CapitalSeoul
Population51,486,343
Area99,720 km²
GDP per capita$50,400
LanguagesKorean, English
CurrencySouth Korean won
Life Expectancy83.4 yr
Governmentpresidential republic.
Introduction
Background
The earliest documented kingdom on the Korean Peninsula, known as Choson, is believed to have existed around 2300 B.C. Throughout the following centuries, three primary kingdoms were established: Kogoryo, Baekche, and Silla. By the 5th century A.D., Kogoryo had risen to prominence, exerting influence over a large portion of the Peninsula as well as parts of Manchuria (present-day northeastern China). Nevertheless, Silla formed an alliance with the Chinese, resulting in the establishment of the first unified Korean state in 688. After Silla's decline in the 9th century, Korea achieved unity under the Koryo (Goryeo; 918-1392) and Chosen (Joseon; 1392-1910) dynasties.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Korea became a focal point of fierce imperial competition among the Chinese (its historical patron), Japanese, and Russian empires. Following the Sino-Japanese War (1894-95) and the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), Korea fell under the occupation of Imperial Japan. In 1910, Japan officially annexed the entire Peninsula. Korea regained its sovereignty after Japan's defeat in 1945 during World War II. A US-backed democratic government (Republic of Korea, ROK) was established in the southern region of the Peninsula, while a communist-style regime supported by the Soviet Union was formed in the north (North Korea, also known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, DPRK). During the Korean War (1950-53), US and UN forces collaborated with ROK troops to defend South Korea against an invasion from North Korea, which had backing from communist China and the Soviet Union. Following the armistice in 1953, a demilitarized zone was established to separate the two Koreas.
Syngman RHEE served as the first president of the country from 1948 until 1960. PARK Chung-hee seized control in a coup in 1961. Under his contentious administration (1961-79), South Korea experienced rapid economic advancement, with per capita income increasing to about 17 times that of North Korea by 1979. PARK was assassinated in 1979, leading to years of political instability and continued military governance as the pro-democracy movement gained momentum. South Korea conducted its inaugural free presidential election under a revised democratic constitution in 1987, which resulted in a narrow victory for former South Korean Army general ROH Tae-woo. In 1993, KIM Young-sam became the first civilian president of South Korea's new democratic period. KIM Dae-jung, serving from 1998 to 2003, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000 for his efforts in advancing South Korean democracy and his "Sunshine Policy" aimed at engaging with North Korea. In 2013, PARK Geun-hye, daughter of former President PARK Chung-hee, became the first female leader of South Korea. In 2016, the National Assembly initiated an impeachment motion against PARK due to her alleged involvement in a scandal related to corruption and influence-peddling, leading to an early presidential election in 2017, which MOON Jae-in won. In 2022, political newcomer and long-time prosecutor YOON Suk Yeol secured the presidency by the narrowest margin in the history of South Korea.
Inter-Korean relations have been characterized by discord and tensions, marked by military provocations, missile tests, and nuclear activities from North Korea. Despite a brief thaw in relations during 2018-2019, highlighted by North Korea's participation in the 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in South Korea and significant diplomatic engagements, including landmark US-North Korea summits, strains persisted. In 2024, North Korea declared it would cease all economic collaboration with South Korea, following earlier announcements to abandon a 2018 military agreement intended to reduce tensions along their militarized border, renouncing its long-standing aspiration for peaceful unification with South Korea, and labeling the South as its "principal enemy."
Geography
Area
land
96,920 sq km
water
2,800 sq km
total
99,720 sq km
Climate
The climate is temperate, characterized by greater precipitation during the summer months compared to winter; winters are cold.
Terrain
The terrain consists mainly of hills and mountains, with extensive coastal plains located in the western and southern regions.
Land use
other
19.5% (2023 est.)
forest
64.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
16.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 14.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 2.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 0.6% (2023 est.)
Location
This region is situated in Eastern Asia, encompassing the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula adjacent to the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea.
Coastline
2,413 km
Elevation
lowest point
Sea of Japan 0 m
highest point
Halla-san 1,950 m
mean elevation
282 m
Irrigated land
7,780 sq km (2012)
Map references
Asia
Land boundaries
total
237 km
border countries
North Korea 237 km
Maritime claims
contiguous zone
24 nm
territorial sea
12 nm; between 3 nm and 12 nm in the Korea Strait
continental shelf
not specified
exclusive economic zone
200 nm
Natural hazards
Occasional typhoons can result in intense winds and flooding; the southwestern area frequently experiences minor seismic activity.
Volcanism: Halla (1,950 m) is recognized as historically active but has not erupted for several centuries.
Geography - note
It holds a strategically significant position on the Korea Strait, with approximately 3,000 predominantly small and uninhabited islands located off the western and southern shores.
Natural resources
Natural resources include coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, and the potential for hydropower generation.
Area - comparative
The area is marginally smaller than Pennsylvania and slightly larger than Indiana.
Geographic coordinates
37 00 N, 127 30 E
Population distribution
The population predominantly resides in lowland regions, which exhibit high density; Gyeonggi Province in the northwest, surrounding the capital city of Seoul and encompassing the port of Incheon, is the most densely populated province, whereas Gangwon in the northeast has the lowest population density.
People & Society
Literacy
male
NA
female
NA
total population
NA
Languages
Languages
Korean, English
major-language sample(s)
월드 팩트북, 필수적인 기본 정보 제공처 (Korean)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Protestant 17%, Buddhist 16%, Catholic 6%, none 60% (2021 est.)
Sex ratio
at birth
1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years
1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years
1.07 male(s)/female
total population
1.01 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
65 years and over
0.79 male(s)/female
Birth rate
4.29 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
6.94 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
male
44 years
total
47 years (2025 est.)
female
47.3 years
Population
male
25,636,127
total
51,486,343 (2025 est.)
female
25,850,216
Nationality
noun
Korean(s)
adjective
Korean
Tobacco use
male
29.7% (2025 est.)
total
17.4% (2025 est.)
female
5.2% (2025 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
81.5% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
0.31% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years
11.3% (male 3,024,508/female 2,873,523)
15-64 years
69.4% (male 18,653,915/female 17,465,817)
65 years and over
19.3% (2024 est.) (male 4,440,688/female 5,623,348)
Ethnic groups
Korean
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio
44.9 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio
14.7 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio
3.3 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio
30.2 (2025 est.)
Physician density
2.61 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP)
9.7% of GDP (2022)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget)
14.1% of national budget (2022 est.)
Net migration rate
1.76 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Hospital bed density
12.8 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Total fertility rate
0.68 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: total
total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Education expenditure
5.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Infant mortality rate
male
3 deaths/1,000 live births
total
2.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
female
2.6 deaths/1,000 live births
Population growth rate
-0.09% (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.33 (2025 est.)
Population distribution
the majority of the population is mainly situated in the lowland regions, characterized by high density; Gyeonggi Province, located in the northwest and encircling the capital city of Seoul as well as the port city of Incheon, is the province with the highest population density; conversely, Gangwon in the northeast has the lowest population density
Life expectancy at birth
male
80.3 years
female
86.6 years
total population
83.4 years (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
4 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: total
total: 99.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 0.2% of population (2022 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
beer
1.72 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine
0.15 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
total
7.74 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits
0.22 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols
5.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Major urban areas - population
9.988 million SEOUL (capital), 3.472 million Busan, 2.849 million Incheon, 2.181 million Daegu (Taegu), 1.577 million Daejon (Taejon), 1.529 million Gwangju (Kwangju) (2023)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
4.7% (2016)
Mother's mean age at first birth
32.2 years (2019 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
0.4% (2020 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
male
17 years (2022 est.)
total
17 years (2022 est.)
female
16 years (2022 est.)
Environment
Climate
characterized by a temperate climate, featuring greater precipitation during the summer compared to winter; winters are notably cold
Geoparks
global geoparks and regional networks
Cheongsong; Danyang; Gyeongbuk Donghaean; Hantangang; Jeju Island; Jeonbuk West Coast; Mudeungsan (2025)
total global geoparks and regional networks
7 (2025)
Land use
other
19.5% (2023 est.)
forest
64.4% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
16.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 14.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 2.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 0.6% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
81.5% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
0.31% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Methane emissions
other
27 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste
478.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
energy
145.7 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture
500 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually
20.453 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled
67.1% (2022 est.)
Environmental issues
pollution in urban areas; occurrence of acid rain; contamination of water sources due to sewage and industrial discharges; drift-net fishing practices; challenges in solid waste management; cross-border air pollution originating from China
Total water withdrawal
municipal
6.672 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial
4.45 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural
15.96 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions
644.231 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas
120.222 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke
275.411 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids
248.599 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
25 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Total renewable water resources
69.7 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
International environmental agreements
party to
Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified
none of the selected agreements
Government
Flag
description: the flag features a white field adorned with a red-and-blue yin-yang emblem at its center; in each corner of the white area, there is a black trigram (kwae) from the ancient I Ching (Book of Changes)
meaning: known as Taegukki, the flag's white color symbolizes peace and purity, while blue embodies the negative cosmic forces of yin and red signifies the positive forces of yang; each trigram represents one of the universal elements, collectively illustrating the principles of movement and harmony.
Capital
name
Seoul
etymology
the name derives from the Korean term for "capital city;" it served as the capital of unified Korea from 1392 until 1910.
time difference
UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time).
geographic coordinates
37 33 N, 126 59 E
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Citizenship
citizenship by birth
no
citizenship by descent only
at least one parent must be a citizen of South Korea
dual citizenship recognized
no
residency requirement for naturalization
5 years
Constitution
history
multiple revisions; the most recent was approved by the National Assembly on 12 October 1987, ratified in a referendum on 28 October 1987, and came into effect on 25 February 1988.
amendment process
initiated by the president or through majority support of the National Assembly; for passage, a two-thirds majority vote from the Assembly is necessary, along with approval in a referendum by over half of the votes from more than half of eligible voters, followed by promulgation by the president.
Country name
etymology
the name is derived from the Chinese term for Goryeo, which was the Korean dynasty that unified the peninsula in the 10th century A.D.; the South Korean name "Han'guk" comes from the formal name "Taehan-min'guk," which itself is a derivative of "Daehan-je'guk," meaning "the Great Han Empire."
abbreviation
ROK
local long form
Taehan-min'guk
local short form
Han'guk
conventional long form
Republic of Korea
conventional short form
South Korea
Independence
15 August 1945 (from Japan)
Legal system
a hybrid system that integrates European civil law, Anglo-American law, and traditional Chinese thought.
Government type
presidential republic.
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
Supreme Court (comprising a chief justice and 13 justices); Constitutional Court (consisting of a court head and 8 justices).
subordinate courts
High Courts; District Courts; Branch Courts (which are organized under the District Courts); specialized courts addressing family and administrative matters.
judge selection and term of office
the chief justice of the Supreme Court is appointed by the president with the National Assembly's consent; other justices are appointed by the president based on the chief justice's recommendations and with the Assembly's approval; the chief justice serves a nonrenewable 6-year term, while other justices can serve renewable 6-year terms; justices of the Constitutional Court are appointed - 3 by the president, 3 by the National Assembly, and 3 by the chief justice of the Supreme Court; the court head remains until retirement at age 70, while other justices serve renewable 6-year terms, with a mandatory retirement age of 65.
Executive branch
cabinet
State Council appointed by the president on the prime minister's recommendation
chief of state
President LEE Jae-myung (since 4 June 2025)
election results
2025: LEE Jae-myung elected president; LEE Jae-myung (DPK) 49.4%, KIM Moon-soo (PPP) 41.2%, LEE Jun-seok (New Reform Party) 8.3%
2022: YOON Suk-yeol elected president; YOON Suk-yeol (PPP) 48.6%, LEE Jae-myung (DPK) 47.8%; other 3.6%.
head of government
Prime Minister KIM Min-seok (since 3 July 2025)
most recent election date
3 June 2025 (special snap election in the wake of the impeachment of former President YOON Suk-yeol)
election/appointment process
the president is directly elected through a simple-majority popular vote for a single term of 5 years; the prime minister is appointed by the president with the National Assembly's consent.
expected date of next election
2030
National holiday
Liberation Day, 15 August (1945)
National color(s)
red, white, blue, black
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites
17 (15 cultural, 2 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes (n); Changdeokgung Palace Complex (c); Jongmyo Shrine (c); Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple (c); Hwaseong Fortress (c); Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites (c); Gyeongju Historic Areas (c); Namhansanseong (c); Baekje Historic Areas (c); Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea (c); Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty (c); Petroglyphs along the Bangucheon Stream (c).
Political parties
Basic Income Party
Democratic Party of Korea or DPK
New Future Party
New Reform Party
Open Democratic Party or ODP
People Power Party or PPP
Progressive Party or Jinbo Party
Rebuilding Korea Party
Social Democratic Party
note: the Democratic Alliance coalition comprises the DPK and the smaller Basic Income, Jinbo, Open Democratic, and Social Democratic parties, along with two independents; for the 2024 election, the Basic Income Party, the ODP, and the Social Democratic Party have united to form the New Progressive Alliance.
Legislative branch
term in office
4 years
number of seats
300 (all directly elected)
electoral system
mixed system
legislature name
National Assembly (Kuk Hoe)
scope of elections
full renewal
legislative structure
unicameral
most recent election date
4/10/2024
expected date of next election
April 2028
percentage of women in chamber
20.3%
parties elected and seats per party
Democratic Party of Korea (161); People Power Party (90); People Future Party (18); Other (31).
National anthem(s)
title
"Aegukga" (Patriotic Song)
history
adopted in 1948, widely recognized since 1910; the anthems of North Korea and South Korea share the same title and a similar melody, but the lyrics differ.
lyrics/music
YUN Ch'i-Ho or AN Ch'ang-Ho/AHN Eaktay
National symbol(s)
taegeuk (yin-yang symbol), Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), Siberian tiger.
Administrative divisions
9 provinces (do, singular and plural), 6 metropolitan cities (gwangyeoksi, singular and plural), 1 special city (teugbyeolsi), and 1 special self-governing city (teukbyeoljachisi)
provinces: Chungcheongbuk-do (North Chungcheong), Chungcheongnam-do (South Chungcheong), Gangwon-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do (North Gyeongsang), Gyeonggi-do, Gyeongsangnam-do (South Gyeongsang), Jeju-do (Jeju), Jeollabuk-do (North Jeolla), Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla)
metropolitan cities: Busan (Pusan), Daegu (Taegu), Daejeon (Taejon), Gwangju (Kwangju), Incheon (Inch'on), Ulsan
special city: Seoul
special self-governing city: Sejong.
Diplomatic representation in the US
FAX
[1] (202) 797-0595
chancery
2450 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone
[1] (202) 939-5600
chief of mission
Ambassador KANG Kyung-wha (since 16 December 2025)
consulate(s) general
Anchorage (AK), Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Hagatna (Guam), Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Philadelphia
email address and website
[email protected]
https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-en/index.do
Diplomatic representation from the US
FAX
[82] (2) 397-4101
embassy
188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
telephone
[82] (2) 397-4114
consulate(s)
Busan
mailing address
9600 Seoul Place, Washington, DC 20521-9600
chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires James “Jim” HELLER (since 7 January 2026).
email address and website
[email protected]
https://kr.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, Arctic Council (observer), ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, CABEI, CD, CICA, CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Pacific Alliance (observer), Paris Club (associate), PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
International law organization participation
has not issued a declaration regarding ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction.
Economy
Budget
revenues
$513.21 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures
$532.023 billion (2023 est.)
Exports
Exports 2022
$825.961 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023
$769.243 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2024
$835.149 billion (2024 est.)
Imports
Imports 2022
$817.594 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023
$758.41 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2024
$758.724 billion (2024 est.)
Industries
electronics, telecommunications, automobile manufacturing, chemicals, shipbuilding, steel
Labor force
29.713 million (2024 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2023
52.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2021
0.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances 2022
0.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023
0.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
South Korean won (KRW) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2020
1,180.266 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
1,143.952 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
1,291.447 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
1,305.662 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2024
1,363.375 (2024 est.)
Economic overview
high-income, technology-driven economy in East Asia focused on exports; manufacturing primarily dominated by semiconductor and automotive sectors; experiencing slow growth due to decreasing construction investment, export challenges, and recent political unrest; an aging workforce; increased caution in fiscal policies while still supporting industry initiatives
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2022
2.9% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023
2.7% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2024
2.7% (2024 est.)
Exports - partners
China 25%, USA 18%, Hong Kong 4%, Japan 4%, Taiwan 4% (2023)
Imports - partners
China 31%, USA 13%, Japan 9%, Germany 5%, Australia 4% (2023)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2021
$48,400 (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022
$49,800 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023
$50,400 (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2021
4.3% (2021 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022
2.6% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023
1.4% (2023 est.)
Agricultural products
rice, vegetables, cabbages, milk, onions, pork, chicken, eggs, tangerines/mandarins, potatoes (2023)
Exports - commodities
integrated circuits, cars, refined petroleum, plastics, machine parts (2023)
Imports - commodities
integrated circuits, natural gas, crude petroleum, machinery, cars (2023)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2022
$25.829 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023
$32.822 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2024
$99.043 billion (2024 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
15.7% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$1.713 trillion (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
48.9% (2023 est.)
government consumption
18.9% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories
-0.1% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital
32.2% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services
44% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services
-43.9% (2023 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food
12.3% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco
1.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022
5.1% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023
3.6% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024
2.3% (2024 est.)
Industrial production growth rate
1.1% (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2021
$2.507 trillion (2021 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$2.572 trillion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$2.607 trillion (2023 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
male
6% (2024 est.)
total
5.9% (2024 est.)
female
5.8% (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022
$423.366 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023
$420.93 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024
$418.219 billion (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
industry
31.6% (2023 est.)
services
58.4% (2023 est.)
agriculture
1.6% (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%
2.9% (2021 est.)
highest 10%
24.6% (2021 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2021
32.9 (2021 est.)
Energy
Coal
exports
500 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports
122.845 million metric tons (2023 est.)
production
16.081 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption
136.817 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves
326 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production
38,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption
2.542 million bbl/day (2024 est.)
Electricity
consumption
575.359 billion kWh (2023 est.)
installed generating capacity
151.139 million kW (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses
19.688 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Natural gas
exports
93.639 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
imports
60.025 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
production
55.127 million cubic meters (2021 est.)
consumption
57.314 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves
7.079 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Nuclear energy
Number of operational nuclear reactors
26 (2025)
Percent of total electricity production
30.7% (2023 est.)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors
25.57GW (2025 est.)
Number of nuclear reactors under construction
2 (2025)
Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down
2 (2025)
Electricity access
electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023
234.668 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
wind
0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar
5.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
nuclear
30.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
fossil fuels
61.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
tide and wave
0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity
0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste
1.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Communications
Internet users
percent of population
97% (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
numerous national television networks exist, including 2 of the 3 major networks that are publicly operated; the largest privately held network, Seoul Broadcasting Service (SBS), maintains connections with various commercial television networks; subscription services for cable and satellite television are accessible; there are publicly funded radio broadcasting networks alongside many privately owned radio stations, each featuring several affiliates and independent local outlets.
Internet country code
.kr
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions
22.155 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
43 (2023 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions
89.2 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
173 (2024 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total
24.1 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
47 (2023 est.)
Transportation
Ports
large
2
small
4
medium
5
key ports
Busan, Gwangyang Bay, Incheon, Masan, Mokpo, Pyeongtaek Harbor, Ulsan
very small
4
total ports
15 (2024)
ports with oil terminals
10
Airports
92 (2025)
Railways
total
3,979 km (2016)
standard gauge
3,979 km (2016) 1.435-m gauge (2,727 km electrified)
Heliports
1,280 (2025)
Merchant marine
total
2,149 (2023)
by type
bulk carriers 93, container vessels 115, general cargo ships 362, oil tankers 219, miscellaneous 1,360
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
HL
Military & Security
Military - note
The military of South Korea is tasked with external defense and primarily concentrates on the threat posed by North Korea; it engages in both bilateral and multinational exercises and deploys for international missions, including peacekeeping and various security operations.
South Korea's main defense ally is the United States, and the 1953 US-South Korea Mutual Defense Treaty serves as a foundational element of the nation's security; this Treaty obligates the US to offer support in case of an attack and authorizes the US to position land, air, and sea forces in and around South Korea as mutually agreed upon; approximately 28,000 US military personnel are stationed in South Korea, and regular bilateral exercises with the US military are conducted; South Korea enjoys Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the US, a designation under US law that offers specific benefits in defense trade and security collaboration; the South Korean military has supported the US in conflicts in Afghanistan (5,000 troops; 2001-2014), Iraq (20,000 troops; 2003-2008), and Vietnam (325,000 troops; 1964-1973).
In 2016, South Korea finalized an agreement with the EU to participate in EU Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) missions and operations, including EU counter-piracy efforts off the coast of East Africa; South Korea has maintained a relationship with NATO since 2005 and established a mission to NATO headquarters in 2022 to enhance cooperation; it has taken part in NATO-led missions and exercises, including those in Afghanistan and the Gulf of Aden (2025).
Military deployments
250 personnel in Lebanon (UNIFIL); 275 in South Sudan (UNMISS); approximately 150 in the United Arab Emirates (2025).
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2021
2.4% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022
2.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023
2.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024
2.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2025
2.3% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military and security forces
Armed Forces of the Republic of Korea: Republic of Korea Army (ROKA), Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN, which includes the Marine Corps, ROKMC), Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).
Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries: Korea Coast Guard; Ministry of Interior and Safety: Korean National Police Agency (2025).
Military service age and obligation
Voluntary military service is available for individuals aged 18-29 for both men and women; all eligible men aged 18-35 are required to undergo mandatory military service (typically between the ages of 20 and 28); the compulsory service duration ranges from 18 to 21 months depending on the branch of service, with up to 36 months required for alternative service (2025).
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
The South Korean military is outfitted with a combination of modern domestically manufactured and imported weapon systems; the US is the principal supplier of foreign arms; South Korea's defense sector produces a variety of military equipment for domestic use and export, including aircraft, armored fighting vehicles, artillery, missiles, and naval ships; it also collaborates with other nations in the joint production of equipment (2025).
Military and security service personnel strengths
Approximately 500,000 active military personnel (365,000 Army; 70,000 Navy, which includes about 30,000 Marines; 65,000 Air Force) (2025).
Transnational Issues
Illicit drugs
USG identification
major precursor-chemical producer (2025)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees
40,084 (2024 est.)
stateless persons
248 (2024 est.)
Space
Space launch site(s)
Naro Space Center (South Jeolla province) (2025)
Space agency/agencies
The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA), which was founded in 2024, and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), established in 1989 and formerly the national space agency of South Korea, are set to operate in 2025.
Space program overview
Korea's space initiative is characterized by ambitious goals, emphasizing the development of satellites, satellite launch vehicles (SLVs), and probes intended for interplanetary exploration. The nation has formulated a comprehensive space strategy, engaging in the manufacture and operation of various satellites, which encompass communication, remote sensing (RS), scientific, and multifunctional capabilities. Additionally, it produces and launches SLVs, and is in the process of developing vehicles for interplanetary missions, including orbital probes and landers. Korea actively collaborates within international frameworks, partnering with numerous foreign space agencies and industries, such as those from Australia, the European Space Agency (ESA), specific ESA member nations (notably France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK), as well as India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Peru, Russia, the UAE, and the USA. The country boasts a vibrant commercial space sector as of 2025.
Key space-program milestones
1992 - The inaugural domestically produced technology-demonstrator satellite, KITSAT-1, was launched aboard a European rocket.
1993-1998 - The first single-stage sounding rocket, KSR-1, and the first two-stage sounding rocket, KSR-2, were successfully launched.
1999 - The first domestically constructed multi-purpose satellite, KOMPSAT-1, also known as Arirang-1, was launched by the United States.
2008 - The first South Korean astronaut traveled to space aboard the International Space Station.
2013 - The initial successful satellite launch of the two-stage Korean Space Launch Vehicle-I (KSLV-I), also referred to as Naro.
2021 - The first launch of the three-stage KSLV-II, known as Nuri, took place; additionally, South Korea signed the US-led Artemis Accords concerning space and lunar exploration.
2022 - The first successful mission to put satellites into orbit using the KSLV-II/Nuri occurred; the domestically developed lunar orbiter, Danuri, successfully entered the Moon's orbit; the development of the Korea Positioning System (KPS) satellite navigation network commenced.
2024 - The third successful launch of the Nuri SLV resulted in the placement of eight small satellites into orbit, which included a remote sensing satellite, NexSat-2, equipped with radar imaging technology.
