South Korea (Korean: 한국, 韓國 Hanguk), officially the Republic of Korea (대한민국, 大韓民國 Daehan Minguk), is a country in East Asia. Known as the “Land of the Morning Calm”, Korea has served as a cultural bridge between its neighbors, China and Japan, for a long time.South Korea has emerged from the shadows of its turbulent past and cemented its place as one of the world’s major economic powers. Since the turn of the 21st century, South Korean pop culture has become enormously popular all over East Asia, making it a top-rated tourist destination.

South Korea Regions

South Korea is administratively divided into nine provinces, as listed below. The largest cities are separate entities from these provinces, but we include them in the most relevant province.

• Gyeonggi
  Surrounding Seoul and covered in its urban sprawl, and the Korean Demilitarised Zone close by.
• Gangwon
  Natural wonderland with the Seoraksan National Park, beaches and ski resorts.
• North Chungcheong
  A landlocked province filled with mountains and national parks.
• South Chungcheong
  Central western part of the country. The flat areas are made up of rice paddies. Point where main train lines and highways converge and known for its hot springs.
• North Gyeongsang
  Largest province and richest area for historical and cultural sites, such as Andong, Gyeongju and the islands of Ulleungdo.
• South Gyeongsang
  Known for its gorgeous seaside cities and beaches where most Koreans take their summer holidays.
• North Jeolla
  Noted for great food.
• South Jeolla
  Lots of beautiful small islands and landscape, fantastic food (especially seafood along the coast) and good for fishing.
• Jeju
  South Korea’s honeymoon island, created by a volcano. Great scenery with wildflowers and horseback riding.