South Korea

A L L A B O U T S O U T H K O R E A
Geography of South Korea
Geography
South Korea is located in East Asia, on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula
located out from the far east of the Asian landmass. Geographically, South Korea's landmass
is approximately 100,032 square kilometers (38,623 sq mi). 290 square kilometers (110
sq mi) of South Korea are occupied by water.
Climate
South Korea’s climate is characterized by a cold, relatively dry winter and a hot, humid
summer. The coldest average monthly temperatures in winter drop below freezing except
along the southern coast. The average January temperature at Seoul is in the low 20s °F
(about −5 °C), while the corresponding average at Busan, on the southeast coast, is in the
mid-30s °F (about 2 °C). By contrast, summer temperatures are relatively uniform across
the country, the average monthly temperature for August (the warmest month) being in the
high 70s°F (about 25°C).
Population
South Korea 2020 population is estimated at 51,269,185 people at mid-year according to
UN data. South Korea population is equivalent to 0.66% of the total world population.
South Korea ranks number 28 in the list of countries (and dependencies) by population.
The history behind
What is the history behind South Korea?
History
During the 1st century AD, Korea was divided into three kingdoms. They were Shilla, Koguryo, and Pekche.
The area remained this way until 668 AD when Korea was unified by the Shilla Kingdom. The Shilla kingdom
was followed by the Koryo kingdom in 935 and then by the Choson dynasty in 1392. The name Korea comes
from the Koryo kingdom. Korea was invaded and conquered by other larger empires and countries throughout
its history. The Mongol Empire ruled over Korea from 1231 until the 14th century and Japan invaded in the
1500s. In the 1900s both the Chinese and the Russians tried to invade Korea. In both cases the Japanese fought
them off and took Korea as part of the Japanese Empire. When Japan lost World War II, Korea was divided into
two zones. The Soviet Union took control of the north and the United States the south. They were divided at the
38th parallel. This was meant to be a temporary division, but it is still there today. South Korea is the country
that is south of the 38th parallel. South Korea became an independent country in 1948. The first president of
South Korea was Syngman Rhee. Today South Korea has a fairly strong economy growing in technology.
Food and Drinks 
What is the food and what is it like?
The food
Food in South Korea is centered around rice and soup accompanied by a meat or fish dish,
with numerous sides available. Some dishes won't seem too strange to a western palate –
think seasoned rice and vegetables or barbecued meat, while others may at first be too spicy
or simply off-putting.

Some korean dishes are: 

• Kimchi (fermented Korean side dish made of vegetables)

• Bibimbap (mixed rice with meat and assorted vegetables and other toppings)

• Tteokbokki (hot and spicy rice cakes)

Drinks 
Like many Asian countries, tea is popular in South Korea, usually green tea. Coffee is
growing increasingly popular. You’ll find loads of familiar soft drinks like Coca Cola and
Mountain Dew, but you can also try sikhye, a sweet and grainy rice drink sometimes served
with dessert, and sujeonggwa, a cinnamon flavored drink made from persimmons.
Culture of the country
The culture
Korean culture is profoundly influenced by Confucian principles and this pervades not only
personal lives, but also business. Confucianism supports group harmony, respect for elders
and authority, the importance of family, friendship and ancestors, and also, tradition.
Korean popular culture 
Korean popular culture (aka K-pop) is not just for Koreans now. The term at first was used
to refer to popular songs, dramas, and movies that gained popularity in China, and now it is
used to refer to Korean pop culture spreading all over the world. 
 Thank you!
I H O P E Y O U E N J O Y E D T H I S
P R E S E N TAT I O N .