South Korea

I

Introduction

South Korea, officially Republic of Korea (in Korean, Taehan Min’guk), country in north-eastern Asia that occupies the southern portion of the Korean peninsula. South Korea is bounded on the north by North Korea; on the east by the Sea of Japan (known in Korea as the East Sea); on the south-east and south by the Korea Strait, which separates it from Japan; and on the west by the Yellow Sea. In Korean the country’s name is Dachan (“Great Han”), “Han” being another traditional name for Korea. It has a total area of 99,268 sq km (38,328 sq mi), including numerous offshore islands in the south and west, the largest of which is Cheju (with an area of 1,829 sq km/706 sq mi). The state of South Korea was established in 1948 following the post-World War II partitioning of the peninsula between the occupying forces of the United States in the south and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in the north. The capital and largest city of South Korea is Seoul. Arrangements are being made to move the capital to a purpose-built site in the Yeongi-Kongju area. The move is expected to be complete by 2030.

II

Land and Resources

South Korea has a predominantly rugged, mountainous terrain. The principal range is the Taebaek-San Maek, which extends in a generally north-south direction parallel to the eastern coast. The country’s highest peak, located on the island of Cheju, is the extinct volcano Mount Halla at 1,950 m (6,398 ft). Low-lying lands constitute less than one fifth of the total area and are concentrated in the west along the coast; the coastal plains in the east and south are very narrow. Apart from the eastern coast, South Korea has a highly indented coastline characterized by high tidal ranges.

A

Rivers and Lakes

The country’s two longest rivers, the Naktong and Han, rise in the Taebaek-San Maek, the former flowing south to the Korea Strait, the latter north-west to the Yellow Sea. Other major streams include the Kŭm, Yongsan, and Tongjin rivers.

B

Climate

South Korea has a basically continental climate, with cold, dry winters and hot, rainy summers. At Seoul the average January temperature is -5° C (23° F), and the average July temperature is 25° C (77° F). Winter temperatures are higher along the southern coast and considerably lower in the mountainous interior. The average annual precipitation in Seoul is about 1,407 mm (56 in), and in Pusan is about 1,250 mm (50 in). Rainfall is concentrated in the summer months (June to August). The southern coast is subject to late summer typhoons that bring strong winds and heavy rains.