Why in news?
India and South Korea recently held their sixth foreign policy and security dialogue in Seoul, underscoring the importance of understanding South Korea’s geography and strategic context. This section summarises key facts about the Republic of Korea.
Background
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), occupies the southern part of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. It shares its only land border with North Korea along the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). Surrounded by about 4,400 islands, the country is bounded by the Yellow Sea to the west, the East China Sea and Korea Strait to the south, and the Sea of Japan (East Sea) to the east. The capital and largest city is Seoul. South Korea has a population of roughly 51.7 million people living on an area of about 100,339 km². Its government is a presidential republic and its currency is the won.
Geographical features
- Mountains: About 70 percent of the land is mountainous. Major ranges include the Taebaek Mountains along the east coast and the Sobaek Mountains in the centre. The highest point is Mount Hallasan (1,950 m) on the volcanic island of Jeju.
- Rivers: The Han River flows through Seoul into the Yellow Sea. The Nakdong River, South Korea’s longest, drains the south‑east, while the Geum (Kum) River flows south‑west into the Yellow Sea. These rivers support agriculture, transport and hydropower.
- Climate: South Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid due to the East Asian monsoon, while winters are cold and dry under Siberian influences. Typhoons can bring heavy rain in late summer.
- Islands: Jeju is the largest island and a popular tourist destination known for volcanic landscapes and subtropical forests. Ulleungdo and Dokdo/Liancourt Rocks lie in the East Sea and are strategically significant.
With a densely populated and mountainous terrain, South Korea has built a highly urbanised, export‑driven economy and maintains a robust partnership with India in areas ranging from trade to technology.
Source: DD News
