ABOUT SOUTH KOREA FOR PROJECT

South Korea Facts: Seoul and Water Pavilion

Interesting Facts for Kids

Here are some interesting South Korea Facts which were chosen and researched by kids especially
for kids.

South Korea Facts at a Glance

South Korea Flag

 Population: 52 million people live in South Korea (2024). The majority of the people live in
the province surrounding Seoul in the north west of the country.

 Capital: Seoul with 10 million inhabitants

 Name: 대한민국 Republic of Korea (ROK)

 Government: Presidential Republic

 Official Language: Korean

 Literacy: More than 95% can read and write.

 Religion: Main religions are Christianity (27%) Buddhism (15%), however many practise
Confucianism regardless of their religious beliefs

 Currency: 1 South Korean won equals 100 jeon

Aegugka - Anthem

 National Anthem: Aegukga ('Patriotic Song')

 National Symbols: Taegeuk (yin yang symbol). The national emblem Gukjang includes the yin
yang symbol and the national flower combined. The National Flag is called Taegukki, the
national colours are red, white, blue and black.

 National Flower: Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon or Hibiscus syriacus)

 National Animal: Siberian tiger

 History: For many centuries, South Korea was an independent kingdom, but after 1905 the
country was ruled by the Japanese. After Japan surrendered to the USA after the Second
World War in 1945, Korea gained independence again, but the country soon was split
between South Korea (which is largely supported by the USA) and communist North Korea
along the 38 degrees latitude. Since 1953 South Korea's economy expanded successfully,
while the people in North Korea are very poor and the relations between the two Koreas are
very strained.

 National Holiday: 15 August (Liberation Day)

 President: Yoon Suk Yeol (since May 2022)

Where is South Korea? - South Korea Map

South Korea is located in Eastern Asia and sits on the southern half of the Korean peninsula. The
only land borders are with North Korea with which South Korea shares the Korean peninsula.

The Korean peninsula is surrounded by the West Sea/ Yellow Sea, the South Sea/ East China Sea and
the East Sea/ Sea of Japan.
Map of the Korean peninsula

South Korea has a coastline of about 2413 km/ 1500 miles in length. The capital city of South Korea is
Seoul.

South Korea is roughly the size of England or Portugal and about ⅓ of the size of Germany. South
Korea is slightly smaller than the US state of Pennsylvania or seven times smaller than Texas!

South Korea Geography

South Korea is a mountainous country, with about 70% of the land covered by hills and
mountains. Nam-san or Nam mountain overlooks the capital city of Seoul.
 Nam-san
overlooks the city of Seoul

Seoul is the largest city of the country with about 10 million inhabitants.

The highest mountain of South Korea is Halla-san, also called Mount Halla, with a height of 1950 m/
6400 ft. Halla-san is a shield volcano and one of three volcanic mountains on the Korean peninsula.
South Korea sits on the 'Ring of Fire' where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. Halla-san is an
active volcano, however, it has not erupted in many centuries. The mountain is located on the island
of Jeju.

Crater Lake on
Hallasan mountain

Jeju is the largest South Korean island and located to the south of the peninsula. It has a moderate
climate and is a popular holiday destination. There are more than 3000 islands mainly off the
southern and western coastlines of South Korea.
 Jeju Island in South Korea

Nakdong River is the longest river in South Korea. It is 510 km /320 miles long. The river passes
through the cities Busan and Daegu in the southeastern part of the country.

Chungju Lake is the largest lake in South Korea. This lake in central South Korea is not a natural lake
as it has been created by flooding of the valleys after the construction the Chungju dam.

Chungju Lake in
South Korea

The biggest cities in South Korea are:

 Seoul - 10 million inhabitants

 Busan (Pusan): 4.5 million inhabitants

 Incheon (Inch'on): 2.8 million inhabitants and

 Daegu (Taegu): 2.3 million inhabitants

South Korea is one of the most technologically advanced countries and the educational standards are
high. Below you see a photo of Incheon, which is the third populous city in South Korea. The city's
international airport is the largest in South Korea and one of the busiest transport hubs in Asia.