Far East.

GMT + 9.

99,313 sq km (38,345 sq miles, excluding demilitarised zone).

48.2 million (UN, 2005).

485.3 per sq km.

Seoul. Population: 9,853,972 (2000).

The Republic of Korea (South Korea) shares borders to the north with the demilitarised zone (separating it from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), to the east with the Sea of Japan (East Sea), to the south with the Korea Strait (separating it from Japan), and to the west with the Yellow Sea. There are many islands, bays and peninsulas in the Korea Strait. The volcanic island of Cheju-do lies off the southwest coast. Most of the country consists of hills and mountains and the 30 per cent of flat plain contains the majority of the population and cultivation. Most rivers rise in the mountains to the east, flowing west and south to the Yellow Sea. The Naktong River flows into the Korea Strait near the southern port of Busan. The eastern coast is rocky and steep with mountains rising from the sea.

Republic since 1945. Head of State: President Roh Moo-Hyun since 2002. Head of Government: Prime Minister Han Myung-Sook since 2006. Recent history: Roh Moo-Hyun won closely fought Presidential elections in 2002. A liberal reformer, he favours the 'Sunshine Policy' of constructive engagement with North Korea. The leaders of South and North Korea shook hands at Pyongyang airport in June 2000, while still technically at war since their conflict ended in 1953 without a peace agreement. Despite this historic handshake, relations with its northern neighbour remain a major concern in Seoul, particularly over the North's fragile economy and its nuclear ambitions. However, South Korea has resisted international calls for sanctions against the North. Following a scandal over illegal election funds, the Parliament voted to impeach Roh Moo-Hyun in 2004 but the move was overturned two months later by the Constitutional Court and he was reinstated. South Korea's President nominated Han Myung-Sook to become the country's first female Prime Minister in March 2006. She replaced Lee Hae-chan, who resigned. Ms Han has a reputation as a moderate. The Prime Minister's job is largely ceremonial in South Korea, where the President holds most important powers.Legislation is the responsibility of the unicameral Kuk Hoe (National Assembly): of the assembly’s 273 members, 227 are elected in single-seat constituencies; the remaining 46 are chosen by proportional representation. Members of the assembly serve four-year terms.

Korean.

Mahayana Buddhism with a large Christian minority. Also Confucianism and Chundo Kyo, which is peculiar to Korea and combines elements of Shamanist, Buddhist and Christian doctrines.

110/220 volts AC, 60Hz. Government policy is to phase out the 110 volt supply and many hotels now have a 220 volt supply.

Shoes should be removed before entering a Korean home. Entertainment is usually lavish and Koreans may sometimes be offended if their hospitality is refused. Customs are similar to those in the West. Small gifts are customary and traditional etiquette requires the use of the right hand for giving and receiving. Dress should be casual and practical clothes are suitable. Traditional costume, or hanbok, is mainly worn on holidays and special occasions. For men it consists of a short jacket and loose trousers, called baji, that are tied at the ankles. Women's hanboks comprise a wrap-around skirt and a bolero-style jacket and is often called a chima-jeogori. Both ensembles may be topped by a long coat called a durumagi.