2012 Edition

Background

An independent kingdom for much of its long history, Korea was occupied by Japan beginning in 1905 following the Russo-Japanese War. In 1910, Tokyo formally annexed the entire Peninsula. Korea regained its independence following Japan's surrender to the United States in 1945. After World War II, a democratic-based government (Republic of Korea, ROK) was set up in the southern half of the Korean Peninsula while a Communist-style government was installed in the north (Democratic People's Republic of Korea, DPRK). During the Korean War (1950-53), US troops and UN forces fought alongside soldiers from the ROK to defend South Korea from a DPRK invasion that was supported by China and the Soviet Union. An armistice was signed in 1953, splitting the peninsula along a demilitarized zone at about the 38th parallel. Thereafter, South Korea under the PARK Chung-hee regime (1961-79) achieved rapid economic growth with per capita income rising to roughly 17 times the level of North Korea. In 1993, KIM Young-sam (1993-98) became South Korea's first civilian president following 32 years of military rule. South Korea today is a fully functioning modern democracy. President LEE Myung-bak has pursued a policy of global engagement since taking office in February 2008, highlighted by Seoul's hosting of the G-20 summit in November 2010 and the Nuclear Security Summit in March 2012, as well as securing South Korea nonpermanent membership (2013-14) on the UN Security Council and the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. Serious tensions with North Korea have punctuated inter-Korean relations in recent years, including the North's sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan in March 2010 and its artillery attack on South Korean soldiers and citizens in November 2010.

Area

99,720 sq km 96,920 sq km 2,800 sq km

total

99,720 sq km

water

2,800 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly larger than Indiana

Climate

temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter

Coastline

2,413 km

Elevation extremes

Sea of Japan 0 m Halla-san 1,950 m

highest point

Halla-san 1,950 m

lowest point

Sea of Japan 0 m

Environment - current issues

air pollution in large cities; acid rain; water pollution from the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents; drift net fishing

Environment - international agreements

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling none of the selected agreements

party to

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

18.59 cu km/yr (36%/16%/48%) 389 cu m/yr (2000)

per capita

389 cu m/yr (2000)

total

18.59 cu km/yr (36%/16%/48%)

Geographic coordinates

37 00 N, 127 30 E

Geography - note

strategic location on Korea Strait

Irrigated land

8,320 sq km (2003)

Land boundaries

238 km North Korea 238 km

border countries

North Korea 238 km

total

238 km

Land use

16.58% 2.01% 81.41% (2005)

arable land

16.58%

other

81.41% (2005)

permanent crops

2.01%

Location

Eastern Asia, southern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea

Map references

Asia

Maritime claims

12 nm; between 3 nm and 12 nm in the Korea Strait 24 nm 200 nm not specified

contiguous zone

24 nm

continental shelf

not specified

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm; between 3 nm and 12 nm in the Korea Strait

Natural hazards

occasional typhoons bring high winds and floods; low-level seismic activity common in southwest Halla (elev. 1,950 m) is considered historically active although it has not erupted in many centuries

volcanism

Halla (elev. 1,950 m) is considered historically active although it has not erupted in many centuries

Natural resources

coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydropower potential

Terrain

mostly hills and mountains; wide coastal plains in west and south

Total renewable water resources

69.7 cu km (1999)

Age structure

15.1% (male 3,844,033/ female 3,533,963) 73% (male 18,228,643/ female 17,463,195) 11.9% (male 2,365,749/ female 3,424,917) (2012 est.)

0-14 years

15.1% (male 3,844,033/ female 3,533,963)

15-64 years

73% (male 18,228,643/ female 17,463,195)

65 years and over

11.9% (male 2,365,749/ female 3,424,917) (2012 est.)

Birth rate

8.42 births/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Death rate

6.38 deaths/1,000 population (July 2012 est.)

Education expenditures

4.2% of GDP (2007)

Ethnic groups

homogeneous (except for about 20,000 Chinese)

Health expenditures

6.5% of GDP (2009)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

less than 0.1% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

fewer than 500 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

9,500 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

12.28 beds/1,000 population (2008)

Infant mortality rate

4.08 deaths/1,000 live births 4.29 deaths/1,000 live births 3.86 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

female

3.86 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

total

4.08 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Korean, English (widely taught in junior high and high school)

Life expectancy at birth

79.3 years 76.12 years 82.7 years (2012 est.)

female

82.7 years (2012 est.)

total population

79.3 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 97.9% 99.2% 96.6% (2002)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

96.6% (2002)

male

99.2%

total population

97.9%

Major cities - population

SEOUL (capital) 9.778 million; Busan (Pusan) 3.439 million; Incheon (Inch'on) 2.572 million; Daegu (Taegu) 2.458 million; Daejon (Taejon) 1.497 million (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

16 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

39 years 37.6 years 40.4 years (2012 est.)

female

40.4 years (2012 est.)

male

37.6 years

total

39 years

Nationality

Korean(s) Korean

adjective

Korean

noun

Korean(s)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

3.2% (2001)

Physicians density

1.967 physicians/1,000 population (2008)

Population

48,860,500 (July 2012 est.)

Population growth rate

0.204% (2012 est.)

Religions

Christian 31.6% (Protestant 24%, Roman Catholic 7.6%), Buddhist 24.2%, other or unknown 0.9%, none 43.3% (2010 survey)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population

rural

100% of population

total

100% of population

urban

100% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

17 years 18 years 16 years (2008)

female

16 years (2008)

male

18 years

total

17 years

Sex ratio

1.07 male(s)/female 1.09 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 0.69 male(s)/female 1 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

15-64 years

1.04 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.69 male(s)/female

at birth

1.07 male(s)/female

total population

1 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

under 15 years

1.09 male(s)/female

Total fertility rate

1.23 children born/woman (2012 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

9.8% 11.9% 8.5% (2009)

female

8.5% (2009)

total

9.8%

Urbanization

83% of total population (2010) 0.6% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

0.6% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

83% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

9 provinces (do, singular and plural), 6 metropolitan cities (gwangyoksi, singular and plural), 1 special city, and 1 special self-governing city Chungbuk (North Chungcheong), Chungnam (South Chungcheong), Gangwon, Gyeonggi, Gyeongbuk (North Gyeongsang), Gyeongnam (South Gyeongsang), Jeju, Jeonbuk (North Jeolla), Jeonnam (South Jeolla) Busan (Pusan), Daegu (Taegu), Daejon (Taejon), Gwangju (Kwangju), Incheon (Inch'on), Ulsan Seoul Sejong

metropolitan cities

Busan (Pusan), Daegu (Taegu), Daejon (Taejon), Gwangju (Kwangju), Incheon (Inch'on), Ulsan

provinces

Chungbuk (North Chungcheong), Chungnam (South Chungcheong), Gangwon, Gyeonggi, Gyeongbuk (North Gyeongsang), Gyeongnam (South Gyeongsang), Jeju, Jeonbuk (North Jeolla), Jeonnam (South Jeolla)

special city

Seoul

special self-governing city

Sejong

Capital

Seoul 37 33 N, 126 59 E UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

37 33 N, 126 59 E

name

Seoul

time difference

UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

17 July 1948; note - amended or rewritten many times; current constitution approved 29 October 1987

Country name

Republic of Korea South Korea Taehan-min'guk Han'guk ROK

abbreviation

ROK

conventional long form

Republic of Korea

conventional short form

South Korea

local long form

Taehan-min'guk

local short form

Han'guk

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Sung Y. KIM 32 Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-710 US Embassy Seoul, APO AP 96205-5550 [82] (2) 397-4114 [82] (2) 738-8845

chief of mission

Ambassador Sung Y. KIM

embassy

32 Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-710

FAX

[82] (2) 738-8845

mailing address

US Embassy Seoul, APO AP 96205-5550

telephone

[82] (2) 397-4114

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador CHOI Young-jin 2450 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 939-5600 [1] (202) 387-0205 Agana (Guam), Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle

chancery

2450 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador CHOI Young-jin

consulate(s) general

Agana (Guam), Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle

FAX

[1] (202) 387-0205

telephone

[1] (202) 939-5600

Executive branch

President LEE Myung-bak (since 25 February 2008); President-Elect PARK Geun-hye (inauguration 25 February 2013) Prime Minister KIM Hwang-sik (since 1 October 2010) State Council appointed by the president on the prime minister's recommendation president elected by popular vote for a single five-year term; LEE Myung-bak elected on 19 December 2007, PARK Geun-hye elected on 19 December 2012; next election to be held in December 2017; prime minister appointed by president with consent of National Assembly LEE Myung-bak (imcumbent) elected president on 19 December 2007; percent of vote - LEE Myung-bak (GNP) 48.7%; CHUNG Dong-young (UNDP) 26.1%); LEE Hoi-chang (independent) 15.1%; others 10.1%; PARK Geun-Hye elected president on 19 December 2012 (takes office on 25 February 2013); percent of vote - PARK Geun-Hye (NFP) 51.6%, MOON Jae-In (DUP) 48%, others 0.4%

cabinet

State Council appointed by the president on the prime minister's recommendation

chief of state

President LEE Myung-bak (since 25 February 2008); President-Elect PARK Geun-hye (inauguration 25 February 2013)

election results

LEE Myung-bak (imcumbent) elected president on 19 December 2007; percent of vote - LEE Myung-bak (GNP) 48.7%; CHUNG Dong-young (UNDP) 26.1%); LEE Hoi-chang (independent) 15.1%; others 10.1%; PARK Geun-Hye elected president on 19 December 2012 (takes office on 25 February 2013); percent of vote - PARK Geun-Hye (NFP) 51.6%, MOON Jae-In (DUP) 48%, others 0.4%

elections

president elected by popular vote for a single five-year term; LEE Myung-bak elected on 19 December 2007, PARK Geun-hye elected on 19 December 2012; next election to be held in December 2017; prime minister appointed by president with consent of National Assembly

head of government

Prime Minister KIM Hwang-sik (since 1 October 2010)

Flag description

white with a red (top) and blue yin-yang symbol in the center; there is a different black trigram from the ancient I Ching (Book of Changes) in each corner of the white field; the Korean national flag is called Taegukki; white is a traditional Korean color and represents peace and purity; the blue section represents the negative cosmic forces of the yin, while the red symbolizes the opposite positive forces of the yang; each trigram (kwae) denotes one of the four universal elements, which together express the principle of movement and harmony

Government type

republic

Independence

15 August 1945 (from Japan)

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ADB, AfDB (nonregional member), APEC, ARF, ASEAN (dialogue partner), Australia Group, BIS, CD, CICA, CP, EAS, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-20, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAIA (observer), MIGA, MINURSO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE (partner), Paris Club (associate), PCA, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SICA (observer), UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (justices appointed by the president with consent of National Assembly); Constitutional Court (justices appointed by the president based partly on nominations by National Assembly and Chief Justice of the court)

Legal system

mixed legal system combining European civil law, Anglo-American law, and Chinese classical thought

Legislative branch

unicameral National Assembly or Gukhoe (300 seats; 246 members elected in single-seat constituencies, 54 elected by proportional representation; members serve four-year terms) last held on 11 April 2012 (next to be held in April 2016) percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NFP 152, DUP 127, UPP 13, LFP 5, independents 3

election results

percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - NFP 152, DUP 127, UPP 13, LFP 5, independents 3

elections

last held on 11 April 2012 (next to be held in April 2016)

National anthem

"Aegukga" (Patriotic Song) YUN Ch'i-Ho or AN Ch'ang-Ho/AHN Eaktay adopted 1948, well known by 1910; both North Korea and South Korea's anthems share the same name and have a vaguely similar melody but have different lyrics

lyrics/music

YUN Ch'i-Ho or AN Ch'ang-Ho/AHN Eaktay

name

"Aegukga" (Patriotic Song)

National holiday

Liberation Day, 15 August (1945)

National symbol(s)

taegeuk (yin yang symbol)

Political parties and leaders

Democratic United Party or DUP (formerly the Democratic Party or DP) [MOON Hee-sang]; Liberty Forward Party or LFP (now part of the NFP); New Frontier Party or Saenuri (formerly Grand National Party) or NFP [HWANG Woo-yea]; Progressive Justice Party or PJP [ROH Hoe-chan]; United Progressive Party or UPP [KANG Byeong-gi]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Federation of Korean Industries; Federation of Korean Trade Unions; Korean Confederation of Trade Unions; Korean National Council of Churches; Korean Traders Association; Korean Veterans' Association; National Council of Labor Unions; National Democratic Alliance of Korea; National Federation of Farmers' Associations; National Federation of Student Associations

Suffrage

19 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

rice, root crops, barley, vegetables, fruit; cattle, pigs, chickens, milk, eggs; fish

Budget

$271.9 billion $249.2 billion (2012 est.)

expenditures

$249.2 billion (2012 est.)

revenues

$271.9 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

2% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

1.5% (31 December 2011) 1.25% (31 December 2009)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

5.8% (31 December 2012 est.) 5.77% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

$22.1 billion (2012 est.) $26.51 billion (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$436.9 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $449.6 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

31 (2010) 35.8 (2000)

Economy - overview

South Korea over the past four decades has demonstrated incredible growth and global integration to become a high-tech industrialized economy. In the 1960s, GDP per capita was comparable with levels in the poorer countries of Africa and Asia. In 2004, South Korea joined the trillion dollar club of world economies, and currently is among the world's 20 largest economies. Initially, a system of close government and business ties, including directed credit and import restrictions, made this success possible. The government promoted the import of raw materials and technology at the expense of consumer goods, and encouraged savings and investment over consumption. The Asian financial crisis of 1997-98 exposed longstanding weaknesses in South Korea's development model including high debt/equity ratios and massive short-term foreign borrowing. GDP plunged by 6.9% in 1998, and then recovered by 9% in 1999-2000. Korea adopted numerous economic reforms following the crisis, including greater openness to foreign investment and imports. Growth moderated to about 4% annually between 2003 and 2007. With the global economic downturn in late 2008, South Korean GDP growth slowed to 0.3% in 2009. In the third quarter of 2009, the economy began to recover, in large part due to export growth, low interest rates, and an expansionary fiscal policy. The US-South Korea Free Trade Agreement was ratified by both governments in 2011 and went into effect in March 2012. Throughout 2012 the economy experienced sluggish growth because of market slowdowns in the United States, China, and the Eurozone. The incoming administration in 2013, following the December 2012 presidential election, is likely to face the challenges of balancing heavy reliance on exports with developing domestic-oriented sectors, such as services. The South Korean economy's long term challenges include a rapidly aging population, inflexible labor market, and heavy reliance on exports - which comprise half of GDP.

Exchange rates

South Korean won (KRW) per US dollar - 1,132.8 (2012 est.) 1,108.29 (2011 est.) 1,156.1 (2010 est.) 1,276.93 (2009) 1,101.7 (2008)

Exports

$548.2 billion (2012 est.) $552.8 billion (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

semiconductors, wireless telecommunications equipment, motor vehicles, computers, steel, ships, petrochemicals

Exports - partners

China 24.4%, US 10.1%, Japan 7.1% (2011 est.)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition by sector

2.7% 39.8% 57.5% (2012 est.)

agriculture

2.7%

industry

39.8%

services

57.5% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$32,400 (2012 est.) $31,700 (2011 est.) $30,800 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

2.7% (2012 est.) 3.6% (2011 est.) 6.3% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$1.151 trillion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$1.622 trillion (2012 est.) $1.579 trillion (2011 est.) $1.524 trillion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2.7% 24.2% (2007)

highest 10%

24.2% (2007)

lowest 10%

2.7%

Imports

$520.5 billion (2012 est.) $521.6 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

machinery, electronics and electronic equipment, oil, steel, transport equipment, organic chemicals, plastics

Imports - partners

China 16.5%, Japan 13%, US 8.5%, Saudi Arabia 7.1%, Australia 5% (2011 est.)

Industrial production growth rate

3.8% (2011 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.2% (2012 est.) 4% (2011 est.)

Investment (gross fixed)

27.4% of GDP (2012 est.)

Labor force

25.18 million (2012 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

6.4% 24.2% 69.4% (2011 est.)

agriculture

6.4%

industry

24.2%

services

69.4% (2011 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$994.3 billion (31 December 2011) $1.089 trillion (31 December 2010) $836.5 billion (31 December 2009)

Population below poverty line

15% (2006 est.)

Public debt

33.7% of GDP (2012 est.) 33.6% of GDP (2011 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$319.2 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $306.4 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$1.484 trillion (31 December 2011) $1.445 trillion (31 December 2010)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$190.4 billion (31 December 2011) $164.8 billion (31 December 2009)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$137.5 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $131.7 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$1.356 trillion (31 December 2011 est.) $1.275 trillion (31 December 2010 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$369.6 billion (31 December 2011 est.) $352 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

23.6% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

3.8% (2012 est.) 3.4% (2011 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

579 million Mt (2010 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Crude oil - imports

2.302 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Crude oil - production

19,990 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

NA bbl

Electricity - consumption

455.1 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2011)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

69.9% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

2% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

22% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

1.3% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2011)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

80.59 million kW (2009 est.)

Electricity - production

459.5 billion kWh (2011 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

45.9 billion cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - imports

46.83 billion cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - production

539.3 million cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

7.079 billion cu m (1 January 2012 est.)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

2.23 million bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

907,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

753,900 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

2.476 million bbl/day (2009 est.)

Broadcast media

multiple national TV networks with 2 of the 3 largest networks publicly operated; the largest privately-owned network, Seoul Broadcasting Service (SBS), has ties with other commercial TV networks; cable and satellite TV subscription services available; publicly-operated radio broadcast networks and many privately-owned radio broadcasting networks, each with multiple affiliates, and independent local stations (2010)

Internet country code

.kr

Internet hosts

315,697 (2012)

Internet users

39.4 million (2009)

Telephone system

excellent domestic and international services featuring rapid incorporation of new technologies fixed-line and mobile-cellular services widely available with a combined telephone subscribership of roughly 170 per 100 persons; rapid assimilation of a full range of telecommunications technologies leading to a boom in e-commerce country code - 82; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 66

domestic

fixed-line and mobile-cellular services widely available with a combined telephone subscribership of roughly 170 per 100 persons; rapid assimilation of a full range of telecommunications technologies leading to a boom in e-commerce

general assessment

excellent domestic and international services featuring rapid incorporation of new technologies

international

country code - 82; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 66

Telephones - main lines in use

29.468 million (2011)

Telephones - mobile cellular

52.507 million (2011)

Airports

114 (2012)

Airports - with paved runways

22 (2012)

1,524 to 2,437 m

12

2,438 to 3,047 m

20

914 to 1,523 m

13

over 3,047 m

4

total

71

under 914 m

22 (2012)

Airports - with unpaved runways

41 (2012)

914 to 1,523 m

2

total

43

under 914 m

41 (2012)

Heliports

510 (2012)

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 191, cargo 235, carrier 8, chemical tanker 130, container 72, liquefied gas 44, passenger 5, passenger/cargo 15, petroleum tanker 55, refrigerated cargo 15, roll on/roll off 10, vehicle carrier 6 31 (China 6, France 2, Japan 14, Taiwan 1, US 8) 457 (Bahamas 1, Cambodia 10, Ghana 1, Honduras 6, Hong Kong 3, Indonesia 2, Kiribati 1, Liberia 2, Malta 2, Marshall Islands 41, North Korea 1, Panama 373, Philippines 1, Russia 1, Singapore 3, Tuvalu 1, unknown 8) (2010)

foreign-owned

31 (China 6, France 2, Japan 14, Taiwan 1, US 8)

registered in other countries

457 (Bahamas 1, Cambodia 10, Ghana 1, Honduras 6, Hong Kong 3, Indonesia 2, Kiribati 1, Liberia 2, Malta 2, Marshall Islands 41, North Korea 1, Panama 373, Philippines 1, Russia 1, Singapore 3, Tuvalu 1, unknown 8) (2010)

total

786

Pipelines

gas 2,139 km; refined products 864 km (2010)

Ports and terminals

Incheon (Inch'on), Pohang (P'ohang), Busan (Pusan), Ulsan, Yeosu (Yosu)

Railways

3,381 km 3,381 km 1.435-m gauge (1,843 km electrified) (2008)

total

3,381 km

Roadways

103,029 km 80,642 km (includes 3,367 km of expressways) 22,387 km (2008)

total

103,029 km

unpaved

22,387 km (2008)

Waterways

1,600 km (most navigable only by small craft) (2011)

Manpower available for military service

13,185,794 12,423,496 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

12,423,496 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

13,185,794

Manpower fit for military service

10,864,566 10,168,709 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

10,168,709 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

10,864,566

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

365,760 321,225 (2010 est.)

female

321,225 (2010 est.)

male

365,760

Military branches

Republic of Korea Army, Navy (includes Marine Corps), Air Force (2011)

Military expenditures

2.7% of GDP (2006)

Military service age and obligation

20-30 years of age for compulsory military service, with middle school education required; conscript service obligation - 21 months (Army, Marines), 23 months (Navy), 24 months (Air Force); 18-26 years of age for voluntary military service; women, in service since 1950, admitted to 7 service branches, including infantry, but excluded from artillery, armor, anti-air, and chaplaincy corps; HIV-positive individuals are exempt from military service (2010)

Disputes - international

Military Demarcation Line within the 4-km-wide Demilitarized Zone has separated North from South Korea since 1953; periodic incidents with North Korea in the Yellow Sea over the Northern Limit Line, which South Korea claims as a maritime boundary; South Korea and Japan claim Liancourt Rocks (Tok-do/Take-shima), occupied by South Korea since 1954