Korea, Republic of

Korea, Republic of

In this Korea, Republic of Investor Immigration Permit guide, learn about:

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is located in East Asia, on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It shares one of the world\\\'s most heavily militarized borders with North Korea to the north, and it is surrounded by the Sea of Japan (East Sea) to the east and the Yellow Sea to the west.

Covering an area of approximately 100,210 square kilometers, South Korea is the 109th largest country by land area. The country\\\'s terrain is predominantly mountainous, with flat lowlands concentrated in the west and southeast.

South Korea operates as a unitary presidential constitutional republic. The President acts as the head of state and government, reflecting the country\\\'s democratic governance system. Its legal framework is based on a mixed legal system that combines European civil law, Anglo-American law, and Chinese classical thought.

South Korea has a robust economy, marked by a rapid transformation from the devastation of the Korean War to becoming the 12th largest economy in the world by nominal GDP. This economic development, known as the \\\"Miracle on the Han River,\\\" has been driven by conglomerates known as chaebols, such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG.

With a population of over 51 million people, South Korea is one of the most densely populated countries globally. The capital and largest city, Seoul, is a bustling metropolis that houses around half of the country\\\'s population.

Seoul is known for its vibrant culture, high-tech infrastructure, and historic sites juxtaposed with modern architecture. Other significant cities include Busan, Incheon, and Daegu. Incheon International Airport, serving the Seoul Capital Area, is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world.

The South Korean economy is highly diversified and innovative, with strong industries in electronics, automobiles, shipbuilding, petrochemicals, and robotics. The country has also made significant strides in the fields of education, healthcare, and information and communication technology, contributing to a high standard of living for its citizens. The currency used in South Korea is the Won (KRW).

The cost of living in South Korea is relatively high, especially in major urban centers like Seoul. However, the country offers an extensive public transportation network, world-class healthcare facilities, and high safety and security.

Culturally, South Korea is known for its rich heritage, which includes traditional arts, ceremonies, and cuisine, as well as its global cultural exports like K-pop, cinema, and television dramas, known as the Korean Wave or \\\"Hallyu.\\\" Buddhism and Christianity are the predominant religions, reflecting the country\\\'s diverse spiritual landscape.

Tourism in South Korea has grown significantly thanks to its rich history, cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern attractions. Notable destinations include the ancient capital of Gyeongju, the volcanic island of Jeju, and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) near the border with North Korea. South Korea hosts several cultural and sports events, including the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics and the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

South Korea observes Korea Standard Time (KST), 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+9). The country does not observe daylight saving time. South Korea\\\'s blend of historical traditions and cutting-edge innovation makes it a unique and dynamic country on the global stage.