South Korea. South Korea is one of the most modern countries in Asia and has a population of roughly 49 million people (2006, CIA World Factbook). The official name of South Korea is the Republic of Korea, or ROK. South Korea is just south of and shares a border at the 38th parallel with North Korea. The two Koreas have been divided since 1945 or since the end of World War II. The division of North and South Korea remains a hot topic in Korea society today.

Some of the major influences on South Korean society are the Japanese occupation (1905-1945), the divisions of the two Koreas (1945) and the military dictatorship that governed South Korea (1961-1993).

South Korea is a democratic republic and its constitution was written on 17 July 1948.

The Korean War. The Korean war occurred from 25 June 1950 to 27 July 1953 between North Korea (and eventually China) and South Korea and the forces of the United Nations lead by the United States. Technically, the the two sides are still at war as only an Armistice was signed. North and South Korea were divided after World War II. At the end of the Japanese Occupation (1905-1945), the Soviet Union occupied Korea north of the 38th Parallel and the United States occupied Korea south if the 38th Parallel. South Korea was governed by President Syngman Rhee and North Korean was governed by General Secretary Kim Il-Sung. The two sides attempted to reunite the two Koreans under there own styles of government. After five years of negations North Korea invaded South Korea on 25 June 1950. North Korea took Seoul in the first three days and nearly took all of South Korea. The famous Inchon landing by United Nation forces saved South Korea from near defeat. The United Nations forces, led by General Douglas Macarthur nearly defeated the entire North Korean military until Chinese forces entered the war. After three years of fighting the war ended were it begin, both countries divided at the 38th Parallel.

Geography. South Korea is just south of and shares a peninsula and border with North Korea. The two Korea have been divided since 1945 or since the end of World War II. The country is located near China and Japan. To South Korea’s east is the East Sea or Sea of Japan, and to the west is the Yellow Sea.

South Korean Cities. The largest city in South Korea and the Capital is Seoul. Approximately one-quarter of the population lives in Seoul. South Korea is broken down into nine provinces (Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do, Chungcheongnam-do, Chungcheongbuk-do and Jeju-do), one special city (Seoul) and six other metropolitan cities (Busan, Inchon, Ulsan, Gwangju, Daejeon, and Daegu).

Language. The Korean alphabet, or Hangeul was developed during the 15th century and is believed to have been the first phonetic alphabet in East Asia. Many words used today in Korea have been borrowed from the Chinese and Japanese languages.  Hangeul was created under King Sejong during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). In 1446, the first Korean alphabet was proclaimed under the name Hunminjeongeum, which literally meant "the Correct Sounds for the Instruction of the People." For more information on Hangeul check out Korea.net's Hangeul Page.

South Korean Economy. South Korea is the 11^th largest economy in the world or the third largest economy in Asia just behind China and Japan.

Interests. South Koreans love football, baseball, golf and online gaming. Tae Kwon Do originated in Korea and is compulsory in the South Korean military. During the Olympics speed skating and archery are very popular sports in South Korea. Soju is Korea's national drink and is found in all bars, restaurants and convenience stores.

Good Links on South Korea

• Wikipedia's South Korea Page -

• CIA World Factbook, South Korea

• Korea.net - Run by the Korea Oveseas Information Service (KOIS)

• Korea Tourism Organization -