대한민국 大韓民國 Daehanminguk Republic of Korea
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: 널리 인간을 이롭게 하라 (홍익인간) Benefit all mankind
Anthem: Aegukga (애국가) Patriotic Hymn
Capital (and largest city)		Seoul 37°35′N, 127°0′E
Official languages		Korean
Demonym		South Korean, Korean
Government		Presidential republic
-	President	Lee Myung-bak
-	Prime Minister	Han Seung-soo
Establishment
-	National Foundation Day	October 3, 2333 BC
-	Korean Empire	October 12, 1897
-	Liberation declared	March 1, 1919 (de jure)
-	Liberation	August 15, 1945
-	First Republic	August 15, 1948
-	United Nations Recognition	December 12, 1948
Area
-	Total	99,646 km² (108th) 38,492 sq mi
-	Water (%)	0.3
Population
-	estimate	49,044,790 (24th)
-	Density	493/km² (12th) 1,274/sq mi
GDP (PPP)		2008 estimate
-	Total	$1.276 trillion[1] (14th)
-	Per capita	$26,277 (2008) (28th)
GDP (nominal)		2008 estimate
-	Total	$999,369 billion (13th)
-	Per capita	$20,582 (2008) (30th)
Gini (2005)		31.6 (low)
HDI (2007)		▲ 0.921 (high) (26th)
Currency		International symbol ₩ Pronounced Won (KRW)
Time zone		Korea Standard Time (UTC+9)
-	Summer (DST)	not observed (UTC+9)
Internet TLD		.kr
Calling code		+82
1	Mobile phone system CDMA, WCDMA, HSDPA and WiBro
2	Domestic power supply 220V/60 Hz, CEE 7/7 sockets

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (or ROK) and often referred to as Korea (Korean: 대한민국, IPA: [tɛː.han.min.ɡuk̚], Hanja: 大韓民國), listen (help· info)) is a presidential republic in East Asia, occupying the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. Also known as the "Land of the Morning Calm", it is neighboured by China to the west, Japan to the east and North Korea to the north. South Korea's capital and largest city is Seoul, the world's second largest metropolitan city. Korea often refers to: Korea, a civilization in East Asia (specifically Northeast Asia) now politically divided into North Korea and South Korea Korean Peninsula, a region in East Asia (specifically Northeast Asia) Republic of Korea (ROK), a state governing South Korea, often simply called Korea Peoples Democratic Republic of... Image File history File links Flag_of_South_Korea. ... Taegukgi and Taegeukgi redirects here. ... The Coat of arms of South Korea consists in the Yin Yang symbol present on the national flag surrounded by five stylized petals and a ribbon bearing the inscription The Republic of Korea (Daehan Minguk), the official name of the country, in Hangul characters. ... For other uses, see Motto (disambiguation). ... A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a countrys government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people. ... Aegukga is also the name of the national anthem of North Korea. ... Location map for South Korea File links The following pages link to this file: South Korea User:DanielZm/test Template:South Korea infobox Template talk:Korea infobox Categories: GFDL images ... Not to be confused with capitol. ... // noun: Korean(s) adjective: Korean Population: 48,846,823 (July 2006 est. ... Short name Statistics Location map Map of location of Seoul. ... An official language is a language that is given a special legal status in the countries, states, and other territories. ... A demonym or gentilic is a word that denotes the members of a people or the inhabitants of a place. ... A presidential system, also called a congressional system, is a system of government where an executive branch exists and presides (hence the term) separately from the legislature, to which it is not accountable and which cannot in normal circumstances dismiss it. ... Look up republic in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The President is head of state of South Korea. ... Lee Myung-bak (pronounced ) (born December 19, 1941) is the tenth and current President of South Korea (He is the currently serving the seventeenth presidential term since the establishment of the role). ... The Prime Minister of South Korea is appointed by the President with the National Assemblys approval. ... Dr. Han Seung-soo, the President of the 56th General Assembly of the United Nations is a Korean politician and diplomat. ... The History of South Korea traces the development of South Korea from the division of the Korean Peninsula in 1945 to the present day. ... Gaecheonjeol (개천절) is a public holiday in South Korea on October 3rd. ... is the 276th day of the year (277th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... (Redirected from 2333 BC) (25th century BC - 24th century BC - 23rd century BC - other centuries) (4th millennium BC - 3rd millennium BC - 2nd millennium BC) Events 2900 - 2334 BC -- Mesopotamian wars of the Early Dynastic period 2350 BC - End of the Early Dynastic IIIb Period in Mesopotamia 2334 - 2279 BC -- Sargon... This does not cite any references or sources. ... is the 285th day of the year (286th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1897 (MDCCCXCVII) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... The March First Movement, or the Samil Movement, was one of the earliest displays of Korean nationalism during the Japanese rule. ... is the 60th day of the year (61st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1919 (MCMXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar). ... Look up De jure in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The Korean peninsula, first divided along the 38th parallel, later along the demarcation line The division of Korea into North Korea and South Korea stems from the 1945 Allied victory in World War II, ending Japans 35-year occupation of Korea. ... This article is about the day of the year. ... Year 1945 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar). ... The History of South Korea traces the development of South Korea from the division of the Korean Peninsula in 1945 to the present day. ... This article is about the day of the year. ... Year 1948 (MCMXLVIII) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the 1948 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... UN redirects here. ... is the 346th day of the year (347th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1948 (MCMXLVIII) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the 1948 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the physical quantity. ... To help compare orders of magnitude of different geographical regions, we list here areas between 10,000 km² and 100,000 km². ... This is a list of the countries of the world sorted by area. ... A square mile is an English unit of area equal to that of a square with sides each 1 statute mile (≈1,609 m) in length. ... Impact from a water drop causes an upward rebound jet surrounded by circular capillary waves. ... A percentage is a way of expressing a proportion, a ratio or a fraction as a whole number, by using 100 as the denominator. ... Map of countries by population for the year 2007 This is a list of countries ordered according to population. ... Population density per square kilometre by country, 2006 Population density map of the world in 1994. ... Population density by country, 2006 List of countries and dependencies by population density in inhabitants/km². The list includes sovereign states and self-governing dependent territories that are recognized by the United Nations. ... PPP of GDP for the countries of the world (2003). ... There are three lists of countries of the world sorted by their gross domestic product (GDP) (the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year). ... Look up Per capita in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... This article includes two lists of countries of the world[1] sorted by their gross domestic product (GDP) at purchasing power parity (PPP) per capita, the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year divided by the average population for the same year. ... World map of GDP (Nominal and PPP). ... Look up Per capita in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Map of countries by 2006 GDP (nominal) per capita (IMF, October 2007). ... Graphical representation of the Gini coefficient The Gini coefficient is a measure of inequality of income distribution or inequality of wealth distribution. ... This page talks about Human Development Index, for other HDIs see HDI (disambiguation) World map indicating Human Development Index (2007). ... This talks about the countries in the Human Development Index, for information on the Human Development Index, please Click Here World map indicating Human Development Index (2007) (Colour-blind compliant map) For red-green color vision problems. ... ISO 4217 Code KRW User(s) Republic of Korea Inflation 2. ... ISO 4217 is the international standard describing three letter codes (also known as the currency code) to define the names of currencies established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ... Timezone and TimeZone redirect here. ... The Korea Standard Time (KST) is the standard timezone in North and South Korea and is 9 hours ahead of UTC (UTC+9): ie. ... UTC redirects here. ... Although DST is common in Europe and North America, most of the worlds people do not use it. ... UTC redirects here. ... A country code top-level domain (ccTLD) is a top-level domain used and reserved for a country or a dependent territory. ... .kr is the Internet country code top-level domain ( ccTLD) for South Korea. ... This is a list of country calling codes defined by ITU-T recommendation E.164. ... Country Code: 82 // international call : 00N (country code) (telephone number) domestic long distance call : 0NN(area code) XXXX YYYY call to cellular : 0NN XXXX YYYY special service call : 0N0 XXX YYYY 001 - KT international call 002 - LG Dacom international call 003XX - international call 005 - Hanaro Telecom international call 006 - SK... Korean writing systems Hangul Hanja Hyangchal Gugyeol Idu Mixed script Korean romanization Revised Romanization of Korean McCune-Reischauer Yale Romanization Hanja is the Korean name for Chinese characters. ... Image File history File links KO-Daehanminguk. ... A presidential system, also called a congressional system, is a system of government where an executive branch exists and presides (hence the term) separately from the legislature, to which it is not accountable and which cannot in normal circumstances dismiss it. ... Look up republic in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... This article is about the geographical region. ... This article is about the Korean Peninsula. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Short name Statistics Location map Map of location of Seoul. ... 27 metropolitan areas of at least 10 million people. ...

Korea is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, with its foundation dating back to 2333 BC by the legendary Dangun. Archaeological research shows that the peninsula was inhabited as early as the Lower Paleolithic. Following the unification of the Three Korean Kingdoms under Silla in 668 AD, Korea went through the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasty as one nation until the end of the Korean Empire in 1910. After division, South Korea was established in 1948 and has since rapidly recovered from the Japanese invasion (1910–1945) and Korean war (1950–1953), operating a successful and stable democracy since the first direct election in 1987. Central New York City. ... Dangun is the mythical founder of Korea. ... The Lower Paleolithic (or Lower Palaeolithic) is the earliest subdivision of the Paleolithic or Old Stone Age. ... The Three Kingdoms Period of Korea (hangul: 삼국시대) featured the three rival kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla, which dominated the Korean peninsula and parts of Manchuria for much of the 1st millennium CE. Historians claim that the Three Kingdoms period ran from the 1st century BCE (specifically 57 BC) until... For other uses, see Silla (disambiguation). ... Taegeuk is a traditional symbol of Korea Capital Gaegyeong Language(s) Korean Religion Buddhism Government Monarchy Wang  - 918 - 946 Taejo  - 949 - 975 Gwangjong  - 1259 - 1274 Wonjong  - 1351 - 1374 Gongmin Historical era 918 - 1392  - Later Three Kingdoms rise 892  - Coronation of Taejo June 15, 918  - Korea-Khitan Wars 993 - 1019  - Mongolian... Joseon redirects here. ... This does not cite any references or sources. ... Flag Anthem Kimigayo¹ Korea under Japanese rule - 일제 강점기 Capital Seoul Language(s) Korean, Japanese Religion Shintō¹ Government Occupied state Emperor of Japan ¹  - 1910–1912 Emperor Meiji  - 1912–1925 Emperor Taisho  - 1925–1945 Emperor Showa Governor-General  - 1910–1916 (first) Count Masatake Terauchi  - 1944–1945 (last) Nobuyuki Abe Legislature Assembly of Councilors... Belligerents United Nations: Republic of Korea Australia Belgium Canada Colombia Ethiopia France Greece Luxembourg Netherlands New Zealand Philippines South Africa Thailand Turkey United Kingdom United States Naval Support and Military Servicing/Repairs: Japan Medical staff: Denmark Italy Norway India Sweden DPR Korea PR China Soviet Union Commanders Syngman Rhee Chung... Elections in South Korea provides an overview of the history of South Korean elections and their results. ...

South Korea is a major economic power and one of the wealthiest countries in Asia. It had one of the world's fastest growing economies since the 1960s, now highly developed and one of the three largest^[2] in Asia and 13th largest^[3] in the world. Forming the G20 industrial nations and the world's top ten exporters, it is an APEC and OECD member, defined as a High Income Nation by the World Bank and an Advanced Economy by the IMF and CIA. A major non-NATO ally, it has the world's sixth largest armed forces and one of the ten largest defence budgets in the world. A leading Next Eleven country and an Asian Tiger, it is still among the world's fastest growing developed countries.^[4] Today, its success story is known as the "Miracle on the Han River", a role model for many developing countries.^[5] This article is about the G-20 of industrial nations. ... For other uses, see Asia (disambiguation). ... World map indicating Human Development Index (as of 2004). ... This is a list of the Asia-Pacific countries sorted by their Gross domestic product (GDP) at market or government official exchange rates. ... World map of GDP (Nominal and PPP). ... This article is about the G-20 of industrial nations. ... Map of amount of exports per country This is a list of countries by exports, mostly based on The World Factbook [1] accessed in February 2006. ... APEC may refer to: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Action Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour Advanced Placement European Civilization Atlantic Provinces Economic Council This article consisting of a 4-letter acronym or initialism is a disambiguation page — a list of pages that otherwise might share the same title. ... The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organization of those developed countries that accept the principles of representative democracy and a free market economy. ... World Bank Group logo The World Bank Group (WBG) is a family of five international organizations responsible for providing finance and advice to countries for the purposes of economic development and eliminating poverty. ... The flag of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is the international organization entrusted with overseeing the global financial system by monitoring foreign exchange rates and balance of payments, as well as offering technical and financial assistance when asked. ... The CIA Seal The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is an American intelligence agency, responsible for obtaining and analyzing information about foreign governments, corporations, and individuals, and reporting such information to the various branches of the U.S. Government. ... Map of countries designated by the United States as major non-NATO allies Major non-NATO ally (MNNA) is a designation given by the United States government to exceptionally close allies who have close strategic working relationships with American forces but are not members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. ... This list of countries by size of armed forces displays national troop levels by active troop strength, number of Naval combatants and aircraft. ... Military spending in 2006, in billions of euros, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute and the European Defence Agency. ... N-11 nations in red The Next Eleven (or N-11) is a list of eleven countries named by Goldman Sachs investment bank on December 12, 2005 as having a high potential of becoming the worlds largest economies along with the BRICs, with promising outlooks for investment and future... Korean name Hangul: Skyline of Central, Hong Kongs financial centre (viewed from Victoria Peak, Hong Kong) Seoul, the capital of South Korea The skyline of Singapores town area at dusk. ... World map indicating Human Development Index (as of 2004). ... Miracle on the Han River (한강의 기적) is a catchphrase often used in South Korea and by scholars to describe the period of rapid economic growth that took place in South Korea following the Korean War up until the Asian Financial Crisis. ...  Newly industrialized countries  Other emerging markets  Other developing economies  High income  Upper-middle income  Lower-middle income  Low income A developing country is that country which has a relatively low standard of living, an undeveloped industrial base, and a moderate to low Human Development Index (HDI) score and per capita...

South Korea is leading several key industries in the world, particularly in the fields of science and technology.^[6] It has a very advanced and modern infrastructure^[7] and is a world leader in information technology such as electronics, semiconductors, LCD displays, computers and mobile phones, led by Samsung and LG. Home of the world's second largest oil refinery and the world's third largest steel producer, POSCO, it is the world's largest shipbuilder and one of the world's top five automobile producers, headed by Hyundai and Kia. It is also a leading country in engineering, construction, machinery, textiles, petrochemicals, biotechnology and robotics. An industry is generally any grouping of businesses that share a common method of generating profits, such as the movie industry, the automobile industry, or the cattle industry. It is also used specifically to refer to an area of economic production focused on manufacturing which involves large amounts of upfront... A magnet levitating above a high-temperature superconductor demonstrates the Meissner effect. ... By the mid 20th century humans had achieved a mastery of technology sufficient to leave the surface of the Earth for the first time and explore space. ... Information and communication technology spending in 2005 Information Technology (IT), as defined by the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), is the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware. ... Surface mount electronic components Electronics is the study of the flow of charge through various materials and devices such as semiconductors, resistors, inductors, capacitors, nano-structures and vacuum tubes. ... A semiconductor is a solid material that has electrical conductivity in between that of a conductor and that of an insulator; it can vary over that wide range either permanently or dynamically. ... LCD redirects here. ... This article is about the machine. ... The Samsung Group (Korean: 삼성그룹, Samseong Geurup) is South Koreas largest conglomerate (chaebol) and one of the largest super-multinationals in the world leading several major global industries. ... A leader in making and manufacturing Electronics LG redirects here. ... View of Shell Oil Refinery in Martinez, California. ... For other uses, see Steel (disambiguation). ... The Pohang Iron and Steel Company, or POSCO (KSE: 005490) (NYSE: PKX) (TYO: 5412 ) (LSE: PIDD), based in Pohang, South Korea, is the third largest steel producer in the world. ... Shipbuilding is the construction of ships. ... Car redirects here. ... The Hyundai Motor Company, a division of the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, is South Koreas largest and the worlds Sixth Largest Automaker. ... Kia redirects here. ... Engineering is the discipline and profession of applying scientific knowledge and utilizing natural laws and physical resources in order to design and implement materials, structures, machines, devices, systems, and processes that realize a desired objective and meet specified criteria. ... For other uses, see Construction (disambiguation). ... A machine is any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of tasks. ... For other uses, see Textile (disambiguation). ... Petrochemicals are chemical products made from raw materials of petroleum (hydrocarbon) origin. ... Insulin crystals Biotechnology is technology based on biology, especially when used in agriculture, food science, and medicine. ... The Shadow robot hand system holding a lightbulb. ...

Government

Main article: Government of South Korea

The National Assembly of South Korea in Seoul.

The government of South Korea is divided into three branches: executive, judicial, and legislative. The executive and legislative branches operate primarily at the national level, although various ministries in the executive branch also carry out local functions. Local governments are semi-autonomous, and contain executive and legislative bodies of their own. The judicial branch operates at both the national and local levels. The government of South Korea is divided into three branches: executive, judicial, and legislative. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 532 pixelsFull resolution (1280 × 851 pixel, file size: 210 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): South Korea National Assembly Building Metadata... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 800 × 532 pixelsFull resolution (1280 × 851 pixel, file size: 210 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): South Korea National Assembly Building Metadata... The National Assembly of South Korea is a 299-member[1] unicameral legislature. ... Short name Statistics Location map Map of location of Seoul. ... In the law, the judiciary or judicial system is the system of courts which administer justice in the name of the sovereign or state, a mechanism for the resolution of disputes. ... A Legislature is a type of representative deliberative assembly with the power to create, amend and ratify laws. ...

The South Korean government's structure is determined by the Constitution of the Republic of Korea. This document has been revised several times since its first promulgation in 1948 (see History of South Korea). However, it has retained many broad characteristics; with the exception of the short-lived Second Republic of South Korea, the country has always had a presidential system with an independent chief executive.^[8] The Constitution of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) is its basic law. ... The History of South Korea traces the development of South Korea from the division of the Korean Peninsula in 1945 to the present day. ... The Second Republic of South Korea was the government of South Korea for eight months in 1960 and 1961. ...

History

Before division

Main article: History of Korea

Tomb mural of Goguryeo, one of the three kingdoms of Korea.

Archeological findings indicate that the Korean Peninsula was occupied by humans as early in the Lower Paleolithic period. This article is about the history of Korea, up to the division of Korea in the 1940s. ... Image File history File links Goguryeo_tomb_mural. ... Image File history File links Goguryeo_tomb_mural. ... Chinese name Russian name Goguryeo or Koguryo was an ancient kingdom located in southern Manchuria, southern Russian Maritime province, and the northern and central parts of the Korean peninsula. ... This article is about the Korean Peninsula. ... The Lower Paleolithic (or Lower Palaeolithic) is the earliest subdivision of the Paleolithic or Old Stone Age. ...

Korea began with the founding of Joseon(The name Gojoseon is almost always used to prevent confusion with another Joseon dynasty founded in 14th century; the prefix Go- means 'old' or 'earlier') in 2333 BC by Dangun.^[9] Gojoseon expanded until it controlled much of the northern Korean peninsula and parts of Manchuria. After numerous wars with the Chinese Han Dynasty, Gojoseon disintegrated, leading to the Proto-Three Kingdoms of Korea period. Gojoseon was an ancient Korean kingdom. ... Dangun is the mythical founder of Korea. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Han Dynasty in 87 BC Capital Changan (206 BC–9 AD) Luoyang (25 AD–220 AD) Language(s) Chinese Religion Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Chinese folk religion Government Monarchy History  - Establishment 206 BC  - Battle of Gaixia; Han rule of China begins 202 BC  - Interruption of Han rule 9 - 24  - Abdication... Proto-Three Kingdoms of Korea (원삼국시대, 原三國時代) refers to the period after the fall of Gojoseon and before the maturation of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla into full-fledged kingdoms. ...

In the early centuries of the Common Era, Buyeo, Okjeo, Dongye, and the Samhan confederacy occupied the peninsula and southern Manchuria. Of the various small states, Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla grew to control the peninsula as the Three Kingdoms. Chinese name Buyeo, Puyo, or Fuyu was an ancient kingdom located in todays North Korea and southern Manchuria, from around the 2nd century BC to 494. ... Okjeo was a small tribal state which arose in the northern Korean peninsula from perhaps 2nd century BC to 5th century AD. Dong-okjeo (East Okjeo) occupied roughly the area of the Hamgyŏng provinces of North Korea, and Buk-okjeo (North Okjeo) occupied the Duman River region. ... Dongye was a state which occupied portions of the northeastern Korean peninsula from roughly 150 BCE to around 400 CE. It bordered Goguryeo and Okjeo to the north, Jinhan to the south, and Chinas Lelang Commandery to the west. ... During the Samhan period, the three confederacies of Mahan, Jinhan, and Byeonhan dominated the southern portion of the Korean peninsula. ... Chinese name Russian name Goguryeo or Koguryo was an ancient kingdom located in southern Manchuria, southern Russian Maritime province, and the northern and central parts of the Korean peninsula. ... Baekje (October 18 BCE–August 660 BCE), originally Sipje, was a kingdom in the southwest of the Korean Peninsula. ... For other uses, see Silla (disambiguation). ... The Three Kingdoms Period of Korea (hangul: 삼국시대) featured the three rival kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla, which dominated the Korean peninsula and parts of Manchuria for much of the 1st millennium CE. Historians claim that the Three Kingdoms period ran from the 1st century BCE (specifically 57 BC) until...

Introduction of Buddhism and other influences from China had profound effects on Korea, which later passed on, combined with Korean advances, to Japan.^{[10][11][12][13]} Buddhism, a Dharmic faith, is usually considered one of the worlds major religions, with between 230 to 500 million followers. ...

Bulguksa Temple, built during the Silla period, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Map of the Three Kingdoms of Korea at the end of the 5th century.

The unification of the Three Kingdoms by Silla in 676 led to the North-South States period, in which the much of the Korean peninsula was controlled by Unified Silla, while Balhae succeeded the northern parts of Goguryeo. In Unified Silla, poetry and art was encouraged, and Buddhist culture flourished. Relationships between Korea and China remained relatively peaceful during this time. However, Unified Silla weakened under internal strife, and surrendered to Goryeo in 935. Balhae, Silla's neighbor to the north, was formed as a successor state to Goguryeo. During its height, Balhae controlled most of Manchuria and parts of Russia. It fell to the Khitan in 926. http://www. ... http://www. ... Bulguksa is a Buddhist temple in the North Gyeongsang province in South Korea. ... For other uses, see Silla (disambiguation). ... Org type Specialized Agency Acronyms UNESCO Head Director General of UNESCO Koïchiro Matsuura Japan Status Active Established 1945 Website www. ... A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a specific site (such as a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, complex, or city) that has been nominated and confirmed for inclusion on the list maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 State... Download high resolution version (658x827, 14 KB) File links The following pages link to this file: Three Kingdoms of Korea User:Chris 73/Gallery 003 Talk:Tsushima Islands/Archive 1 ... Download high resolution version (658x827, 14 KB) File links The following pages link to this file: Three Kingdoms of Korea User:Chris 73/Gallery 003 Talk:Tsushima Islands/Archive 1 ... The Three Kingdoms Period of Korea (hangul: 삼국시대) featured the three rival kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla, which dominated the Korean peninsula and parts of Manchuria for much of the 1st millennium CE. Historians claim that the Three Kingdoms period ran from the 1st century BCE (specifically 57 BC) until... Unified Silla (668CE–935CE) is the name often applied to the kingdom of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, after 668, when it conquered Baekje to unify the southern portion of the Korean peninsula. ... Unified Silla (668CE–935CE) is the name often applied to the kingdom of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, after 668, when it conquered Baekje to unify the southern portion of the Korean peninsula. ... Korean name Hangul: Hanja: Alternate meaning: Bohai Sea Balhae (698 - 926) (Bohai in Chinese) was an ancient multiethnic kingdom established after the fall of Goguryeo. ... Unified Silla (668CE–935CE) is the name often applied to the kingdom of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, after 668, when it conquered Baekje to unify the southern portion of the Korean peninsula. ... Taegeuk is a traditional symbol of Korea Capital Gaegyeong Language(s) Korean Religion Buddhism Government Monarchy Wang  - 918 - 946 Taejo  - 949 - 975 Gwangjong  - 1259 - 1274 Wonjong  - 1351 - 1374 Gongmin Historical era 918 - 1392  - Later Three Kingdoms rise 892  - Coronation of Taejo June 15, 918  - Korea-Khitan Wars 993 - 1019  - Mongolian... Korean name Hangul: Hanja: Alternate meaning: Bohai Sea Balhae (698 - 926) (Bohai in Chinese) was an ancient multiethnic kingdom established after the fall of Goguryeo. ... Chinese name Russian name Goguryeo or Koguryo was an ancient kingdom located in southern Manchuria, southern Russian Maritime province, and the northern and central parts of the Korean peninsula. ...

After the North-South Period, successor states fought for control during the Later Three Kingdoms period. The peninsula was soon united by Wang Geon of Goryeo. Like Silla, Goryeo was a highly cultural state and created the Jikji in 1377, using the world's oldest movable metal printing press.^{[14][dead link]} The Later Three Kingdoms of Korea (892-936) consisted of Silla, Hubaekje (later Baekje), and Taebong (also known as Hugoguryeo, or Later Goguryeo). ... Birth name Posthumous name Taejo of Goryeo (January 31, 877-July 4, 943, r. ... Taegeuk is a traditional symbol of Korea Capital Gaegyeong Language(s) Korean Religion Buddhism Government Monarchy Wang  - 918 - 946 Taejo  - 949 - 975 Gwangjong  - 1259 - 1274 Wonjong  - 1351 - 1374 Gongmin Historical era 918 - 1392  - Later Three Kingdoms rise 892  - Coronation of Taejo June 15, 918  - Korea-Khitan Wars 993 - 1019  - Mongolian... Jikji is the abbreviated title of a Buddhist document, whose full title can be translated Baegun Hwasangs Anthology of the Great Priests Teachings on Identification of the Buddha’s Spirit by the Practice of Seon. ... The printing press is a mechanical device for printing many copies of a text on rectangular sheets of paper. ...

The Mongol invasions in the 13th century greatly weakened Goryeo. However, Goryeo continued to rule Korea as a tributary ally to the Mongols. After the fall of the Mongolian Empire (Yuan Dynasty), Goryeo continued its rule. After severe political strife and continued invasions, Goryeo was replaced by the Joseon Dynasty in 1388 following a rebellion by General Yi Seong-gye. The Mongol invasions of Korea consisted of a series of campaigns by the Mongol Empire against Korea, then known as Koryo, from 1231 to 1259. ... Capital Dadu Language(s) Mongolian Chinese Government Monarchy Emperor  - 1260-1294 Kublai Khan  - 1333-1370 (Cont. ... Joseon redirects here. ... Taejo of Joseon (1335-1408; r. ...

Royal march of the Joseon Dynasty at Gyeongbokgung

General Yi declared the new name of Korea as Joseon in reference to Gojoseon, and moved the capital to Seoul. The first 200 years of the Joseon Dynasty was marked by relative peace and saw the creation of hangul by King Sejong the Great in the 14 century and the rise and influence of Confucianism. Image File history File linksMetadata Gyeonbokgung-March-01. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Gyeonbokgung-March-01. ... Gojoseon was an ancient Korean kingdom. ... Short name Statistics Location map Map of location of Seoul. ... Jamo redirects here. ... Birth name Sejong the Great (May 6, 1397 – May 18, 1450, r. ... A Confucian temple in Wuwei, Peoples Republic of China. ...

In the latter of the 16th century, Joseon was invaded by a newly unified Japan. During the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598), centuries of peace had left the dynasty unprepared, and the lack of technology and poor leadership from the Joseon government and generals led to the destruction of much of the Korean peninsula. However, continued Korean dominance at sea led by Admiral Yi, the rise of local militias, and the intervention of Ming China put Japan under great pressure to retreat in 1598. Belligerents Korea under the Joseon Dynasty, China under the Ming Dynasty, Jianzhou Jurchens Japan under Toyotomi Hideyoshi Commanders Korea King Seonjo Crown Prince Gwanghae Yi Sun-sin†, Gwon Yul, Yu Seong-ryong, Yi Eok-gi†, Won Gyun†, Kim Myeong-won, Yi Il, Sin Rip†, Gwak Jae-u, Kim Si-min... King Seonjo ruled in Korea between 1567 and 1608. ... This is a Korean name; the family name is Yi Pen name Yi Sun-sin (April 28, 1545 – December 16, 1598), also commonly transliterated Yi Soon-shin, was a Korean naval leader noted for his victories against the Japanese navy during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598) during the... For other uses, see Ming. ...

Today, Admiral Yi is celebrated as one of Korea's foremost heroes and his turtle ships, used with great success against the Japanese, are considered the world's first ironclad warships, although lack of hard evidence of iron plating sparks much debate. The turtle ship (also known as Geobukseon or Kobukson by its Korean name) was a large warship belonging to the Panokseon class in Korea that was used under the Joseon Dynasty between the 15th century and 18th century. ... Ironclad (and broadside ironclad) redirects here. ...

Map of Korea during 18th century.

During the last years of the Joseon Dynasty, Korea's isolationist policy earned it the name the "Hermit Kingdom", primarily for protection against Western imperialism. Download high resolution version (700x1267, 393 KB) File links The following pages link to this file: Gando Categories: Public domain images ... Download high resolution version (700x1267, 393 KB) File links The following pages link to this file: Gando Categories: Public domain images ... Hermit kingdom is a term applied to any country or society which walls itself off (metaphorically or physically) from the rest of the world. ... For the computer game, see Imperialism (computer game). ...

After division

Main article: History of South Korea

In the aftermath of World War II, Soviet Union and United States troops controlled the northern and southern halves of the country respectively. The two Cold War rivals established governments sympathetic to their own ideologies, leading to Korea's division into two political entities: North Korea and South Korea. The History of South Korea traces the development of South Korea from the division of the Korean Peninsula in 1945 to the present day. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... For other uses, see Cold War (disambiguation). ...

A sculpture at the Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall.

Despite the initial plan of a unified Korea in the 1943 Cairo Declaration, escalating Cold War antagonism eventually led to the establishment of two separate governments: the communist North and the capitalist South. In the North, a former anti-Japanese guerilla and communist activist, Kim Il-sung^[15] and in the South, freshly shipped from America, Syngman Rhee were installed as presidents.^[16] Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 450 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1536 × 2048 pixel, file size: 1. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 450 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1536 × 2048 pixel, file size: 1. ... The Cairo Declaration was an statement released at Cairo, Egypt on December 1, 1943 by President Franklin Roosevelt of the United States, Prime Minister Winston Churchill of the United Kingdom, and Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek of the Republic of China. ... For other uses, see Cold War (disambiguation). ... Kim Il-sung (15 April 1912 – 8 July 1994) was the leader of North Korea from its founding in early 1948 until his death, when he was succeeded by his son Kim Jong-il. ... This is a Korean name; the family name is Rhee Syngman Rhee or Lee Seungman or Yee Sung-man (March 26, 1875 – July 19, 1965) was the first president of South Korea. ...

On June 25, 1950, North Korea invaded the South leading to the Korean War. The Soviet boycott of the United Nations at the time, and therefore, no veto, allowed the UN to intervene when it became apparent that the superior communist forces would easily take over the entire country. The Soviet Union and China backed North Korea, with the later participation of millions of Chinese troops. After huge advances on both sides, the war eventually reached a stalemate. The 1953 armistice, never signed by South Korea, split the peninsula along the demilitarized zone near the original demarcation line. No peace treaty was ever signed, and the two countries are still technically at war.^[17] is the 176th day of the year (177th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1950 (MCML) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Belligerents United Nations: Republic of Korea Australia Belgium Canada Colombia Ethiopia France Greece Luxembourg Netherlands New Zealand Philippines South Africa Thailand Turkey United Kingdom United States Naval Support and Military Servicing/Repairs: Japan Medical staff: Denmark Italy Norway India Sweden DPR Korea PR China Soviet Union Commanders Syngman Rhee Chung... UN redirects here. ... For Panmunjom or Joint Security Area, see Joint Security Area. ...

In 1960, a student uprising led to the resignation of the autocratic and corrupt President Syngman Rhee. A period of profound civil unrest and general political instability followed, broken by General Park Chung-hee's military coup (the "5.16 coup d'état") against the weak and ineffectual government the next year. Park took over as president until his assassination in 1979, overseeing rapid export-led economic growth as well as severe political repression. Park is heavily criticized as a ruthless military dictator, although the Korean economy developed significantly during his tenure. The April Revolution, sometimes called the April 19th Revolution was a popular uprising in April 1950, led by labor and student groups, which overthrew the autocratic First Republic of South Korea under Syngman Rhee. ... This is a Korean name; the family name is Rhee Syngman Rhee or Lee Seungman or Yee Sung-man (March 26, 1875 – July 19, 1965) was the first president of South Korea. ... This is a Korean name; the family name is Park Park Chung-hee (November 14, 1917 – October 26, 1979) was a former ROK Army general and the leader of the Republic of Korea from 1961 to 1979. ... The Supreme Council for National Reconstruction, initially named the Revolutionary Committee, was a group of Korean officials. ... Export-oriented Industrialization is a trade and economic policy aiming to speed-up the industrialization process of a country through exporting goods for which the nation has a comparative advantage. ...

The years after Park's assassination were marked by, again, considerable political turmoil as the previously repressed opposition leaders all campaigned to run for president in the sudden political void. In 1980, there was a coup d'état, by General Chun Doo-hwan against the transitional government of Choi Gyu Ha, the interim president and a former prime minister under Park. Chun assumed the presidency. His seizure of power triggered nationwide protest demanding democracy, in particular the city of Gwangju, in Jeollanam-do where Chun sent in special forces to violently suppress the city, in what is now known as the Gwangju Massacre. Coup redirects here. ... This is a Korean name; the family name is Chun Chun Doo Hwan (born 18 January 1931) was former ROK Army general and the President of South Korea from 1980 to 1988. ... The Coup détat of December Twelfth or the 12/12 Incident was a military coup détat taken place on December 12, 1979 in South Korea. ... Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla) is a province in the southwest of South Korea. ... The Gwangju Democratization Movement (Korean: ) refers to the violent suppression of a popular uprising in the city of Gwangju, South Korea from May 18 to May 27, 1980. ...

Until 1987, he and his government held Korea under despotic rule when Park Jong Chul — a student attending Seoul National University — was tortured to death.^[18] The Catholic Priests' Association for Justice revealed that Park was tortured, igniting huge demonstrations around the country. The demonstrations snowballed when another student from Yonsei University, Lee Han Yeol, was killed by a police-fired tear gas bomb while he was demonstrating against the military government. The period of resistance is called the Resistance of June when all joined the national movement. Eventually, Chun's party, the Democratic Justice Party, and its leader, Roh Tae-woo announced the June 29th Declaration, which included the direct election of the president.^[19] Not to be confused with the University of Seoul. ... Yonsei University is a private university located in Seoul, South Korea. ... Noh Tae-woo (born December 4, 1932 in Daegu, South Korea), is a former Korean general and politician. ...

A partial view of Southern Seoul.

Today, South Korea is a liberal democracy, with universal suffrage at age 19. The CIA World Factbook calls it a, "fully functioning modern democracy".^[20] However, The Economist described the country as a "Flawed Democracy".^[21] Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 521 pixelsFull resolution (1024 × 667 pixel, file size: 903 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg)A partial scenery aside Han River I, the copyright holder of this work, hereby grant the permission to copy, distribute and/or modify this document... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 521 pixelsFull resolution (1024 × 667 pixel, file size: 903 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg)A partial scenery aside Han River I, the copyright holder of this work, hereby grant the permission to copy, distribute and/or modify this document... Liberal democracy is a form of government. ... The World Factbook is an annual publication by the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States with basic almanac-style information about the various countries of the world. ... The Economist is an English-language weekly news and international affairs publication owned by The Economist Newspaper Ltd and edited in London. ...

In 1988, Seoul hosted the 1988 Summer Olympics, a cause of both national and international celebration in contrast to great turmoil of the past. In 1996, South Korea became a member of the OECD, a testament to further economic growth. As with many of its Asian neighbors, South Korea suffered the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, but the country was able to re-emerge and continue its growth towards a major economic power after a swift recovery.^[22] Johnson winning the 100 m final The 1988 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIV Olympiad, were the Summer Olympic Games celebrated in 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. ... The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), (in French: Organisation de coopération et de développement économiques; OCDE) is an international organisation of thirty countries that accept the principles of representative democracy and a free market economy. ... The East Asian Financial Crisis was a period of economic unrest (or financial contagion) that started in July 1997 in Thailand with the financial collapse of the Thai Baht, and affected currencies, stock markets, and other asset prices in a number of Asian countries. ...

In June 2000, as part of South Korean president Kim Dae-jung's Sunshine Policy of engagement, a North-South summit took place in Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea. That year, Former President Kim received the Nobel Peace Prize "for his work for democracy and human rights in South Korea and in East Asia in general, and for peace and reconciliation with North Korea in particular."^[23] Kim Dae-jung (born December 3, 1925) is a South Korean politician. ... The Sunshine Policy was the South Korean doctrine towards North Korea until Lee Myung-baks election to presidency. ... Inter-Korean Summits are meetings between the leaders of North Korea and South Korea. ... Not to be confused with PyeongChang. ... The Nobel Peace Prize (Swedish, Danish and Norwegian: Nobels fredspris) is the name of one of five Nobel Prizes bequeathed by the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel. ...

In 2004, South Korea joined the "trillion dollar club" of world economies.^[24]

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of South Korea

US President George W. Bush and former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun in 2005 at the 17th APEC meeting.

The foreign relations of South Korea are dominated by its relationships with its neighbors North Korea, China, Japan, and with the United States. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Roh_Moo-hyun_&_GW_Bush,_APEC_2005-Nov-17. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Roh_Moo-hyun_&_GW_Bush,_APEC_2005-Nov-17. ... George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the forty-third and current President of the United States of America, originally inaugurated on January 20, 2001. ... This is a Korean name; the family name is Roh Roh Moo-hyun (IPA: ) (born September 1, 1946 in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang, South Korea) is the President of South Korea. ... APEC redirects here. ...

United States

The United States of America engaged in decolonization of Korea (Mainly South, Soviet Union engaged North Korea) from Japan after World War II. After 3 years of Military administration by U.S. , South Korean government was established. During Korean War U.S. sent Troops to S. Korea to protect them from invasion of N. Korea and later China. Since then, the two nations have strong economic, diplomatic and military ties, though they at times disagreed with regards to policies towards North Korea. Currently, 2nd Infantry Division of U.S Army resides in South Korea. In April 2007, Korea concluded a Free Trade Agreement with the United States, but that agreement still awaits ratification by the legislatures of both countries. Belligerents United Nations: Republic of Korea Australia Belgium Canada Colombia Ethiopia France Greece Luxembourg Netherlands New Zealand Philippines South Africa Thailand Turkey United Kingdom United States Naval Support and Military Servicing/Repairs: Japan Medical staff: Denmark Italy Norway India Sweden DPR Korea PR China Soviet Union Commanders Syngman Rhee Chung... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...

China

Historically, Korea had relatively close relations with China. Before the formation of South Korea, Korean independence fighters also worked with Chinese soldiers during the period of Japanese occupation. However, after World War II, the Chinese embraced Maoism while South Korea became a representative democracy under the influence of the United States. The People's Republic of China assisted North Korea with manpower and supplies during the Korean War, and in its aftermath the diplomatic relationship between South Korea and China almost completely ceased. Relations thawed gradually however, and South Korea and China re-established formal diplomatic relations on August 24, 1992. The two countries sought to improve bilateral relations and lifted the forty-year old trade embargo, and^[25] Korea-China relations have improved steadily since 1992.^[26] Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... Ideologies Communist internationals Prominent communists Related subjects Communism Portal Maoism or Mao Zedong Thought (traditional Chinese: ; simplified Chinese: ; pinyin: ), is a variant of Communism derived from the teachings of the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong (Wade-Giles Romanization: Mao Tse-tung).