People & place
515 /km² across 100,450 km²
South Korea has a recorded population of 51,751,065 and a reported surface area of 100,450 km².
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Eastern AsiaSouth Korea
대한민국
South Korea is a country or territory in Eastern Asia. Its capital is Seoul.
- Population
- 51.8M515 /km²
- Surface area
- 100,450 km²
- GDP
- $1.88T$36K per capita
- Capital
- Seoul
South Korea is located in Eastern Asia, and its capital is Seoul. It has a population of approximately 51,751,065 and covers an area of about 100,450 km². Its official currency is the Won (KRW).
What stands out
Economic snapshot
$1.88 trillion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $1.88 trillion and GDP per capita at $36,239 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Practical reference
Won (KRW)
South Korea uses Won (KRW), calling code +82, internet domain .kr.
About South Korea
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a sovereign state in East Asia constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula.
South Korea is a mountainous country, with most of its area covered by mountains. It is bordered by North Korea to the north, the East Sea (Sea of Japan) to the east, the East China Sea to the south, and the Yellow Sea to the west. The climate is temperate with four distinct seasons.
South Korean culture is a rich blend of traditional Confucian values and modern Western influences. It is famous for its vibrant pop culture (K-pop, K-dramas), advanced technology, delicious cuisine (kimchi, bulgogi), and unique etiquette.
Korea has a long and complex history dating back thousands of years. After centuries of kingdoms and dynasties, Korea was colonized by Japan in 1910. Following World War II, Korea was divided into North and South, and the Korean War (1950-1953) solidified this division.
Key facts
- Capital: Seoul
- Official Language: Korean
- Currency: South Korean Won (KRW)
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Country data & reference
Capital
Seoul
Population
51,751,065 (515 /km²)
Surface Area
100,450 km²
GDP
$1.88 trillion (2024)
GDP per Capita
$36,239 (2024)
Region / Subregion
Native Name
대한민국
Nationality
South Korean
Currency
Won (KRW - ₩)Phone Code
+82
Top-Level Domain
.kr
ISO Codes
KR / KOR
Coordinates
37, 127.5
Time zones
- Asia/Seoul (UTC+09:00)
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
17 divisions. Search by name or browse below.
Provinces in South Korea
Special self-governing cities in South Korea
Special cities in South Korea
South Korea: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of South Korea?
The capital of South Korea is Seoul.
What is the population of South Korea?
South Korea has a recorded population of approximately 51,751,065 people.
How big is South Korea?
South Korea covers an area of about 100,450 km².
What is the population density of South Korea?
South Korea has a population density of roughly 515 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of South Korea?
South Korea has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $1.88 trillion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of South Korea?
South Korea has a GDP per capita of approximately $36,239.
What currency is used in South Korea?
South Korea uses the Won (KRW), with the symbol ₩.
Where is South Korea located?
South Korea is located in Eastern Asia, Asia.
What is the native name of South Korea?
The native name of South Korea is 대한민국.
What are people from South Korea called?
People from South Korea are referred to as South Korean.
What is the phone calling code for South Korea?
The international dialing code for South Korea is +82.
What is the internet domain for South Korea?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for South Korea is .kr.
What time zone is South Korea in?
South Korea uses the Asia/Seoul time zone.
What is South Korea known for?
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a sovereign state in East Asia constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula.
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