korea

Korea refers to the geographic and cultural region occupying the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, and to the two sovereign states that currently occupy the peninsula: the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea). The peninsula lies between the Yellow Sea to the west and the Sea of Japan (East Sea) to the east, with the Korea Strait separating it from Japan. The northern border with China marks the continental edge. The population is predominantly ethnically Korean, with Korean as the national language and Hangul as the native script.

Historically, the region was home to ancient kingdoms such as Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, later unified and then ruled by the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. It was annexed by Japan in 1910 and remained under Japanese rule until 1945. After World War II, Korea was divided along the 38th parallel into Soviet- and American-administered zones, eventually creating two distinct states in 1948: North Korea and South Korea. The Korean War (1950–1953) ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty, leaving the peninsula technically at war and guarded by the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone.

South Korea developed into a high-income economy and a global technology and manufacturing hub, renowned for electronics, automobiles, and shipbuilding. North Korea maintains a centralized, state-controlled economy and pursues a nuclear program, facing significant international sanctions and limited trade. Culturally, Korea is known for its traditions—Confucian-influenced social norms, cuisine such as kimchi, and arts—as well as contemporary media including K-pop, film, and literature.