• South Korea is located in East Asia, occupying the southern part of the Korean Peninsula.
• It borders North Korea and has coastlines on the Yellow Sea and Sea of Japan.
• It has a population of about 52 million, with half living in the Seoul metropolitan area.

• The Korean Peninsula has been inhabited since the Lower Paleolithic period; early kingdoms emerged by the 7th century BC.
• Key historical periods include the unification by Silla, the Goryeo dynasty establishing Korean identity, and the Joseon dynasty maintaining isolation.
• Korea was annexed by Japan in 1910, which lasted until the end of World War II.

• After WWII, Korea divided into the Republic of Korea (South) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North).
• The Korean War (1950-1953) caused significant loss of life and economic damage, with no peace treaty signed.
• South Korea transitioned to democracy in 1987 and grew economically, becoming one of the Four Asian Tigers.

• South Korea is a major democratic power with a strong economy, ranked 14th globally.
• Known for its cultural influence, particularly through the Korean Wave in music and entertainment.
• It has robust military capabilities and is recognized for high education and innovation standards.

List of newspapers published in Korea.