South Korea Facts

Interesting Facts for Kids

Here are some interesting South Korea Facts which were chosen and researched by kids especially for kids.

South Korea Facts at a Glance

• Population: Almost 52 million people live in South Korea (2023). The majority of the people live in the province surrounding Seoul in the north west of the country.
• Capital: Seoul with 10 million inhabitants 
• Name: 대한민국  Republic of Korea (ROK)
• Government: Presidential Republic
• Official Language: Korean
• Literacy: More than 95% can read and write.
• Religion: Main religions are Christianity (27%) Buddhism (15%), however many practise Confucianism regardless of their religious beliefs
• Currency: 1 South Korean Won equals 100 Jeon
• National Anthem: Aegukga (‘Patriotic Song’)
• National Symbols: Taegeuk (yin yang symbol). The national emblem Gukjang includes the yin yang symbol and the national flower combined. The National Flag is called Taegukki, the national colours are red, white, blue and black.
• National Flower: Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon or Hibiscus syriacus) 
• National Animal: Siberian tiger 
• History: For many centuries, South Korea was an independent kingdom, but after 1905 the country was ruled by the Japanese. After Japan surrendered to the USA after the Second World War in 1945, Korea gained independence again, but the country soon was split between South Korea (which is largely supported by the USA) and communist North Korea along the 38 degrees latitude. Since 1953 South Korea’s economy expanded successfully, while the people in North Korea are very poor and the relations between the two Koreas are very strained.
• National Holiday: 15 August (Liberation Day)
• President: Yoon Suk Yeol (since May 2022)

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