Interesting Facts About South Korea
South Korea is a culturally and historically rich country located in East Asia. With its fascinating culture, unique history, and modern developments, South Korea is an interesting country to explore. Here are 30 interesting facts about South Korea that you may not have known.
Geography
1. South Korea is located on the Korean Peninsula, which is bordered by China, Japan, and North Korea.
2. South Korea is divided into nine provinces and seven metropolitan cities.
3. The total land area of South Korea is 100,210 square kilometres.
4. South Korea has a coastline of 2,413 kilometres.
5. The highest point in South Korea is Hallasan, a volcano located on Jeju Island. It stands at 1,950 metres above sea level.
6. South Korea is home to several mountain ranges, the largest of which is the Baekdudaegan mountain range.
People & Culture
7. South Korea has a population of over 51 million people.
8. South Korea is one of the most ethnically homogeneous countries in the world, with over 99% of its population being of Korean ethnicity.
9. South Koreans are known for their strong work ethic and competitive spirit.
10. South Korea is a Confucian-influenced society, where family ties and social hierarchy are very important.
11. South Korea is a highly technologically advanced country, with some of the world’s fastest internet speeds.
12. South Korea is the birthplace of many popular cultural phenomena, such as K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean barbecue.
History & Politics
13. South Korea is the only divided nation in the world. It has been divided into North and South since the end of the Korean War in 1953.
14. South Korea was ruled by Japanese colonial forces from 1910 to 1945.
15. South Korea is a democratic republic with a president as its head of state.
16. South Korea is a member of the United Nations and the G20.
17. South Korea is a highly developed country with a high standard of living.
18. South Korea is the world’s 11th largest economy and is a major exporter of electronics, automobiles, and other goods.
Religion
19. The majority of South Koreans are irreligious.
20. The most popular religion in South Korea is Christianity, which makes up about 30% of the population.
21. Buddhism and Confucianism are also practiced in South Korea.
22. The South Korean government officially recognizes only five religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Daoism, and Won Buddhism.
Food & Cuisine
23. South Korean cuisine is known for its use of spices and strong flavors.
24. Popular dishes include bibimbap (rice with vegetables and meat), kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage), and bulgogi (marinated beef).
25. South Koreans love to eat out and there is a wide variety of restaurants and food stalls to choose from.
26. South Koreans also enjoy drinking, and it is common to see people drinking in bars and at home.
27. South Korea is a major producer of rice, vegetables, and seafood.
Sports & Leisure
28. South Korea is a major sports nation and is home to professional teams in baseball, football, basketball, and more.
29. South Koreans also love to ski and snowboard, and there are several ski resorts located within the country.
30. South Korea is one of the top countries in the world for electronic sports, with professional teams competing in tournaments around the world.
Conclusion
South Korea is a fascinating country with a rich history, culture, and modern developments. From its unique geography and population, to its cuisine and sports, there is much to explore and learn about South Korea. Whether you are interested in its politics, religion, or leisure activities, South Korea has something for everyone.
