South Korea

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia. It constitutes the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and borders North Korea along the Korean Demilitarized Zone; though it also claims the land border with China and Russia. The country's western border is formed by the Yellow Sea, while its eastern border is defined by the Sea of Japan. South Korea claims to be the sole legitimate government of the entire peninsula and adjacent islands. It has a population of 51.96 million, of which half live in the Seoul Capital Area, the ninth most populous metropolitan area in the world. Other major cities include Busan, Daegu, and Incheon.
south-korea

Some of the key events about South Korea

  • 1910
    Japan annexed Korea, beginning a 35-year period of colonial rule
  • 1948
    The Republic of Korea was officially established as an independent nation
  • 1950
    The Korean War began, resulting in millions of casualties and the division of the peninsula
  • 1953
    The Korean War armistice was signed, ending active hostilities
  • 1960
    The April Revolution led to the overthrow of an authoritarian government
  • 1961
    A military coup d'état established an authoritarian regime
  • 1980
    The Gwangju Uprising was violently suppressed, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths
  • 1987
    Korean Air Flight 858 was bombed, killing all 115 people on board
  • 1988
    Seoul successfully hosted the Summer Olympics, showcasing the country to the world
  • 1995
    The Sampoong Department Store collapse killed 502 people and injured 937
  • 1996
    South Korea joined the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
  • 1997
    The Asian financial crisis severely impacted South Korea's economy
  • 2002
    South Korea co-hosted the FIFA World Cup with Japan
  • 2003
    The Daegu subway fire killed 192 people and injured 151
  • 2009
    South Korea became the first former aid recipient to join the OECD Development Assistance Committee
  • 2012
    Gangnam Style became the first YouTube video to reach one billion views, highlighting Korean pop culture's global influence
  • 2014
    The Sewol ferry disaster resulted in the deaths of 304 people, mostly high school students
  • 2016
    AlphaGo, an artificial intelligence program, defeated a top Go player, marking a milestone in AI development
  • 2016
    A political scandal led to the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye
  • 2018
    The PyeongChang Winter Olympics were held, promoting peace and cooperation on the Korean Peninsula

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

South Korea Latest news

North Korea ready to send thousands of soldiers to help Putin's war effort

North Korea ready to send thousands of soldiers to help Putin's war effort

North Koreaʼs top diplomat confirms military support for Russiaʼs campaign in Ukraine during Moscow meeting. Thousands of NK soldiers are getting ready to join Russian forces on frontlines

Society, Politics • November 1 2024, 05:43 PM  •  1229 views
Secret EU document shows what UK must do for better post-Brexit deal

Secret EU document shows what UK must do for better post-Brexit deal

Internal EU papers suggest youth-mobility scheme is key for future UK-EU talks. Document reveals Brussels wants changes to current agreements before starting new partnership discussions

Society, Politics • October 30 2024, 06:52 PM  •  389 views
Population crisis: Why the world might be getting too empty

Population crisis: Why the world might be getting too empty

Global birth rates are hitting record-low numbers while governments fail to fix the problem. Modern life-style changes and failed state policies show how hard it is to make people have more kids

Society, Economics, Politics • October 29 2024, 07:39 PM  •  254 views
Pentagon opens door for Ukraine to target North Korean soldiers near frontline

Pentagon opens door for Ukraine to target North Korean soldiers near frontline

US-donated weapons can now be used against North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces. Pentagon confirms about 10‚000 North Korean soldiers moved to Russia with some heading towards combat zones

Society, Politics • October 28 2024, 11:41 PM  •  753 views
Joe Biden's foreign policy puzzle: Why powerful connections weren't enough

Joe Biden's foreign policy puzzle: Why powerful connections weren't enough

A look at how Bidenʼs extensive diplomatic experience didnt translate into major foreign policy wins. From Middle-East challenges to Ukraine complexities his presidency shows how global leadership needs more than connections

Politics • October 28 2024, 04:01 PM  •  529 views
Exclusive
Secret footage shows Kim's soldiers ready to join Putin's military campaign

Secret footage shows Kim's soldiers ready to join Putin's military campaign

New mobile-phone videos expose North Korean troops preparing at Russian military facilities. About 3000 soldiers are training now while Moscow expects more than 10000 additional forces soon

Politics • October 27 2024, 01:24 PM  •  11078 views
80-Year-Old South Korean Grandmother Aims for Miss Universe Crown

80-Year-Old South Korean Grandmother Aims for Miss Universe Crown

Choi Soon-hwa, an 80-year-old South Korean model, is vying to represent her country at the Miss Universe pageant. Her bid challenges beauty norms and showcases the potential of older individuals in the fashion world.

Society, Culture • September 30 2024, 07:02 AM  •  249 views
Olympic Sharpshooter Kim Ye-ji Takes Aim at Acting Career as Assassin

Olympic Sharpshooter Kim Ye-ji Takes Aim at Acting Career as Assassin

South Korean Olympic medalist Kim Ye-ji, known for her viral meme, transitions to acting. She'll play an assassin in a spinoff series, blending her shooting skills with a new on-screen persona.

Sports, Culture • September 23 2024, 10:21 AM  •  416 views
Christian Charity Under Scrutiny for Alleged Misuse of Funds by Marquess

Christian Charity Under Scrutiny for Alleged Misuse of Funds by Marquess

A Christian aid organization faces investigation over financial irregularities, including a £50,000 payment to a marquess for legal fees. The charity's estimated £100 million worth is now in question.

Society, Politics • September 21 2024, 04:15 PM  •  228 views
From North Korean Refugee to South Korean Governor: Ji Seong-ho's Remarkable Journey

From North Korean Refugee to South Korean Governor: Ji Seong-ho's Remarkable Journey

Ji Seong-ho, a North Korean defector, has been appointed governor of his former home province in South Korea's shadow administration. His story of survival and success offers hope for reunification efforts.

Society, Politics • September 19 2024, 04:07 AM  •  251 views
From Office to Ocean: A Woman's Journey into Commercial Fishing

From Office to Ocean: A Woman's Journey into Commercial Fishing

A female fisherman shares her transition from a stressful office job to the unpredictable life at sea. Despite financial uncertainties and industry challenges, she finds fulfillment in this demanding profession.

Society, Business • September 11 2024, 02:10 PM  •  234 views
Australian Breakdancer Retains World No. 1 Ranking Despite Olympic Controversy

Australian Breakdancer Retains World No. 1 Ranking Despite Olympic Controversy

Rachael "Raygun" Gunn maintains top spot in breakdancing rankings despite Olympic performance backlash. World DanceSport Federation explains ranking system, excluding Olympic results from calculations.

Sports, Culture • September 11 2024, 09:16 AM  •  150 views
Pope Francis Urges Peace in Asia-Pacific, Warns of Arms Race

Pope Francis Urges Peace in Asia-Pacific, Warns of Arms Race

During his extensive Asia-Pacific tour, Pope Francis calls for regional peace and cautions against rearmament. The pontiff's 12-day journey tests his health while addressing geopolitical tensions and local conflicts.

Society, Politics • September 8 2024, 02:50 PM  •  167 views
North Korea Ramps Up Suicide Drone Development for Military Enhancement

North Korea Ramps Up Suicide Drone Development for Military Enhancement

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un urges production of diverse suicide drones for tactical and strategic use. South Korea responds with plans for laser defense systems amid concerns over airspace vulnerabilities.

Politics, Science • August 26 2024, 05:41 AM  •  31 views
Tugendhat Proposes Family-Focused Reforms to Boost UK Birth Rates

Tugendhat Proposes Family-Focused Reforms to Boost UK Birth Rates

Tom Tugendhat, MP, advocates for tax and childcare reforms to support family formation in Britain. He aims to address declining birth rates and make parenting more affordable, drawing inspiration from successful policies in other countries.

Society, Politics • August 23 2024, 06:51 PM  •  77 views
North Korean Olympians Face Scrutiny Over Selfie with South Korean Rivals

North Korean Olympians Face Scrutiny Over Selfie with South Korean Rivals

North Korean table tennis medalists undergo "ideological evaluation" after taking a selfie with South Korean opponents at the Paris Olympics. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the two nations.

Sports, Politics • August 23 2024, 10:51 AM  •  0 views
US Unveils New Nuclear Strategy Amid Growing Global Threats

US Unveils New Nuclear Strategy Amid Growing Global Threats

The US has approved a new nuclear strategy to counter rising threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. The plan aims to modernize US nuclear forces and enhance deterrence capabilities.

Politics, Science • August 21 2024, 05:30 PM  •  0 views
Asian Nations Bolster Defenses Against New Mpox Variant as Thailand Reports First Case

Asian Nations Bolster Defenses Against New Mpox Variant as Thailand Reports First Case

Asian countries intensify border checks and vaccination efforts as Thailand identifies the first suspected case of a new, more dangerous mpox variant. The UK and EU maintain less stringent measures despite global concerns.

Society, Science • August 21 2024, 03:19 PM  •  73 views