Country Information
| Sovereign State | Yes |
| Country Codes | KR, KOR |
| Official Name | Republic of Korea (South Korea) |
| Continent | Asia |
| Capital | Seoul |
| Government Type | Presidential Republic |
| Currency | South Korean Won (KRW) |
| Calling Code | +82 |
| Member Of | United Nations, World Trade Organization, G20, OECD |
| Population | Approximately 51.7 million (as of 2023) |
| Total Area | Approximately 100,210 square kilometers |
| Highest Point | Hallasan Mountain (1,947 meters or 6,388 feet) |
| Lowest Point | Sea level at the Korean Strait and Yellow Sea |
| GDP Per Capita | Estimated at around $31,000 USD (as of 2023) |
| Life Expectancy | Estimated at around 83 years (as of 2023) |
| Internet TLD | .kr |
South Korean National Anthem
Aegukga (The Patriotic Song)
May the East Sea’s waves be full of water so clear
And Mt. Baekdu remain with its spirit abounding,
For this land, so fair and wide,
We give our bodies and minds.
In joy or in sorrow,
To our country, we are loyal.
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the South Korean Flag
The flag of South Korea, also known as the “Taegeukgi,” was officially adopted on January 25, 1950. The flag’s history and design are deeply rooted in the philosophy and history of Korea.
The white background symbolizes peace and purity. At the center is the red and blue Taegeuk, representing the balance of complementary forces of yin and yang. The four black trigrams at each corner depict heaven, fire, water, and earth, representing the principles of movement and harmony.
The Taegeukgi was first used during the Joseon Dynasty in the late 19th century and became a symbol of the independence movement during the Japanese occupation of Korea. After the liberation and subsequent division of Korea, the Taegeukgi was adopted by South Korea as its national flag.
Throughout its history, the Taegeukgi has undergone minor changes, but its essential elements have remained the same. The flag is a source of pride and national identity for South Koreans and is prominently displayed during national celebrations and international sporting events.
The flag embodies the nation’s ideals of peace, harmony, and balance. It has witnessed the country’s tumultuous history, from the struggle for independence to the rapid economic development and democratization in the late 20th century. The Taegeukgi remains a powerful symbol of South Korea’s national unity and enduring spirit.