Korea[b] is a peninsular region in East Asia consisting of the Korean Peninsula, [c] Jeju Island, and smaller islands. Since the end of World War II in Asia in 1945, it has been politically divided at or near the 38th parallel between North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea; DPRK) and South Korea (Republic of Korea; ROK). Both countries proclaimed independence in 1948, and the two ...

Understanding the Context

South Korea, [b] officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), [c] is a country in East Asia. It constitutes the southern half of the Korean Peninsula and borders North Korea along the Korean Demilitarized Zone, with the Yellow Sea to the west and the Sea of Japan to the east. History of the Korean Peninsula from prehistoric times to the 1953 armistice ending the Korean War (1950–53). South Korea is a country in East Asia that occupies the southern portion of the Korean peninsula.

Key Insights

It faces North Korea across a demilitarized zone 2.5 miles (4 km) wide that was established by the terms of the 1953 armistice that ended fighting in the Korean War. The capital is Seoul. Run by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Korea.net as of 2024 is available in 10 languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese ... Discover Korea, South. Explore Korea, South facts, culture, history & comprehensive country profile with maps, statistics & research resources for students & travelers.

Final Thoughts

Get the latest on what's happening in Korea from the nation's top English-language media outlet. Korea Tourism Organization Official website provides various information on all things about Korea.