Country Profile: Korea, South

South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, is located in Eastern Asia on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula, bordered by the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea. With a population of approximately 51.5 million, the country features a temperate climate and a diverse landscape dominated by hills and mountains. South Korea boasts a high-income, export-oriented economy, primarily driven by manufacturing sectors such as semiconductors and automotive industries. The political system is characterized by a presidential republic, with a history marked by rapid economic growth post-war and ongoing tensions with its northern neighbor, North Korea.

Geography

South Korea is strategically located on the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, sharing a border with North Korea and having a coastline of 2,413 km. The terrain consists mostly of hills and mountains, with fertile coastal plains in the west and south. The country experiences a temperate climate, characterized by heavy rainfall in the summer and cold winters, and is prone to occasional typhoons.

Area: 99,720 sq km (2023)
Highest Point: 1,950 m at Halla-san
Population Density: High in lowland areas, particularly in Gyeonggi Province
Natural Resources: Coal, tungsten, graphite
Land Use: 16.1% agricultural land (2023)
Forest Cover: 64.4% of total land area (2023)
Irrigated Land: 7,780 sq km (2012)

People and Society

The population of South Korea is estimated at 51,486,343 for 2025, with a median age of 47 years. The society is ethnically homogeneous, primarily identified as Korean, and the predominant language is Korean. South Korea is also notable for its diverse religions, with a significant portion of the population adhering to no religion.

Urban Population: 81.5% of total population (2023)
Life Expectancy: 83.4 years (2024 est.)
Birth Rate: 4.29 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Total Fertility Rate: 0.68 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 2.7% (2023)
Average Drinking Water Access: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Health Expenditure: 9.7% of GDP (2022)

Economy

South Korea's economy is classified as high-income and is heavily reliant on exports, particularly in technology and manufacturing. As of 2023, its GDP (PPP) stands at $2.607 trillion, with a per capita GDP of $50,400. Despite recent challenges, such as declining construction investment and political instability, the nation maintains a robust economic foundation.

GDP Growth Rate: 1.4% (2023 est.)
Inflation Rate: 3.6% (2023 est.)
Exports: $769.243 billion (2023)
Imports: $758.41 billion (2023)
Public Debt to GDP: 52.3% (2023 est.)
Labor Force: 29.713 million (2024 est.)
Youth Unemployment Rate: 5.9% (2024 est.)

Government

The government of South Korea operates as a presidential republic, with the capital in Seoul. The political landscape is dynamic, with a mixed legal system and a history of significant democratic reforms. The most recent presidential election took place in June 2025, resulting in LEE Jae-myung assuming the presidency.

Suffrage Age: 18 years
Legislative Structure: Unicameral National Assembly with 300 seats
Most Recent Election Date: 3 June 2025
Political Parties: Includes Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), People Power Party (PPP)
Constitution: Last amended on 28 October 1987
Citizenship by Descent: Only if at least one parent is a citizen

Military and Security

The South Korean military is a key element of national security, focused on defense against North Korean threats. The country maintains approximately 500,000 active military personnel and spends around 2.3% of its GDP on military expenditures.

Military Personnel: 365,000 Army, 70,000 Navy, 65,000 Air Force (2025)
Military Service Age: Mandatory for men aged 18-35
US Troops in South Korea: Approximately 28,000
Military Partnerships: Active relationship with the US, including mutual defense treaties
International Deployments: Troops in Lebanon, South Sudan, and the UAE

Energy

South Korea has made significant investments in its energy sector, achieving 100% electrification for its population. The energy mix includes a substantial reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear power, with a growing focus on renewable sources.

Installed Electricity Capacity: 151.139 million kW (2023)
Electricity Consumption: 575.359 billion kWh (2023)
Nuclear Energy Contribution: 30.7% of total electricity production (2023 est.)
Natural Gas Consumption: 57.314 billion cubic meters (2023)
Coal Consumption: 136.817 million metric tons (2023)

Environment

South Korea faces several environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, stemming from industrial activities and urbanization. The country participates in numerous international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity.

Forest Area: 64.4% of the land (2023)
Urban Population: 81.5% (2023)
Municipal Solid Waste Recycling: 67.1% (2022)
CO2 Emissions: 644.231 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Total Water Withdrawal: 27.1 billion cubic meters (2022)

Transportation

The transportation system in South Korea is well-developed, featuring extensive railways, roadways, and air travel facilities. The country maintains an efficient civil aviation network and a substantial merchant marine industry.

Airports: 92 (2025)
Railway System: 3,979 km of track (2016)
Merchant Marine Fleet: 2,149 vessels (2023)
Total Ports: 15 (2024)

Communications

South Korea enjoys a highly advanced telecommunications infrastructure, with a high percentage of internet penetration and mobile subscriptions per capita.

Internet Users: 97% of population (2023 est.)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 89.2 million (2024)
Fixed-Line Telephones: 22.155 million (2023 est.)
Broadband Subscriptions: 24.1 million (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	51,486,343 (2025 est.)
Area	99,720 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$2.607 trillion (2023)
Electricity Access	100%	(2022 est.)
Birth Rate	4.29 births/1,000 (2025 est.)
Unemployment Rate	2.7% (2023)
Life Expectancy	83.4 years (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures	2.3% of GDP (2025 est.)
Urban Population	81.5% (2023)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	234.668 million Btu/person (2023 est.)