The spelling of "South Korea" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "South" is pronounced as /saʊθ/ where the "ou" sounds like the "ow" in "how" and the "th" is the voiceless dental fricative as in "math". The second syllable "Korea" is pronounced as /kɔˈriə/ where the "o" sounds like the "aw" in "law" and the "r" is pronounced with a strong tap as in "better". Therefore, "South Korea" is pronounced as /saʊθ kɔˈriə/.
South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, is a country located on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. It is bordered by North Korea to the north, the Sea of Japan to the east, the Yellow Sea to the west, and shares a maritime border with Japan to the southeast.
Covering an area of approximately 100,363 square kilometers (38,750 square miles), South Korea is a democratic nation with a population of over 51 million people. Its capital and largest city is Seoul, a global metropolis known for its technological advancements, vibrant culture, and historical landmarks.
South Korea has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, with deep traditional roots and a heritage heavily influenced by Confucianism and Buddhism. As a nation that has undergone significant economic and social development, South Korea has become one of the world's major economies, known for its advanced technology, automotive industry, and entertainment exports, such as K-pop and Korean dramas.
South Korea is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and the G20. The country has also been recognized for its achievements in education and healthcare, consistently ranking among the top performers in global education assessments.
Despite ongoing tensions with North Korea, South Korea continues to maintain a robust defense force and is supported by strong alliances, particularly with the United States. The two nations have a long-standing partnership rooted in mutual interests and security cooperation.
The word "South Korea" is a combination of two words: "South" and "Korea".
The term "South" refers to the geographic direction, denoting the southern region of the Korean Peninsula. It originates from the Old English word "sūþ", which has Germanic origins. The word "sūþ" has been used to describe the direction of south in many Germanic languages, including Old High German "su(i)th" and Old Norse "sunnr".
The word "Korea" refers to the country located on the Korean Peninsula. Its origin is unclear, but it likely comes from the Silla dynasty, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, which first named the region "Koryŏ" in the 10th century. Over time, this name evolved into "Korea".