubic meters (2020 est.)

Waste and recycling

municipal solid waste generated annually: 18,218,975 tons (2014 est.)

municipal solid waste recycled annually: 10,567,006 tons (2014 est.)

percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 58% (2014 est.)

Average household expenditures

on food: 12.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)

on alcohol and tobacco: 1.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)

Air pollutants

particulate matter emissions: 24.04 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)

carbon dioxide emissions: 620.3 megatons (2016 est.)

methane emissions: 30.28 megatons (2020 est.)

Illicit drugs

precursor chemicals used for illicit drugs, such as acetic anhydride, pseudoephedrine, and ephedrine, imported from the United States, Japan, India, and China and then either resold within South Korea or smuggled into other countries

 

National heritage

total World Heritage Sites: 16 (14 cultural, 2 natural)

selected World Heritage Site locales: Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes (n); Changdeokgung Palace Complex (c); Jongmyo Shrine (c); Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple (c); Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites (c); Gyeongju Historic Areas (c); Namhansanseong (c); Baekje Historic Areas (c); Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea (c); Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty (c)

Coal

production: 16.081 million metric tons (2023 est.)

consumption: 136.817 million metric tons (2023 est.)

exports: 500 metric tons (2023 est.)

imports: 122.845 million metric tons (2023 est.)

proven reserves: 326 million metric tons (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources

fossil fuels: 61.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

nuclear: 30.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

solar: 5.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

wind: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

hydroelectricity: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

tide and wave: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

biomass and waste: 1.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Natural gas

production: 55.127 million cubic meters (2021 est.)

consumption: 57.314 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

exports: 93.639 million cubic meters (2022 est.)

imports: 60.025 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

proven reserves: 7.079 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)

Petroleum

total petroleum production: 38,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

refined petroleum consumption: 2.542 million bbl/day (2024 est.)

Gross reproduction rate

0.55 (2024 est.)

Currently married women (ages 15-49)

52.9% (2023 est.)

Remittances

0.45% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.47% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.43% of GDP (2021 est.)

note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Nuclear energy

Number of operational nuclear reactors: 26 (2025)

Number of nuclear reactors under construction: 2 (2025)

Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors: 25.57GW (2025 est.)

Percent of total electricity production: 30.7% (2023 est.)

Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down: 2 (2025)

Space program overview

has a growing and ambitious space program focused on developing satellites, satellite/space launch vehicles (SLVs), and interplanetary probes; has a national space strategy; manufacturers and operates satellites, including those with communications, remote sensing (RS), scientific, and multipurpose capabilities; manufactures and launches SLVs; developing interplanetary space vehicles, including orbital probes and landers; participates in international space programs and has relations with an array of foreign space agencies and industries, including those of Australia, the European Space Agency (ESA) and its member states (particularly France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK), India, Israel, Japan, Peru, Russia, UAE, and especially the US; has a robust and growing commercial space industry that works closely with government space program in the development of satellites and space launch capabilities; the South Korean Government has said it aims to capture 10% of the global space market by 2045 (2024)

note: further details about the key activities, programs, and milestones of the country’s space program, as well as government spending estimates on the space sector, appear in the Space Programs reference guide

Space launch site(s)

Naro Space Center (South Jeolla province) (2024)

Space agency/agencies

Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA; established 2024); Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI; established 1989 and previously acted as South Korea's space agency); Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST); Korean Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI; funded by the South Korean Government) (2024)

note 1: the South Korean space program works closely with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), a national agency for research and development in defense technology established in 1970

note 2: in January 2022, the South Korean military announced the formation of a space branch under its Joint Chiefs of Staff to coordinate the development of space and space-enabled capabilities across the Army, Navy and Air Force

Geoparks

total global geoparks and regional networks: 5

global geoparks and regional networks: Cheongsong; Hantangang; Jeju Island; Jeonbuk West Coast; Mudeungsan (2023)

Ports

total ports: 15 (2024)

large: 2

medium: 5

small: 4

very small: 4

ports with oil terminals: 10

key ports: Busan, Gwangyang Hang, Inchon, Masan, Mokpo, Pyeongtaek Hang, Ulsan

Labor force

29.699 million (2023 est.)

note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)

total: 5.4% (2023 est.)

male: 5.4% (2023 est.)

female: 5.4% (2023 est.)

note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

Net migration rate

2.6 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Median age

total: 45.5 years (2024 est.)

male: 44 years

female: 47.3 years

Maternal mortality ratio

8 deaths/100,000 live births (2020 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$420.93 billion (2023 est.)
$423.366 billion (2022 est.)
$463.281 billion (2021 est.)

note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars

Public debt

51.18% of GDP (2022 est.)

note: central government debt as a % of GDP

Total fertility rate

1.12 children born/woman (2024 est.)

Unemployment rate

2.64% (2023 est.)
2.86% (2022 est.)
3.64% (2021 est.)

note: % of labor force seeking employment

Population

total: 52,081,799 (2024 est.)

male: 26,119,111

female: 25,962,688

Carbon dioxide emissions

644.231 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

from coal and metallurgical coke: 275.411 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

from petroleum and other liquids: 248.599 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

from consumed natural gas: 120.222 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Area

total : 99,720 sq km

land: 96,920 sq km

water: 2,800 sq km

Taxes and other revenues

18.44% (of GDP) (2022 est.)

note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

$2.615 trillion (2023 est.)
$2.58 trillion (2022 est.)
$2.515 trillion (2021 est.)

note: data in 2021 dollars

Airports

92 (2025)

Infant mortality rate

total: 2.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)

male: 3 deaths/1,000 live births

female: 2.6 deaths/1,000 live births

Telephones - mobile cellular

total subscriptions: 83.9 million (2023 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 149 (2022 est.)

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income

32.9 (2021 est.)

note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

3.6% (2023 est.)
5.09% (2022 est.)
2.5% (2021 est.)

note: annual % change based on consumer prices

Current account balance

$35.488 billion (2023 est.)
$25.829 billion (2022 est.)
$85.228 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars

Real GDP per capita

$50,600 (2023 est.)
$49,900 (2022 est.)
$48,600 (2021 est.)

note: data in 2021 dollars

Broadband - fixed subscriptions

total: 24.1 million (2023 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 47 (2023 est.)

Tobacco use

total: 20.8% (2020 est.)

male: 35.7% (2020 est.)

female: 5.9% (2020 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

4.7% (2016)

Energy consumption per capita

234.668 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

Death rate

7.4 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Birth rate

7 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Electricity

installed generating capacity: 151.139 million kW (2023 est.)

consumption: 575.359 billion kWh (2023 est.)

transmission/distribution losses: 19.688 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Merchant marine

total: 2,149 (2023)

by type: bulk carrier 93, container ship 115, general cargo 362, oil tanker 219, other 1,360

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

0.9% (2019/21) NA

Imports

$761.102 billion (2023 est.)
$817.594 billion (2022 est.)
$698.98 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

Exports

$769.534 billion (2023 est.)
$825.961 billion (2022 est.)
$769.424 billion (2021 est.)

note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

Heliports

1,280 (2025)

Telephones - fixed lines

total subscriptions: 22.155 million (2023 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 43 (2023 est.)

Alcohol consumption per capita

total: 7.74 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

beer: 1.72 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

wine: 0.15 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

spirits: 0.22 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

other alcohols: 5.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 83.4 years (2024 est.)

male: 80.3 years

female: 86.6 years

Real GDP growth rate

1.36% (2023 est.)
2.61% (2022 est.)
4.3% (2021 est.)

note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

Industrial production growth rate

1.14% (2023 est.)

note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

agriculture: 1.6% (2023 est.)

industry: 31.6% (2023 est.)

services: 58.4% (2023 est.)

note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

Revenue from forest resources

0.01% of GDP (2018 est.)

Revenue from coal

0% of GDP (2018 est.)

Education expenditures

4.7% of GDP (2019 est.)

Population growth rate

0.21% (2024 est.)
Sources:
South Korea - KR - KOR - KOR