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South Korea

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description South Korea Overview

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, occupies the southern part of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia and includes many islands, including Jeju. Its landscape is largely mountainous, while Seoul is a major political, economic, and cultural center. The country combines Buddhist temples, Confucian heritage, royal palaces, and industries such as electronics, automobiles, and shipbuilding. Korean-language film, television, music, and food are widely known outside the country.

help South Korea FAQ

What is the capital of South Korea?

The capital is Seoul, which sits near the border with North Korea along the Han River. The greater Seoul Capital Area is home to roughly half of South Korea's population of about 52 million.

What language does South Korea use and what is Hangul?

South Koreans speak Korean, written primarily in Hangul, a phonetic alphabet created in the 15th century under King Sejong the Great. Chinese characters, known as Hanja, appear occasionally but Hangul is the everyday script.

What currency does South Korea use, and is it expensive for travelers?

South Korea uses the won (KRW), which typically trades at roughly 1,300–1,400 won per U.S. dollar, so prices come in large numbers. A bowl of bibimbap or noodles often costs around 8,000–12,000 won at casual restaurants.

Where does South Korea's global pop-culture influence come from?

The 'Korean Wave,' or Hallyu, spans K-pop, film, and TV drama, with groups like BTS and BLACKPINK becoming global stadium acts. This cultural export boom, alongside hits like the film Parasite, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2020, has made Korean pop culture a major soft-power asset.