Officially known as the Republic of Korea (ROK), the country of South Korea occupies the southern regions of the Korean Peninsula. Encompassed by North Korea in the north, China in the west and Japan in the east, the country stands highlighted in the map of East Asia as one of the most advanced countries of the world. Today, South Korea dominates many contemporary fields like Information Technology, Space Programs, Automobiles and Robotics, which makes it a leading name in the global scale. It consists of seventeen administrative divisions and has a very high standard of living. It is the fourth largest economy in Asia and the fifteenth largest in the world. It is one of the fastest developing economies. South Korea’s economy depends largely on the country’s exports. Th e climate is classified as humid continental climate and humid subtropical climate.To check out some fun and interesting facts about South Korea, read on.
Image: By HunkinElvis (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Fast Facts
Continent: Asia
Area: 100,210 km2
Capital: Seoul
Population: 50,004,441
Currency: South Korean won
Official Languages: Korean
Independence Day: August 15
Calling Code: 82
Type Of Government: Unitary State
Fun Facts About South Korea
- South Korea is a country in the center of East Asia that stands below the 38th parallel on the Korean peninsula.
- South Korea has a republic government, with authority and power shared between the President, the Legislature, and the Courts.
- South Korea showcases varied topography. It is mountainous towards the east, with harbors on the mainland and offshore islands towards the western and southern sides.
- The capital of South Korea is Seoul, which is the largest city in the country.
- The emigration rate of South Korea is one of the highest in the world, with most of the ethnic Koreans migrating to China, the United States, Japan, and countries of the former Soviet Union.
- South Korea has the world's highest estimated national IQ, with leading rankings in mathematics, science, problem solving and reading, as declared by the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development).
- South Korea has the most sophisticated IT infrastructure in the world and is world-renowned in information technology, with leading brand names like Samsung and LG.
- South Korea is the only country that boasts of DMB, WiBro and 100Mbit/s Broadband.
- South Korea is one of the 5 most popular automobile makers in the world, leaded by brands like Hyundai and Kia.
- South Korea also earns credit for being the largest shipbuilder in the world.
- POSCO, the third largest steel producer in the world, is based in South Korea.
- Snuppy, the world's first cloned dog (Afghan hound), was created at Seoul National University (SNU) in South Korea.
- The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in South Korea developed the world’s second walking humanoid robot, HUBO.
- EveR-1 is the world's second female android (robot created to resemble humans) developed by scientists from South Korea.
- Fruits in South Korea are very expensive. In facts, fruits here are considered lavish food items.
- SPAM (spiced ham, which is canned precooked meat) has become a staple food in South Korea.
- Sweet potato is one of the favorite vegetables in South Korea. One can come across varieties of sweet potato snacks, main courses and even desserts!
- A little unusual but tipping in South Korea is not appreciated.
- The number ‘4’ is considered ominous which is why most buildings do not have a 4th floor.
- The highest point in South Korea is 1,950 meters (6,398 ft.) above sea level. It is an extinct volcano located in the island of Jeju-do.
- In South Korea taxis are color-coded which means the service depends on the color of the taxi. The white or gray taxis offer a basic level of service, whereas the black taxis are luxurious cabs.
- The people of South Korea share a common linguistic and cultural heritage. This makes the Korean society one of most homogeneous in the world!
- 50% of the population comprises of Buddhists and Christians, the rest half consists of atheists.