All you ever wanted to know about…South Korea

History For 35 years Korea was ruled by Japan. Koreans were not allowed to speak their own language or to learn about their history during this time in an effort to obliterate the Korean culture. On March 1, 1919 many Koreans were killed or put in prison nationwide as they protested the colonial rule. Koreans remember this day as a symbol of their patriotism. For 35 years Korea was ruled by Japan. Koreans were not allowed to speak their own language or to learn about their history during this time in an effort to obliterate the Korean culture. On March 1, 1919 many Koreans were killed or put in prison nationwide as they protested the colonial rule. Koreans remember this day as a symbol of their patriotism. On August 15th, 1945 Japan surrendered ending the Pacific War, but 10 days later Korea was divided into North and South Korea. On August 15th, 1945 Japan surrendered ending the Pacific War, but 10 days later Korea was divided into North and South Korea. South Korea was invaded by North Korea on June 25th, The Korean War lasted three years and inflicted terrible damage to Korea before a cease-fire ended the war in Since then, there has been continual conflicts between the two countries. South Korea was invaded by North Korea on June 25th, The Korean War lasted three years and inflicted terrible damage to Korea before a cease-fire ended the war in Since then, there has been continual conflicts between the two countries. However, South Korea continues in its efforts to unify North and South. However, South Korea continues in its efforts to unify North and South.

Basic Facts Capital- Seoul Capital- Seoul Establishment- Independence declared March 1 st, 1919, United Nations Recognition December 12 th 1948 Establishment- Independence declared March 1 st, 1919, United Nations Recognition December 12 th 1948 Population- Population- 49,044,790 Birth Rate- Birth Rate births/1,000 population Death Rate- Death Rate deaths/1,000 population Life Expectancy- total population: years GDP- GDP- $1.196 trillion

Economy South Korea is a major international economic power; it has the twelfth largest economy in the world Since the 1960s. It has achieved an incredible record of growth and integration into the high-tech modern world economy. Four decades ago, GDP per capita was comparable with levels in the poorer countries of Africa and Asia. In 2004, South Korea joined the trillion dollar club of world economies. It has achieved an incredible record of growth and integration into the high-tech modern world economy. Four decades ago, GDP per capita was comparable with levels in the poorer countries of Africa and Asia. In 2004, South Korea joined the trillion dollar club of world economies. The South Korean economy is characterized by moderate inflation, low unemployment, an export surplus, and fairly equal distribution of income. South Korea continues to strive to maintain global competitiveness. South Korea has been opened to various employment opportunities in various industries. An example would be the influx of English teachers from native English-speaking countries seeking employment and travel in the country

Currency The won is the currency of South Korea since The won was first used as Korea’s currency between 1902 and It was replaced at par by the yen, made up of the Japanese currency and banknotes of the Korean yen. In 1945, Korea was divided, resulting in separate currencies, both called won, for the South and the North. Both the Southern won and Northern won replaced the yen at par.

Geography and Climate South Korea can be divided into four general regions: an eastern region of high mountain ranges and narrow coastal plains; a western region of broad coastal plains, river basins, and rolling hills; a south-western region of mountains and valleys; and a south-eastern region dominated by the broad basin of the Nakdong River. South Korea's land is mountainous, and most of it is not suited for farming or cultivation. Lowlands, located primarily in the west and southeast, constitute only 30% of the total land area. The local climate is relatively temperate, with precipitation heavier in summer during a short rainy season called jangma, and winters that can be bitterly cold. In Seoul, the average January temperature range is -7°C to 1°C, and the average July temperature range is 22°C to 29°C. Rainfall is concentrated in the summer months of June through September. The southern coast is subject to late summer typhoons that bring strong winds and heavy rains. The average annual precipitation varies from 54 inches in Seoul to 58 inches in Busan.

Culture South Korea shares its traditional culture with North Korea, but the two Koreas have developed distinct contemporary forms of culture since the peninsula was divided in The South Korean Ministry of Culture and Tourism actively encourages the traditional arts, as well as modern forms, through funding and education programs. The contemporary culture of South Korea is heavily dominated by technology, including feature-rich cell phones and online gaming. South Korea today has the highest penetration of high- speed internet access to households in the world. Digital multimedia broadcasting now allows South Koreans to watch television on their cell phones. Digital multimedia broadcasting now allows South Koreans to watch television on their cell phones.

Transportation Transportation in South Korea is provided by an extensive networks of railways, highways, bus routes, ferry services, and air routes that criss- cross the country.. All cities have intercity and intercity bus systems. Major cities also have express bus terminals. South Korea has about 3,000 kilometres of national highways. Mainly used by tourist and freight transportation. Korail provides frequent train service to all major South Korean cities. South Korea has about 3,000 kilometres of national highways. Mainly used by tourist and freight transportation. Korail provides frequent train service to all major South Korean cities. The main international airport is Incheon International Airport. South Korea has eight international airports and seven domestic airports. The main international airport is Incheon International Airport. South Korea has eight international airports and seven domestic airports. About 71 international passenger and cargo airlines operate frequent flight services between Korea and all over the world. About 71 international passenger and cargo airlines operate frequent flight services between Korea and all over the world.

Government The government of South Korea is divided into three branches: executive, judicial, and legislative. The executive and legislative branches operate primarily at the national level, although various ministries in the executive branch also carry out local functions. Local governments are semi-autonomous, and contain executive and legislative bodies of their own. The judicial branch operates at both the national and local levels. The South Korean government's structure is determined by the Constitution of the Republic of Korea.

Foreign Relations In its foreign relations, South Korea is primarily concerned with North Korea and the neighbouring countries of China, Japan, and Russia, as well as its main ally, the United States. South Korea maintains diplomatic relations with approximately 170 countries. The country has also been a member of the United Nations since 1991, when it joined at the same time as North Korea. Korea has concluded a Free Trade Agreement with the United States in April The free trade agreement is expected to increase the growth rate of the South Korean GDP by 0.6% per year for the next 10 years. Korea has concluded a Free Trade Agreement with the United States in April The free trade agreement is expected to increase the growth rate of the South Korean GDP by 0.6% per year for the next 10 years.

Military The South Korean military is composed of the Republic of Korea Army, Republic of Korea Navy, Republic of Korea Air Force and Republic of Korea Marine Corps, together with reserve forces. Many of these forces are concentrated near the border with North Korea. All South Korean males are required to serve in the military, typically for a period of twenty-four months. The Republic of Korea maintains an active duty military force of approximately 680,000, ranked 8th largest in active duty size in the world. It has the second largest Marine Corps in the world after the United States. There are also approximately 28,000 US soldiers stationed in Korea, most of them serving one year unaccompanied tours.