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 exceeding 52 million, South Korea boasts a high-income, export-driven economy characterized by its advanced technology sector and significant contributions from manufacturing, particularly in semiconductors and automobiles. The country operates as a presidential republic, experiencing a complex historical evolution marked by its division from North Korea and significant political transitions towards democratization.

Geography

South Korea covers an area of 99,720 sq km, featuring a diverse topography that includes hills and mountains, as well as coastal plains primarily in the west and south. The climate is temperate, with higher rainfall in the summer months and cold winters. Its natural resources include coal, tungsten, and various minerals, while over 64% of the land is forested.

Coastline: 2,413 km
Highest Point: Halla-san at 1,950 m
Total Land Boundaries: 237 km (with North Korea)
Agricultural Land: 16.2% of the total area (2022)
Population Distribution: High density in Gyeonggi Province around Seoul

People and Society

As of 2024, South Korea's population is estimated at 52,081,799, with a slight female majority. The society is largely homogeneous, with Korean as the predominant language. A significant portion of the population identifies with no religion, reflecting a general trend toward secularism alongside established practices of Buddhism and Protestantism.

Urban Population: 81.5% of total population (2023)
Life Expectancy: 83.4 years (2024)
Birth Rate: 7 births/1,000 population (2024)
Median Age: 45.5 years (2024)
Infant Mortality Rate: 2.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2024)

Economy

South Korea has a robust economy, estimated at $2.607 trillion in GDP (PPP) for 2023, with a growth rate of 1.4%. The economy is primarily driven by the services sector, which accounts for 58.4% of GDP, while manufacturing, especially in electronics and automobiles, plays a critical role. The country faces challenges including an aging workforce and inflationary pressures.

GDP per Capita: $50,400 (2023)
Unemployment Rate: 2.7% (2024)
Exports: $835.149 billion (2024)
Major Export Partners: China (25%), USA (18%)
Current Account Balance: $99.043 billion (2024)

Government

The South Korean government operates as a presidential republic, with the capital located in Seoul. The current president is LEE Jae-myung, who took office following a close election in June 2025. South Korea has a mixed legal system that incorporates elements of civil law and Anglo-American law.

Legislative Body: Unicameral National Assembly with 300 members
Suffrage: Universal at age 18
Constitution: Last revised on 28 October 1987
Administrative Divisions: 9 provinces and 6 metropolitan cities
Independence: Achieved on 15 August 1945

Military and Security

South Korea maintains a well-equipped military, with approximately 500,000 active personnel focused on regional security, particularly concerning North Korea. Military expenditures account for 2.3% of GDP (2025). The country is a key ally of the United States, hosting around 28,000 US troops.

Armed Forces: Includes the Army, Navy (with Marines), and Air Force
Conscription: Mandatory military service for men aged 18-35
Military Equipment: Mix of modern domestically produced and imported systems
Active Personnel: 365,000 Army; 70,000 Navy; 65,000 Air Force (2025)
Military Operations: Engaged in international peacekeeping missions

Energy

South Korea has achieved full electrification and is moving towards diversifying its energy sources. The energy landscape includes a significant share of fossil fuels and a growing emphasis on nuclear and renewable sources.

Electricity Consumption: 575.359 billion kWh (2023)
Installed Capacity: 151.139 million kW (2023)
Nuclear Share: 30.7% of total electricity production (2023)
Coal Consumption: 136.817 million metric tons (2023)
Renewable Energy: Includes solar and wind components in capacity

Environment

South Korea is addressing environmental challenges including air and water pollution. The country is a participant in various international environmental agreements aimed at climate protection and biodiversity preservation.

Urban Air Quality: Struggles with pollution in major cities
Recycling Rate: 58% of municipal solid waste recycled annually (2014)
Water Resources: Total renewable water resources are 69.7 billion cubic meters (2020)
Forest Coverage: 64.2% of land area (2022)
Climate Strategy: Committed to international climate agreements

Transportation

South Korea features an extensive transportation network, including rail, air, and maritime services, facilitating domestic and international connectivity.

Airports: 92 operational as of 2025
Rail Length: 3,979 km (2016)
Merchant Marine: 2,149 vessels (2023)
Key Ports: Busan, Gwangyang Hang, and Incheon
Heliports: 1,280 available (2025)

Communications

With high internet penetration, South Korea has established itself as a leader in telecommunications, boasting one of the highest numbers of mobile subscriptions per capita globally.

Internet Users: 97% of the population (2023)
Fixed-line Telephone Subscriptions: 22.155 million (2023)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 83.9 million (2023)
Broadband Fixed Subscriptions: 24.1 million (2023)
Telecommunication Infrastructure: Advanced, with multiple national networks

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	52,081,799 (2024 est.)
Area	99,720 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$2.607 trillion (2023)
Unemployment Rate	2.7% (2024)
Birth Rate	7 births/1,000	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy at Birth	83.4 years	(2024 est.)
Energy Consumption per Capita	234.668 million Btu	(2023 est.)
Urban Population	81.5%	(2023)
Military Expenditures	2.3% of GDP	(2025 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	1.12 children/woman	(2024 est.)