South Korea

World Book Index

Introduction

Background
An independent kingdom for much of its history, the southern half of the Korean Peninsula set up a democratic government after World War II. After fending off a North Korean invasion in 1950, South Korea achieved rapid economic growth and today is a fully functioning modern democracy.

Geography

Area
total : 99,720 sq km
land: 96,920 sq km
water: 2,800 sq km

Climate
temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter; cold winters

Natural resources
coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydropower potential

People and Society

Population
total: 52,081,799 (2024 est.)

Ethnic groups
homogeneous

Languages
Korean, English

Religions
Protestant 17%, Buddhist 16%, Catholic 6%, none 60% (2021 est.)

Population growth rate
0.21% (2024 est.)

Government

Government type
presidential republic

Capital
name: Seoul

Executive branch
chief of state: President LEE Jae-myung (since 4 June 2025)
head of government: Prime Minister KIM Min-seok (since 3 July 2025)

Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires LEE Joon Ho (since 12 July 2025)

Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Ambassador Joseph (Joe) YUN (since January 2025)

Economy

Economic overview
high-income, export- and technology-oriented East Asian economy; manufacturing led by semiconductor and automotive industries; slow growth amid declining construction investment, export risks, and recent political instability; aging workforce; increased restraint in fiscal policy while maintaining industry support initiatives

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$2.607 trillion (2023 est.)
$2.572 trillion (2022 est.)
$2.507 trillion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$50,400 (2023 est.)
$49,800 (2022 est.)
$48,400 (2021 est.)

Exports
$835.149 billion (2024 est.)
$769.243 billion (2023 est.)
$825.961 billion (2022 est.)

Exports - partners
China 25%, USA 18%, Hong Kong 4%, Japan 4%, Taiwan 4% (2023)

Exports - commodities
integrated circuits, cars, refined petroleum, plastics, machine parts (2023)

Imports
$758.724 billion (2024 est.)
$758.41 billion (2023 est.)
$817.594 billion (2022 est.)

Imports - partners
China 31%, USA 13%, Japan 9%, Germany 5%, Australia 4% (2023)

Imports - commodities
integrated circuits, natural gas, crude petroleum, machinery, cars (2023)

Human Development Index

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.937, ranking it 20th out of 193 countries tested. (more information)

World Happiness Report

The World Happiness Report ranked the country 54th out of 158 countries tested with a score of 6.06. (more information)