Moving to South Korea: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

51,835,110

Population Growth Rate

0.18%

Urban Population

83.200000

Population in Major Urban Areas

• SEOUL (capital) 9.736 million
• Busan (Pusan) 3.372 million
• Incheon (Inch'on) 2.622 million
• Daegu (Taegu) 2.447 million
• Daejon (Taejon) 1.538 million
• Gwangju (Kwangju) 1.503 million

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Age Structure

13.450000

Median Age

39.700000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

39

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

6.5

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

1.24

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

80%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

80%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

29.6

Mother's mean age at first birth

29.6

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.070000

Ethnic Groups

homogeneous (except for about 20,000 Chinese)

Language Note

Korean is spoken in both North and South Korea and is written in a phonetic alphabet created and promulgated in the mid-15th century.

While the alphabet is called Hangul in South Korea, it is known as Chosongul in North Korea.

Although the Korean language is replete with words adapted from Chinese, the North Koreans, unlike the South Koreans, do not use Chinese characters with Chosongul in their newspapers and publications.

They prefer to use only Chosongul, which is sufficient for most needs.

There are also some differences in vocabulary between the North and the South, influenced somewhat by politics and also by the contact each country has had with other nations.

Russian, Chinese, and English are taught as second languages in the schools.

Nationality Noun

Korean(s)

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Literacy - total population

97.9%

Literacy - male

99.2%

Literacy - female

96.6%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

5%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

17.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

79.550000

Infant Mortality Rate

4.010000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

4.010000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

16

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

2.02

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

10.3

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

7.2%

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

7.7%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

99.700000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

100.000000

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Economic Overview

• Innovation: South Korea is a global leader in technology and innovation, home to some of the world's largest and most advanced electronics companies. Samsung Electronics, for instance, is a leader in semiconductors, smartphones, and home appliances. The nation's research and development (R&D) focus has led to significant advancements in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and 5G technology. 2. Automotive
• Industry: The automotive sector is another pillar of the South Korean economy. Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Hyundai and Kia, is the fifth-largest automaker in the world. South Korean cars are renowned for their quality, innovation, and affordability, making them popular in international markets. 3.
• Shipbuilding: South Korea has long been a leader in the shipbuilding industry, producing some of the world's largest and most advanced vessels. Companies like Hyundai Heavy Industries, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering dominate the global market and contribute significantly to the national economy. Trade and Exports South Korea's economy is heavily dependent on international trade. The country is the seventh-largest exporter and the ninth-largest importer in the world. Essential export items include semiconductors, automobiles, petrochemicals, ships, and steel. Major trading partners include China, the United States, Japan, and the European Union. The South Korean government has negotiated numerous free trade agreements (FTAs) to promote exports and secure product markets. Notable contracts include those with the United States (KORUS FTA), the European Union, and China. Challenges and Opportunities Despite its impressive economic achievements, South Korea faces several challenges. The economy is highly dependent on exports, making it vulnerable to global economic fluctuations. The country also has an aging population, which poses long-term challenges for its labor market and social welfare system. 1. Demographic
• Challenges: South Korea has one of the world's lowest birth rates, leading to a rapidly aging population. This demographic shift is expected to pressure the labor force and increase the burden on social security systems. 2. Innovation and
• Competitiveness: South Korea must continue to invest in innovation and maintain its competitive edge in technology and manufacturing to sustain its economic growth. This requires ongoing investment in education, R&D, and infrastructure. 3. Income Inequality and Labor Market
• Issues: Income inequality and labor market polarization are significant issues. While the chaebols have driven economic growth, they have also contributed to economic disparities. The government needs to address these issues to ensure more inclusive growth. Future Prospects Looking ahead, South Korea is well-positioned to continue its economic success. The government’s focus on fostering innovation, expanding digital infrastructure, and promoting green growth are key strategies for future development. Additionally, South Korea's strategic location and vigorous trade relationships will continue to support its role as a significant player in the global economy. In conclusion, South Korea’s economy is a remarkable example of rapid development and resilience. While challenges remain, the country’s commitment to innovation, strategic planning, and global engagement will likely ensure continued prosperity and influence on the world stage.

Industries

electronics, telecommunications, automobile production, chemicals, shipbuilding, steel

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$36,700.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

2.7%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$2,187,800,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$36,700.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

2.7%

GDP - official exchange rate

$1,383,000,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 49% government
• consumption: 14.8% investment in fixed
• capital: 27.5% investment in
• inventories: 0.3% exports of goods and
• services: 44.2% imports of goods and
• services: -35.8%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

2.3%

GDP by Sector- Industry

38%

GDP by Sector- services

59.7%

Industrial Growth Rate

12.1%

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Inflation Rate

3%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

South Korean won (KRW)

Currency Name and Code

Won (KRW)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

4.7%

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Labor Force

24,620,000

Unemployment Rate

3.3%

Major Industries

electronics, telecommunications, automobile production, chemicals, shipbuilding, steel

Agriculture Products

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

Population Below Poverty Line

15%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

6.9%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

23.6%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

69.4%

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Annual Budget

$248,300,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

30.1%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

0.7%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

24.7%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Korea

Country Name

South Korea

Local - Long

Taehan-min'guk

Local - Short

Han'guk

Abbreviation

ROK

Etymology- history of name

• derived from the Chinese name for Goryeo, which was the Korean dynasty that united the peninsula in the 10th century A.D.
• the South Korean name "Han'guk" derives from the long form, "Taehan-min'guk," which is itself a derivation from "Daehan-je'guk," which means "the Great Empire of the Han"
• "Han" refers to the "Sam'han" or the "Three Han Kingdoms" (Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla from the Three Kingdoms Era, 1st-7th centuries A.D.)

Independence

15 August 1945 (from Japan)

National Holiday

Liberation Day, 15 August (1945)

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Government Type

presidential republic

Constitution

• history: several previous; latest passed by National Assembly 12 October 1987, approved in referendum 28 October 1987, effective 25 February 1988
• amendments: proposed by the president or by majority support of the National Assembly membership; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote by the Assembly membership, approval in a referendum by more than one half of the votes by more than one half of eligible voters, and promulgation by the president; amended several times, last in 1987

Legal System:

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

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President LEE Jae-myung (since 4 June 2025)
• head of government: Prime Minister KIM Min-seok (since 3 July 2025)
• cabinet: State Council appointed by the president on the prime minister's recommendation election/appointment
• process: president directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a single 5-year term; prime minister appointed by president with consent of the National Assembly most recent election
• date: 3 June 2025 (special snap election in the wake of the impeachment of former President YOON Suk-yeol)
• election results: 2025: LEE Jae-myung elected president; LEE Jae-myung (DPK) 49.4%, KIM Moon-soo (PPP) 41.2%, LEE Jun-seok (New Reform Party) 8.3% 2022: YOON Suk-yeol elected president; YOON Suk-yeol (PPP) 48.6%, LEE Jae-myung (DPK) 47.8%; other 3.6% expected date of next
• election: 2030 note 1: the president is both chief of state and head of government; the prime minister serves as the principal executive assistant to the president, similar to the role of a vice president note 2: President LEE Jae-myung has nominated KIM Min Seok to replace Acting Prime Minister LEE

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral National Assembly or Gukhoe (300 seats statutory, current 295; 253 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 47 directly elected in a single national constituency by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms)
• Elections: last held on 15 April 2020 (next to be held on 10 April 2024)
• Election Results: percent of vote by party/coalition - DPK/Platform Party 49.9%, United Future Party 41.5%, JP 1.7%; seats by party - DPK/Platform Party 180, United Future Party (now PPP) 103, JP 6, ODP 3, PP 3, independent 5; composition as of April 2022 - men 242, women 57, percent of women 19.1%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the president with the consent of the National Assembly; other justices appointed by the president upon the recommendation of the chief justice and consent of the National Assembly; position of the chief justice is a 6-year nonrenewable term; other justices serve 6-year renewable terms; Constitutional Court justices appointed - 3 by the president, 3 by the National Assembly, and 3 by the Supreme Court chief justice; court head serves until retirement at age 70, while other justices serve 6-year renewable terms with mandatory retirement at age 65
• subordinate courts: High Courts; District Courts; Branch Courts (organized under the District Courts); specialized courts for family and administrative issues

Regions or States:

9 provinces (do, singular and plural), 6 metropolitan cities (gwangyeoksi, singular and plural), 1 special city (teugbyeolsi), and 1 special self-governing city (teukbyeoljachisi) provinces: Chungcheongbuk-do (North Chungcheong), Chungcheongnam-do (South Chungcheong), Gangwon-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do (North Gyeongsang), Gyeonggi-do, Gyeongsangnam-do (South Gyeongsang), Jeju-do (Jeju), Jeollabuk-do (North Jeolla), Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla) metropolitan cities: Busan (Pusan), Daegu (Taegu), Daejeon (Taejon), Gwangju (Kwangju), Incheon (Inch'on), Ulsan special city: Seoul special self-governing city: Sejong

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Basic Income Party [SHIN Ji-hye]
• Democratic Party of Korea or DPK [LEE Jae-myung] (renamed from Minjoo Party of Korea or MPK in October 2016)
• includes the former Open Democratic Party [CHOI Kong-wook], which merged with the DP in January 2022 and the Together Citizens' Party or Platform Party [WOO Hee-jong, CHOI Bae-geun], which merged with the DP in May 2022)
• Hope of Korea [Yang Hyang-ja]
• Justice Party or JP [LEE Jeong-mi]
• People Power Party or PPP [HAN Dong-hoon] (renamed from United Future Party in September 2020, formerly Liberty Korea Party)
• Transition Korea [CHO Jung-hun]
• Note: the DPK is South Korea’s largest party and its main progressive party; the People Power Party (PPP) is a conservative grouping and is South Korea’s second-largest party

Suffrage:

• 18 years of age
• universal
• note - the voting age was lowered from 19 to 18 beginning with the 2020 national election

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of South Korea dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years

Capital Name

Seoul; note - Sejong, located some 120 km (75 mi) south of Seoul, serves as an administrative capital for segments of the South Korean Government

Capital - geographic coordinate

37 33 N, 126 59 E

Capital Time Difference

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

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International Organization Participation:

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

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Philip S. GOLDBERG (since 29 July 2022)
• Embassy: 188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• Mailing Address: 9600 Seoul Place, Washington, DC 20521-9600
• Telephone: [82] (2) 397-4114
• FAX: [82] (2) 397-4101
• Email: seoulinfoACS@state.gov
• Website: https://kr.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador CHO Hyundong (since 19 April 2023)
• Chancery: 2450 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
• Telephone: [1] (202) 939-5600
• FAX: [1] (202) 797-0595
• Email: generalusa@mofa.go.kr
• Website: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/us-en/index.do
• Consulate(s) General: Anchorage (AK), Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas (TX), Hagatna (Guam), Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC

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Geographic Location

Asia

Geographic Coordinates

37 00 N, 127 30 E

Total Area

38,502 Square Miles 99,720 Square Kilometers

Land Area

37,421 Square Miles 96,920 Square Kilometers

Water Area

1,081 Square Miles 2,800 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

148 Miles 238 Kilometers

Border Countries

North Korea 238 km

Coastline

1,499 Miles 2,413 Kilometers

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Terrain

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

Highest Point

1,950 Meters

Highest Point Location

Halla-san 1,950 m

Lowest Point Location

Sea of Japan 0 m

Natural Resources

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

Irrigated Land

3,399 Square Miles 8,804 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

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

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Climate

Korea's climate is marked by four very distinct seasons.

The winters are dry and cold, with snow usually appearing in January.

The advent of the cherry blossoms heralds spring—a season that can also be somewhat unpredictable.

A brief monsoon season and high temperatures combine to make city life rather humid in the summertime.

Autumn is easily the best time of year in Korea, when both the cities and the countryside benefit from clear skies and vibrant fall foliage.

Only 19% of the country is flat enough to be arable, and that land is farmed intensively.

In addition, there has been a steady shift away from the farm and into urban areas.

Two-thirds of Korea's population now live in its cities.

Terrain

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

Location

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

Total Area

38,502 Square Miles 99,720 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

North Korea 238 km

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

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

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Exports

$466,300,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$417,900,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

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

Major Imports

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

Top Export Partners

US 20.4%, China 14.7%, Japan 9.4%, Hong Kong 6.3%, Taiwan 4.1%

Top Import Partners

Japan 19.6%, US 15.2%, China 11.4%, Saudi Arabia 5%

Export Partners

US 20.4%, China 14.7%, Japan 9.4%, Hong Kong 6.3%, Taiwan 4.1%

Import Partners

Japan 19.6%, US 15.2%, China 11.4%, Saudi Arabia 5%

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Country Description

The Republic of Korea (South Korea or ROK) is a highly developed, stable, democratic republic with powers shared between the president and the legislature.

Korea is a modern economy where tourist facilities are widely available.

English is rarely spoken outside the main tourist and business centers.

You can find more information about tourism in the ROK through the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) website (in English) or by calling 1-800-868-7567 from the United States and Canada.

The KTO also operates a telephone information service within the Republic of Korea, that you can reach by dialing 1330 (02-1330 from cell phones) anywhere in the country.

The KTO telephone service has English speakers and is available 24 hours every day of the year.

The Seoul Global Center (SGC) assists foreigners with an English-speaking help line at (02) 1688-0120.

The SGC is open from 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Safety & Security

When you travel, be alert to any unusual activity around your home, hotel, or business, and report any significant incidents to the local police.

For emergency assistance in the Republic of Korea, dial 112 or, from a cell phone, 02-112.

Public Demonstrations: The Republic of Korea (ROK) is a modern democracy with active public political participation, and political demonstrations are common.

While in recent years there has been a decrease in violence associated with political demonstrations, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational.

You should avoid demonstrations whenever possible and exercise caution if you find yourself in an area with active demonstrations.

North Korea (DPRK):An armistice agreement, monitored by the United Nations, has maintained general peace on the Korean peninsula since 1953.

Tensions have occasionally flared up because of provocative acts by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, including ballistic missile tests, nuclear tests, and limited armed incursions into ROK-held territory.

Some of these provocations have escalated into geographically limited skirmishes taking place primarily around isolated islands off the northwest coast of the ROK.

The Republic of Korea maintains a high level of readiness to respond to any military threats from the DPRK.

Military training exercises are routinely conducted throughout the Republic of Korea during the year and include civil defense drills, which are normally held four times a year.

U.S. citizens should stay informed through local media about upcoming military exercises and civil defense drills that sometimes occur at short notice.

The DPRK often issues strongly-worded and threatening messages in connection with these exercises.

Please see our Fact Sheet on North Korea.

Emergency Preparedness:The U.S.

Embassy in Seoul maintains a page on its website with local information about emergency preparedness.

Travelers can stay informed by bookmarking this site and following local current events during their time in Korea.

During the monsoon season from June - August and the typhoon and hurricane season from May - November, heavy rains and flooding sometimes occur in the Republic of Korea.

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Crime

The crime rate in the Republic of Korea is low.

The crimes that occurmost frequently(e.g., pick-pocketing, purse snatching, assault, hotel room and residential crime)occur more often in major metropolitan areas, tourist areas, and crowded markets.

Please use caution in all crowded entertainment, nightlife, and shopping districts throughout Korea.

Exercise caution when traveling alone at night and use only legitimate taxis or public transportation.

Reduce the likelihood of becoming a crime victim by exercising the same type of security precautions you would take when visiting any large city in the United States.

Don't buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only is buying bootleg goods illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law, too.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in another country, you are subject to its laws, even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Persons violating the Republic of Korea’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.

Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the Republic of Korea can be severe, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences, heavy fines, and deportation at the end of their sentence.

U.S. citizens in the Republic of Korea have been arrested for past use of illegal drugs based on evidence from urine tests and hair sampling.

ROK authorities frequently arrest U.S. citizens on drug charges based on suspicious packages sent through the mail or information provided by other persons charged with drug possession or use.

Several U.S. citizens have been arrested after accepting international mail packages that contained marijuana-laced items.

ROK authorities thoroughly screen international mail for illegal items and substances.

See also information on drugs in the section on Special Circumstances under Customs Regulations.

Engaging in illicit sexual conduct or using or disseminating child pornography is a crime in the Republic of Korea, but it is also prosecutable in the United States.

Languages Korean is spoken in both North and South Korea and is written in a phonetic alphabet created and promulgated in the mid-15th century.

While the alphabet is called Hangul in South Korea, it is known as Chosongul in North Korea.

Although the Korean language is replete with words adapted from Chinese, the North Koreans, unlike the South Koreans, do not use Chinese characters with Chosongul in their newspapers and publications.

They prefer to use only Chosongul, which is sufficient for most needs.

There are also some differences in vocabulary between the North and the South, influenced somewhat by politics and also by the contact each country has had with other nations.

Russian, Chinese, and English are taught as second languages in the schools.

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Medical Facilities

Hospitals in the Republic of Korea are generally well-equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.

High quality general and specialty dental care is available in Seoul.

Western-style medical facilities are available in major urban areas of Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and a few other large cities.

However, not all doctors and staff in these major urban areas are proficient in English.

Most clinics in rural areas do not have an English-speaking doctor.

A list of hospitals and medical specialists who speak English is available at the U.S.

Embassy in Seoul.

Pharmacies are first-rate, and most prescribed medications, except psychotropic medications, can be obtained with a prescription.

See information on importing prescription medication in the section on Special Circumstances under Customs Regulations.

ROK ambulances do not carry sophisticated medical equipment, and the ambulance personnel do not have the same level of emergency medical training as do those in the United States.

However, ambulances operated by the fire department (dial 119) will respond very quickly and take patients to the nearest hospital.

Traffic Safety

While in the Republic of Korea, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The ROK's roads are well paved, traffic lights are functional, and most drivers comply with basic traffic laws.

However, the Republic of Korea has a significantly higher traffic fatality rate than does the United States.

Causes of accidents include excessive speed, frequent lane changes without signaling, running red lights, aggressive bus drivers, and weaving motorcyclists.

You should be aware that motorcyclists sometimes drive on the sidewalks, and drivers of all types of vehicles do not always yield to pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

It is safer to use pedestrian underpasses and overpasses where available.

Some traffic laws in the Republic of Korea differ from traffic laws in the United States.

Left-hand turns are generally prohibited except where a green arrow indicates otherwise.

You may turn right on a red light after coming to a complete stop.

Seat belts are mandatory.

Children riding in the front seat of vehicles must wear a seat belt or use an appropriate child car seat.

Passengers on motorcycles must wear helmets.

If you are a short-term visitor and wish to drive in the Republic of Korea, you must have an international driving permit issued in the United States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA).

Otherwise, you must have an ROK driver's license.

In all accidents involving an automobile and a pedestrian or motorcycle, the driver of the automobile, regardless of citizenship, is presumed to be at fault.

Police investigations of traffic accidents usually involve long waits at police stations.

Police may take the passport of a foreigner involved in a traffic accident if there is any personal injury or a dispute about the cause of the accident.

Criminal charges and heavy penalties are common in accidents involving injury, even if negligence is not proven.

If you are arrested due to an accident involving serious injury or death, you may be detained until the conclusion of the police investigation and legal process.

When driving in the Republic of Korea, you may wish to carry a disposable camera to document any traffic accidents, even minor ones.

You are considered legally intoxicated in the Republic of Korea when you have a blood-alcohol level of 0.05% or higher.

The ROK police actively enforce drunken driving laws and set up DUI checkpoints that are difficult to avoid.

All drivers are required to submit to a breathalyzer test.

Refusal to take the breath-test can result in cancellation of your license.

Driving while intoxicated can result in significant fines and license suspension or even cancellation.

For specific information about ROK driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, you can refer to our Road Safety page.

Also, we suggest that you visit the website of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) or call the office at 1-800-868-7567 and contact the national authority responsible for road safety.

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Airports - total

111

Airports with Paved Runways

71

Heliports

466

Railways

2,101 Miles 3,381 Kilometers

Roadways- total

65,233 Miles 104,983 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

51,697 Miles 83,199 Kilometers

Waterways

994 Miles 1,600 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Chinhae, Inch'on, Kunsan, Masan, Mokp'o, P'ohang, Pusan, Tonghae-hang, Ulsan, Yosu

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Pipelines: Gas

1,377 Miles 2,216 Kilometers

Pipelines: Oil

10 Miles 16 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

552 Miles 889 Kilometers

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Telephones

19,289,000

Cell Phones

43,500,000

Internet Users

35,590,000

Internet Country Code

.kr

Internet Hosts

291,329

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

Telephone System

• assessment: excellent domestic and international services featuring rapid incorporation of new technologies
• 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
• international: country code - 82; numerous submarine cables provide links throughout Asia, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, and US; satellite earth stations - 66

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

402,000,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

440,000,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

49,660,000,000

Natural Gas Imports- Cubic Meters (cu m)

47,340,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

424,900,000

Natural Gas Reserves- Cubic Meters (cu m)

5,269,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

2,301,000

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

2,590,000

3 facts — expand for details.

Anthem History

The beautiful South Korean anthem, "Aegukka", was adopted in 1948 after being liberated from Japan.

Before the Japanese takeover of 1935, the melody for the Korean anthem was the popular Scottish song "Auld Lang Syne", with the words being the same as the anthem in use today.

The words are by Yun Ch'i-Ho or An Ch'ang-Ho.

It has been in use since 1948.

The music is by Ahn Eaktay

Anthem Lyrics

Aegukka 1. Donghae mul gwa Baekdu sani mareugo dal torok, Haneunimi bo-u hasa uri nara manse, Refrain:Mu gunghwa sam cheolli hwaryeo gang san, Daehan saram Daehan euro giri bojeonhase 2. Namsan uye chusonamu Chulkapeul turultut Paramsuli pulbyunhamum Uri kisang ilsae.

Anthem Lyrics English

1.

Until the East Sea's waves are dry, (and) Mt.

Baekdusan worn away, God watch o'er our land forever!

Our country forever!

REFRAIN: Rose of Sharon, thousand miles of range and river land!

Guarded by her people, ever may Korea stand! 2.

Like that Mt.

Namsan armored pine, standing on duty still, wind or frost, unchanging ever, be our resolute will. 3.

In autumn's, arching evening sky,crystal, and cloudless blue, Be the radiant moon our spirit, steadfast, single, and true. 4.

With such a will, (and) such a spirit, loyalty, heart and hand, Let us love, come grief, come gladness, this, our beloved land!