South Korea and its Details Like , Capital, GDP, Currency, Geography, Economy, Defence, Culture, Natural resources, Habitat, Sports and all you want to know for UPSC, PSC and Other Competitive Exams.
South Korea and its Basic Details :
Category
Information
Name of the country
South Korea
Capital
Seoul
Independence day
August 15, 1945 (Liberation from Japanese rule)
Major religions
Irreligious, Christianity, Buddhism
Currency
South Korean won (KRW)
Continent
Asia
Top 5 Famous cities
Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon
Top 10 Famous persons
Ban Ki-moon, PSY, Park Geun-hye, Son Heung-min, Lee Byung-hun, BTS members, etc.
Type of government
Presidential republic
Main wars fought
Korean War (1950-1953)
GDP
Approximately $1.6 trillion (USD)
5 popular tourist places
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jeju Island, Lotte World, Myeongdong, Bukchon Hanok Village
South Korea , Its Capital, Independence Day, Currency, Major religions, Continent, Top 5 Famous cities, Top 10 Famous persons, type of government, main wars fought, GDP, 5 popular tourist places:
Geography of South Korea :
Category
Information
Geography
Mostly mountainous, with some coastal plains and river valleys
Area
Approximately 100,363 square kilometers
Population
Around 51.7 million
5 Main Mountain Ranges
Baekdudaegan, Taebaek, Sobaek, Nangnim, and Taebaek
5 Main Mountain Peaks
Hallasan, Jirisan, Seoraksan, Deogyusan, and Woraksan
5 Main Rivers
Han River, Nakdong River, Geum River, Yeongsan River, and Seomjin River
Main Lakes
None prominently large
Deserts
None
Plateaus
Yes, including the Gyeonggi Plateau
Volcanoes
Hallasan on Jeju Island, Baekdusan on the border with North Korea
Haeundae Beach, Gyeongpo Beach, Daecheon Beach, Sokcho Beach, Songjeong Beach
Neighboring Countries
North Korea
Nearby Seas and Oceans
Yellow Sea, Sea of Japan
Length of Coastline
Approximately 2,413 kilometers
Top 5 Natural Resources
Coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead
Geography of the South Korea , Area in Square Kilometers, Population, 5 Main mountain range, 5 main mountain peeks, 5 Main Rivers, Main lakes, Deserts, plateau and Volcanoes, 5 Main Crops and vegetation, Main Beaches, Neighboring countries which share boundaries, Nearby Sea and oceans, length of Coast line, top 5 Natural resources.
Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, Samsung Biologics, POSCO, Coupang, LG Electronics, KB Financial Group, Shinhan Financial Group, Korea Electric Power Corporation, Big Hit Entertainment
Per Capita Income
$33,147 (2023)
Top 5 Imports
Mineral Fuels, Machinery, Integrated Circuits, Instruments and Apparatus, Vehicles and their parts
Top 5 Exports
Integrated Circuits, Machinery, Vehicles and their parts, Mineral Fuels, Plastics
Total Gold Reserves
$458.700 billion (July 2021 est.)
Economy of the South Korea , 5 Major Industries, 5 main revenue sources, top 10 Companies, Per capita income, Top 5 imports, Top 5 exports, Total Gold Reserves.
Defence Power of South Korea :
Category
Data
Defence
South Korean Armed Forces
Size of Defence Budget (2023)
Approximately USD 42.1-42.4 billion
Total Number of Army Personnel
420,000
Total Number of Air Force Personnel
65,000
Total Number of Navy Personnel
70,000
Total Defence Imports (2020)
$7.3 billion (2020)
Total Defence Exports (2023)
Estimated to reach $20 billion (up from $17.3 billion in 2022)
Defence of the South Korea , Size of Defence budget, Total number of Army Personals, Total Number of Air Force Personals, Total number of Navy Personals, Total Defence Imports, Total Defence Export.
Cultural of South Korea :
Category
Information
Cultural Background
Deeply rooted in Confucianism, Buddhism, and traditional Korean beliefs. It emphasizes respect for elders, family, and community.
Son Heung-min (soccer), Park Ji-sung (soccer), Shin-soo Choo (baseball), Se Ri Pak (golf), Ki Bo-bae (archery), Lee Sang-hwa (speed skating), Yuna Kim (figure skating)
Top Sports Achievements
12 Olympic gold medals in archery; 2006 FIFA World Cup semifinalists; 2014 silver medal in figure skating (Yuna Kim); 2018 Olympic gold in skeleton (Yun Sung-bin); Numerous golf major winners; 1988 Summer Olympics hosts; 2002 FIFA World Cup co-hosts
Sports of the South Korea , National Game, Main Sports, top athletes, Top Sports Achievements.
Natural Habitat and wild life of South Korea :
Category
Information
Natural Habitat and Wildlife
South Korea features a diverse range of natural habitats, including forests, wetlands, and coastal areas, home to various wildlife species.
National Animal
Siberian Tiger
National Bird
Korean Magpie (Pica serica)
Main Forests
1. Jirisan National Park Forest, 2. Seoraksan National Park Forest, 3. Gayasan National Park Forest, 4. Woraksan National Park Forest, and 5. Songnisan National Park Forest
Main Recognized Natural Habitats
1. DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), 2. Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve, 3. Upo Wetland, 4. Hallyeohaesang National Park (Marine habitat), and 5. Hallasan National Park (Volcanic habitat)
Natural Habitat and wild life of the South Korea , National Animal, National Bird, Main Forests, Main Recognized Natural Habitats for wild animals.
Biggest in the Afghanistan :
Category
Name
Value
Biggest Company
Samsung Electronics
$200.7 billion
Richest Man
Lee Kun-hee (deceased)
$18.7 billion
Tallest Building
Lotte World Tower
555 meters
Tallest Statue
Gwanghwamun Gate
60 meters
Biggest Bridge
Incheon Bridge
21.99 kilometers
Tallest Mountain
Hallasan
1,950 meters
Longest River
Nakdong River
525 kilometers
Biggest Forest
Jirisan National Park
471.7 square kilometers
Biggest Lake
Soyang Lake
6.3 square kilometers
Biggest in the South Korea , Richest Man, Biggest Company, Tallest Building, Tallest Statue, Biggest Bridge, Tallest Mountain, Longest River, Biggest Forest, Biggest Lake.
Brief History Of South Korea :
Here is a brief history of South Korea, including key periods and developments:
Ancient South Korea (c. 2333 BCE – 668 CE):
South Korea’s history dates back to ancient times when several tribal states inhabited the Korean Peninsula.
The Gojoseon kingdom is traditionally considered the earliest Korean state, founded around 2333 BCE.
The Three Kingdoms period (1st century BCE – 7th century CE) saw the emergence of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, which eventually unified the peninsula under the Silla Dynasty in 668 CE.
Buddhism was introduced during this time and played a significant role in Korean culture and society.
Medieval Period (10th – 19th century):
The Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) followed the Silla Dynasty, and it is from “Goryeo” that the modern name “Korea” is derived.
The Mongol Empire invaded and established the Mongol-controlled Goryeo in the 13th century.
The Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) replaced Goryeo and is known for its Confucian-based governance system, which had a lasting impact on Korean society.
The Korean alphabet, Hangul, was created during this period, simplifying the writing system.
The Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598) were significant conflicts during the late Joseon Dynasty.
Modern Era (late 19th – 20th century):
Korea faced external pressures from Western powers, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Ganghwa with the United States in 1876.
Korea’s sovereignty was gradually eroded, and in 1910, it was officially annexed by Japan, leading to a period of brutal colonial rule.
World War II ended Japanese rule in 1945, and the Korean Peninsula was liberated.
The division of Korea along the 38th parallel by the Allies led to the establishment of two separate Korean states, North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) and South Korea (Republic of Korea), in 1948.
Recent History (1950 – Present):
The Korean War (1950-1953) resulted in significant destruction and loss of life. An armistice was signed in 1953, but a formal peace treaty was never reached, leaving North and South Korea technically still at war.
South Korea underwent rapid industrialization and economic development in the latter half of the 20th century, becoming one of the world’s major economies.
The country transitioned to democracy in the late 20th century, with the first direct presidential elections held in 1987.
South Korea has become a global cultural and technological powerhouse, known for its contributions to pop culture (K-Pop), technology (Samsung, LG), and international diplomacy.
In recent years, South Korea has played a key role in global affairs, with diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.
This overview highlights the major historical periods and developments in South Korea, from its ancient origins to its modern status as a thriving democracy and economic powerhouse.