People and Society of Korea, South

Nationality

Korean(s)

Ethnic Groups

homogeneous (except for about 20,000 Chinese)

Population

51,712,619

Population in Major Urban Areas

SEOUL (capital) 9.736 million; Busan (Pusan) 3.372 million; Incheon (Inch'on) 2.622 million; Daegu (Taegu) 2.447 million; Daejon (Taejon) 1.538 million; Gwangju (Kwangju) 1.503 million

Hospitals in the Republic of Korea are generally well-equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. High quality general and specialty dental care is available in Seoul. Western-style medical facilities are available in major urban areas of Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and a few other large cities. However, not all doctors and staff in these major urban areas are proficient in English. Most clinics in rural areas do not have an English-speaking doctor. A list of hospitals and medical specialists who speak English is available at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. Pharmacies are first-rate, and most prescribed medications, except psychotropic medications, can be obtained with a prescription. See information on importing prescription medication in the section on Special Circumstances under Customs Regulations. ROK ambulances do not carry sophisticated medical equipment, and the ambulance personnel do not have the same level of emergency medical training as do those in the United States. However, ambulances operated by the fire department (dial 119) will respond very quickly and take patients to the nearest hospital.

Life Expectancy at Birth

South Korea consistently ranks among the top nations in the world for life expectancy, reflecting decades of investment in healthcare infrastructure, public health initiatives, and rising living standards. As of the most recent available data, the average life expectancy at birth in South Korea is approximately 83–84 years overall, with women living to around 86–87 years and men to approximately 80–81 years. These figures place South Korea well above the global average and on par with countries like Japan, Switzerland, and Australia. Several factors contribute to this impressive longevity. South Korea operates a universal healthcare system known as the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), which was established in 1977 and expanded to cover the entire population by 1989. This system provides broad access to medical services, preventive care, and screenings, helping to catch and treat diseases early. The country also boasts a high density of hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals relative to its population. Diet plays a significant role as well. Traditional Korean cuisine is rich in vegetables, fermented foods such as kimchi, and lean proteins, which are associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease and obesity compared to many Western nations. South Korea's obesity rate remains among the lowest in the OECD, which directly contributes to better long-term health outcomes. However, South Korea faces evolving health challenges. Smoking rates among men, though declining, have historically been high, and the country has some of the longest average working hours in the developed world, contributing to elevated stress levels. Mental health issues, including high suicide rates particularly among older adults and young people, represent a significant public health concern that policymakers are actively working to address. Life expectancy has grown substantially over the past several decades. In 1960, the average life expectancy in South Korea was just over 50 years, underscoring the remarkable transformation the country has undergone through economic development, improved nutrition, and modern medical care. Projections suggest South Korean women may be among the first in the world to achieve an average life expectancy exceeding 90 years by the middle of the 21st century.

Infant Mortality Rate

South Korea stands out as one of the global leaders in infant health outcomes, consistently ranking among the countries with the lowest infant mortality rates in the world. As of the most recent available data, South Korea's infant mortality rate is approximately 2.5 to 3 deaths per 1,000 live births, placing it well below the global average of roughly 27 deaths per 1,000 live births. This achievement reflects decades of sustained investment in public health infrastructure, universal healthcare coverage, and high standards of prenatal and neonatal care. South Korea's national health insurance system, which covers nearly the entire population, ensures that expectant mothers have broad access to prenatal screenings, skilled birth attendants, and hospital-based deliveries. The vast majority of births in South Korea take place in medical facilities staffed by trained healthcare professionals, a factor strongly correlated with lower infant mortality. Improvements in maternal nutrition, widespread vaccination programs, and advances in neonatal intensive care have all contributed to the country's strong performance. South Korea has also invested significantly in public health education, helping parents recognize warning signs in newborns and seek timely medical attention. Historically, South Korea's infant mortality rate was considerably higher in the mid-20th century, particularly during and after the Korean War period. Rapid economic development beginning in the 1960s and 1970s, combined with expanding healthcare access and rising living standards, drove dramatic improvements over subsequent decades. By the 1990s, the country had already achieved infant mortality rates comparable to many high-income Western nations. South Korea's low infant mortality rate is also closely tied to its overall strong performance on broader health indicators, including high life expectancy, low rates of communicable disease, and a well-educated population. Continued attention to maternal and child health remains a priority within the country's public health policy, even as policymakers increasingly focus on challenges posed by a rapidly aging population and declining birth rate.

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

• no affiliation46.0%
• Buddhist26.0%
• Christian26.0%
• Confucianist1.0%
• Other1.0%

Korean

Korean is spoken in both North and South Korea and is written in a phonetic alphabet created and promulgated in the mid-15th century. While the alphabet is called Hangul in South Korea, it is known as Chosongul in North Korea. Although the Korean language is replete with words adapted from Chinese, the North Koreans, unlike the South Koreans, do not use Chinese characters with Chosongul in their newspapers and publications. They prefer to use only Chosongul, which is sufficient for most needs. There are also some differences in vocabulary between the North and the South, influenced somewhat by politics and also by the contact each country has had with other nations. Russian, Chinese, and English are taught as second languages in the schools.

• Korean

Crime Information

The crime rate in the Republic of Korea is low. The crimes that occurmost frequently(e.g., pick-pocketing, purse snatching, assault, hotel room and residential crime)occur more often in major metropolitan areas, tourist areas, and crowded markets. Please use caution in all crowded entertainment, nightlife, and shopping districts throughout Korea. Exercise caution when traveling alone at night and use only legitimate taxis or public transportation. Reduce the likelihood of becoming a crime victim by exercising the same type of security precautions you would take when visiting any large city in the United States. Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only is buying bootleg goods illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law, too.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws, even if you are a U.S. citizen. Persons violating the Republic of Korea’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the Republic of Korea can be severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences, heavy fines, and deportation at the end of their sentence. U.S. citizens in the Republic of Korea have been arrested for past use of illegal drugs based on evidence from urine tests and hair sampling. ROK authorities frequently arrest U.S. citizens on drug charges based on suspicious packages sent through the mail or information provided by other persons charged with drug possession or use. Several U.S. citizens have been arrested after accepting international mail packages that contained marijuana-laced items. ROK authorities thoroughly screen international mail for illegal items and substances. See also information on drugs in the section on Special Circumstances under Customs Regulations. Engaging in illicit sexual conduct or using or disseminating child pornography is a crime in the Republic of Korea, but it is also prosecutable in the United States.