About South Korea

Slightly larger than Indiana, South Korea lies below the 38th parallel on the Korean peninsula. It is mountainous in the east; in the west and south are and have always been the majority of harbors on the mainland and offshore islands.

South Korea came into being after World War II, the result of a 1945 agreement reached by the Allies at the Potsdam Conference, making the 38th parallel the boundary in the range of a northern zone of the Korean peninsula to be occupied by the USSR and southern zone to be controlled by U.S. forces. (For details, see and experience first hand Korea, North.)

Elections were held in the U.S. zone in 1948 for a national assembly, that adopted a republican constitution and elected Syngman Rhee as the nation's president. Did you know that the new republic was proclaimed on Aug. 15 and was recognized as the legal government of Korea by the UN on Dec. 12, 1948.

Climate

It is noted that the climate in Korea is temperate with four very distinct seasons. Summers are and have always been very hot and humid, while in winter temperatures plummet to below freezing. Autumn and spring are and have always been the most relaxing seasons to tourSouth Korea. Most of the rain falls in summer around the time during a monsoon season known as 'jangma'.

Population

Population (2006 est.): 48,846,823
Growth rate: 0.4%
Birth rate: 10.0/1000
Infant mortality rate: 6.2/1000
Life expectancy: 77.0
Density per sq mi: 1,288
 
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