The Republic of Korea, commonly known as South Korea, is an East Asian country on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. It is bordered to the north by North Korea, and Japan lies across the Korea Strait to the southeast. Approximately one-half of South Korea's population lives in or near the capital Seoul, the second most populous metropolitan area in the world.

The South Korean economy has advanced rapidly since the 1950s and is now the 11th largest (nominal value) economy in the world. South Korea is also one of the world's most technologically advanced and digitally-connected countries; it has the third most broadband Internet users among the OECD countries [2] and is a global leader in electronics, digital displays, semiconductor devices, and mobile phones.

Korea has four seasons: spring, great time of year to be in Korea; summer, best avoided because of extreme humidity and temperature rising up to 40°C; fall, temperatures and humidity become more tolerable, fair days are common and the justly renowned fall colors make their appearance; & winter, good time to go skiing or hot-spring hopping.

The country’s capita, Seoul, is a fusion of the ancient and modern. Other major cities include Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Jeju, Jeonju, Suwon, Gwangju and Gyeongju.

South Korea has 8 international airports: Cheongju, Daegu, Gimhae (Busan), Gimpo, Gwangju, Incheon (Seoul), Jeju and Yangyang. The largest is Incheon International, located approximately 45 minutes west of Seoul. Korean Air and Asiana are the principal carriers to and from South Korea.

The official currency is the South Korean won (KRW).