South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, has a rich history marked by key events such as its declaration of independence in 1948 and the subsequent Korean War. The country has a temperate climate, a population of approximately 52 million, and a strong economy driven by exports like integrated circuits and automobiles. Cultural practices in South Korea include a blend of Confucian traditions and modern influences, with a notable emphasis on gender roles and various national holidays.

1. South
Korea
KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY
KNOW YOUR WORLD
A PROGRAM OF GLOBAL TIES AKRON

2. HISTORY AT A
GLANCE
SOUTH KOREA
MAJOR HISTORICAL
DATES
A.D.
YEAR EVENT
1991
2009
2014
2018
North and South Korea join United
Nations
South and North Korean warships
exchange fire across a disputed sea
border
activists launch balloons containing
leaflets condemning North Korean
leader Kim Jong-un
North and South Korea agree to
march under the same flag at next
month's Winter Olympics in South
Korea .
YEAR EVENT
1948
1950
1953
1980s
Republic of Korea
proclaimed.
Armistice ends Korean War
Increasing shift towards
high-tech and computer
industry
South declares independence,
sparking North Korean invasion

3. MAP OF THE COUNTRY
SOUTH KOREA LAND SIZE:
37,421 SQ MILES

4. SOUTH KOREA
COMPARED TO
OHIO/US
Comparison Data:
South Korea is slightly smaller
than Pennsylvania

5. SOUTH KOREA
QUICK FACTS GENERAL
INFORMATION
Climate: temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter; cold winters
Location: Eastern Asia, southern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the Sea of
Japan and the Yellow Sea
Population: 51,966,948
Capital: Seoul
Life expectancy:
Male- 80.09 years
Female- 86.42 years

6. SOUTH KOREA
QUICK FACTS ECONOMIC DATA
CENTRAL BANK:
MONETARY UNIT:
MONETARY SYMBOL:
Bank of Korea
South Korean Won(KRW)

7. SOUTH KOREA
QUICK FACTS ECONOMIC DATA
NATURAL RESOURCES:
rice, vegetables, cabbages, milk, onions
MAIN EXPORTS:
integrated circuits, cars and vehicle
parts, refined petroleum
MAIN IMPORTS:
crude oil, integrated circuits, natural gas
AMOUNT: $771.202B
COUNTRIES (Top2): China, US
AMOUNT: $698.103B
COUNTRIES (Top2): China, US

8. SOUTH KOREA
QUICK FACTS LANGUAGES &
RELIGIONS
Language: Korean, English (widely taught in elementary, junior high, and
high school)
Religion: Protestant 19.7%, Buddhist 15.5%, Catholic 7.9%, none 56.9%
many people also carry on at least some Confucian traditions and practices

9. SOUTH KOREA
QUICK FACTS GOVERNMENT
GOVERNMENT
STRUCTURE:
CURRENT
LEADER:
VOTING
LIBERTIES:
Category Name
presidential republic
Type
Republic of Korea
Governing
Document (Est)
Constitution of the
Republic of
Korea(1987)
Yoon Suk Yeol
Position
President
Allowed (Yes/No)
Age
Restrictions
Yes
18
Citizens, foreign
nationals with at least
three years of
permanent residency

10. Gyeongbokgung Palace: Largest palace in South Korea
built in 1395 and once destroyed by a fire during the
Imjin War
FAMOUS
LANDMARKS
N-Seoul Tower: The highest point in Seoul,
overlooking the city and fitted with LED lights
SOUTH KOREA
Bulguksa Temple: Buddhist temple built in the 8th
century and known as the Temple of the Buddha Land

11. SOUTH KOREA
MODERN
CULTURAL
PRACTICES
IMPACT OF THE WORLD
RELIGION OF
PROTESTANTISM
BIBLE
SPREAD BY GERMAN
MISSIONARIES IN 1832
PROTESTANT CHRISTIANS FLED TO
SOUTH KOREA FROM NORTH KOREA
MANY STILL CARRY ON CONFUCIAN
TRADITIONS

12. SOUTH KOREA
GENDER ROLES GIRLS/BOYS &
MEN/WOMEN
GENDER ROLES:
GENDER ROLES
AVG
HOUSEHOLD
= a
couple and
their
immediate children, both
parents hold
disciplinary
power
MEN/BOYS = The
breadwinners of the
family, earn money
through jobs
WOMEN/GIRLS = work in a
variety of fields from
education to engineering
but o not get paid as
much as men and suffer
harsh beauty standards
MARRIAGES = group
blind dates are
common along with
arranged marriages

13. SOUTH KOREA
TRADITIONAL
DRESS
MEN

14. SOUTH KOREA
TRADITIONAL
DRESS
WOMEN

15. SOUTH KOREA
EVERYDAY
LIVING
DAY IN THE LIFE OF A
CHILD

16. SOUTH KOREA
TRADITIONAL &
CONTEMPARY
MUSIC, DANCE, SPORTS,
FOLK TALES, CUSTOMS

17. SOUTH KOREA
NATIONAL
FESTIVALS &
HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAY/FESTIVAL DATE
New Year's Day
Seollal (Lunar New
Year)
Independence
Movement Day
Constitution Day
Liberation Day
Chuseok
National
Foundation Day
Hangeul
Proclamation Day
Jan 1
Feb 10
Mar 1
Jul 17
Aug 15
Sep 17
Oct 3
Oct 9

18. SOUTH KOREA
FOOD
BIBIMBAP
TTEOKBOKKI