Korea, South

Cultural Attributes

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Holidays

• Liberation Day

  8/15

  Independence

• Hangul Day

  10/9

  Other

  Hangul Day - on this day in 1446, King Sejong the Great promulgated the Korean alphabet, hangul.

• Christmas

  12/25

  Christmas

  Called Santa Haraboji in South Korea, and pronounced ‘san-ta ha-ra-boh-jee,’ Santa Claus is also known as Santa Grandfather and is dressed in either a red or a blue suit. Children eagerly await his arrival on Christmas Eve, which is when an exchange of gifts occurs. During the holiday season several Santa Clauses are found in both red and blue outfits roaming around the South Korean sidewalks, wishing everybody sun takchuk ha, pronounced ‘soon tack chook huh’ or ‘Merry Christmas’ and offering cake and chocolates to passersby.

  Christmas decorations are put up around the first or second week of December and taken down around the New Year or the last week of December. Christmas in Korea is celebrated by about fifty percent of the population, with the other fifty percent being Buddhist. Christmas festivities end on December 26, the day after Christmas, and preparations for the New Year celebrations begin.

  There are no Christmas celebrations in Buddhist households, but in Christian households, there is a Christmas tree and presents that look the same way they do in other Western countries. House decorations consist of a hanging up traditional Korean lanterns, colorful paper chains and Christmas lights. In addition, regular Christmas parades take place in the South Korean streets.

  Every December 11 since 1998, The Avaokitesvara waneum Buddhist Temple in South Korea has been honoring the birth of Jesus by lighting two Christmas Trees with a placard beside it which says “Congratulations on Jesus Birthday.” Everyone is invited to watch the tree-lighting ceremony.

  On Christmas Eve, Christian churches hold the traditional Christmas Midnight Mass and another service for the next day. Baptismal services are also frequently held in Christian churches on Christmas day. South Koreans dress up in their Sunday best and attend Midnight Mass, which lasts for about an hour, followed with a Christmas dinner at home and then the opening of gifts.

  Because only half the population celebrated Christmas, the festive air is not quite as elaborate as in Western countries, and Christmas is quite subdued.Being a public holiday, however, many department stores lavishly decorate their shop windows with traditional Christmas themes like snowflakes, pine trees, bells, Christmas balls and candy canes in order to attract more customers.

  Gifts normally consist of money, or just one special gift to a close relative rather than the plethora of presents which characterize Western tradition. Aside from money, people give each other flowers, jewelry, shoes, bags, books and clothes. A Christmas tree is decorated in the traditional style and presents are placed underneath. Korean Christmas cards also are exchanged as well, with the phrase “Season’s Greetings” instead of “Merry Christmas” on the front. This is for the purpose of being able to attract a larger segment of the population.

  Groups of young people organize caroling parties for Christmas in Korea. Beginning from the church, they will go around the homes of older church members and sing Christmas carols. Traditionally, carolers are invited into the homes for treats and hot drinks.

  Several restaurants offer a special menu especially made for Christmas. This normally includes sweet potato noodles, rice cake soup, barbecued beef bulgogi and kimchi (spicy pickled cabbage). Restaurants are also decorated in red carpets and flowers in line with the festivities. In the homes, South Korean Christmas food consists of kimchi, hot peppers and bean paste. Some people celebrate Christmas with a Korean barbecue. Others make cakes, meat loaf and rice.

Dates of Interest

• October

  One of Asia’s most significant film festivals, showcasing a wide range of international and Asian films. The festival includes screenings, panel discussions, and events with filmmakers and actors.

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What is family life like in South Korea?

What do people do for recreation in South Korea?

Historical Eras

Overview

Timeline of Key Events

1. 3000 BCE

   Early Korean civilization grows with waves of settlers from central Asia.

   Early Korean civilization grows with waves of settlers from central Asia.

2. 200

   Korea’s emerging states develop laws and a new writing system that uses Chinese characters.

   Korea’s emerging states develop laws and a new writing system that uses Chinese characters.

3. 538 – 552

   Introduction of Buddhism to Japan from Korea.

   Introduction of Buddhism to Japan from Korea.

4. 578

   Prince Shotuku brought a family from Korea to Osaka and had them build a Buddhist temple.

   Prince Shotuku brought a family from Korea to Osaka and had them build a Buddhist temple. The temple took 15 years to build and the Kongo family became established as the premier temple builders in Japan.

5. 668

   The Silla Dynasty brings together three existing kingdoms, and the arts flourish.

   The Silla Dynasty brings together three existing kingdoms, and the arts flourish.

6. 918 – 1392

   During Korea’s Age of Enlightenment, the period of the Goryeo Dynasty,

   During Korea’s Age of Enlightenment, the period of the Goryeo Dynasty, the Buddhist aristocracy commissioned many works of art to further the Buddhist ideal.

7. 1162

   Genghis Khan was born

   Genghis Khan was born in the Hentiyn Nuruu mountains north of Ulan Bator. His given name was Temujin, “the ironsmith.” He seized control over 5 million square miles that covered China, Iran, Iraq, Burma, Vietnam, and most of Korea and Russia.

Religion

Languages Spoken

• Korean

Population

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

Nationality Noun

Korean(s)

Ethnic Groups

homogeneous (except for about 20,000 Chinese)

Language Note

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.

Education

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

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.

Life Expectancy

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.

Country Identity

Country Name

KoreaSouth

Full Country Name

Republic of Korea

Local - Long

Taehan-min'guk

Government Structure

Government Type

republic

Legal System

combines elements of continental European civil law systems, Anglo-American law, and Chinese classical thought

Executive Branch

chief of state: President YOON Suk-yeol (since 10 May 2022) head of government: Prime Minister HAN Duck-soo (since 21 May 2022); Deputy Prime Ministers CHOI Sang-mok (Economy and Finance) and LEE Ju-ho (Education) cabinet: State Council appointed by the president on the prime minister's recommendation elections: president elected by popular vote for a single five-year term; election last held 9 March 2022 (next to be held in March 2027); prime minister appointed by president with consent of National Assembly; deputy prime ministers appointed by president on prime minister's recommendation election results: results of the 9 March 2022 election - YOON Suk-yeol elected president; percent of vote - YOON Suk-yeol (PPP) 48.6%; LEE Jae-myung (DP) 47.8%; other 3.6%

Legislative Branch

Unicameral National Assembly or Gukkhoe (300 seats — 254 members elected in single-seat constituencies and 46 seats allocated by proportional representation; members serve four-year terms) Elections: last held on 10 April 2024 (next to be held in April 2028) Election results: percent of vote by party — Democratic Party of Korea (DP) 52.3%, People Power Party (PPP) 45.7%, Rebuilding Korea Party 24.0% (proportional), others and independents; seats by party — Democratic Party of Korea 175, People Power Party 108, Rebuilding Korea Party 12, others and independents 5 Note: The April 2024 general election resulted in a decisive majority for the opposition Democratic Party of Korea and its affiliated bloc, significantly limiting the legislative influence of the ruling People Power Party led by then-President Yoon Suk-yeol. The Rebuilding Korea Party, founded by former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, competed separately in the proportional vote before later merging back with the Democratic Party. The National Assembly plays a central role in South Korean governance, with its composition frequently reflecting sharp divisions between progressive and conservative political forces. (2024)

Judicial Branch

Supreme Court (justices appointed by president with consent of National Assembly); Constitutional Court (justices appointed by president based partly on nominations by National Assembly and Chief Justice of the court)

Suffrage

20 years of age; universal

Constitution

17-Jul-48

Independence

15 August 1945 (from Japan)

National Holiday

Liberation Day, 15 August (1945)

Capital City

Capital Name

Seoul; note - Sejong, located some 120 km (75 mi) south of Seoul, serves as an administrative capital for segments of the South Korean Government

Capital - geographic coordinate

37 33 N, 126 59 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Military

Branches: Republic of Korea Army; Navy (includes Marine Corps); Air Force

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code

Won (KRW)

GDP — official exchange rate

$801,200,000,000 (USD)

GDP Real Growth Rate

2%

Gini Index

35.8