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Often referred to as the "Land of the Morning Calm," Korea has a population of 48.50 million (2006) and a total land area of 99,678 ㎢ (2006). Located at a major crossroads of Northeast Asia, it has also achieved the "Miracle of the Han River." As early as the 1960s, when the country's five-year economic development plan was first implemented, the Korean economy has relentlessly shown signs of exponential growth. From 1962 to 2005, the country's GNI surged from US$2.3 billion to a staggering US$786.8 billion. The 1997 East Asian foreign currency crisis was only a temporary set-back for the Korean economy. The GNI stagnated at US$340.4 in 1998 but soon began to advance again, soaring to US$805.8 billion by 2006. |
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Years of rapid economic development propelled the country into becoming the world's 12th largest trading partner. Korea's industrial base shifted from agriculture to manufacturing and is now shifting to services. A global force in a number of significant industries, including automobiles, petrochemicals, electronics, shipbuilding, textiles, and steel, Korea's GDP expanded 3.1% in 2003, 4.6% in 2004, and 4.0% in 2005. GDP in 2006 totaled US$887.4 billion, making the country the 11th largest economy. |
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Since 2004, Korean-made semi-conductors, automobiles, and wireless telecom devices have accounted for over 30% of the country's total trade volume. Exports of IT products have risen every year since 1998 and reached US$82.5 billion, or 29.5% of total exports, in 2005. Major IT export items include memory chips, mobile phones, LCD monitors, PCs, and satellite broadcasting receivers. Korea 's semi-conductor industry, in particular, has achieved tremendous growth over the past two decades and is the third largest in the world. |
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Korea has four seasons, with a wet monsoon/summer in the middle of the year, and a cold winter from November to March. The island of Jeju off the southern coast is the warmest and wettest place in the country. The most ideal time to visit Korea is during the autumn months (September~November). During this time, the country experiences warm, sunny weather, skies are cobalt blue and the spectacular foliage is perhaps the biggest draw. Winters are cold and dry and remain a good time if you are interested in winter sports as there are numerous ski resorts. Spring (April~May) is also beautiful with all the cherry blossoms in bloom. However, it is very busy and one needs to book in advance to ensure accommodation is available. The summer months are muggy and hot, and rather crowded. It is also when the monsoon begins so many activities are subject to the fluctuations of heavy rain. |
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Korea's climate is regarded as a continental climate from a temperate standpoint and a monsoonal climate from a precipitation standpoint. The climate of Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons : spring, summer, fall, and winter. |
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 SPRING |
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Spring lasts from late March to May and is warm. Various flowers, including the picturesque cherry blossom, cover the nation's mountains and fields during this time. |
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| SUMMER |
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Summer lasts from June to early September. It is a hot and humid time of the year. |
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| AUTUMN |
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Autumn lasts from September to November, and produces mild weather. It is the best season for visiting Korea. |
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| WINTER |
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Winter lasts from December to mid-March. It can be bitterly cold during this time due to the influx of cold Siberian air. Heavy snow in the northern and eastern parts of Korea makes for favorable skiing conditions. |
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Korea Preparation & Planning Office for the 3rd OECD World Forum
#1503, 570 Hanbat-daero, Seo-gu, Daejeon 302-828, Republic of Korea |
Tel. +82-42-611-5217 Fax. +82-42-611-5216 E-mail : |
| Copyright 2009 (C) The 3rd OECD World Forum. All rights reserved. |
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INFORMATION
