World Happiness Report for South Korea 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank South Korea: 52
- Happiness Score South Korea:6.058
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of South Korea. KR.
South Korea is a highly developed country with a democratic political structure. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional arts, music, and cuisine. South Korea also has a strong economy, particularly in the technology and automotive industries.
- South Korea has the highest internet speed in the world, with an average of 26.1 Mbps.
- The country is home to the world’s largest shipyard, operated by Hyundai Heavy Industries.
- Samsung, a South Korean company, is one of the leading producers of smartphones and electronic devices globally.
South Korea – A Comprehensive Overview
Brief History:
Early History: The Korean Peninsula was inhabited as early as the Paleolithic era. The Three Kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla emerged in the first century BCE and dominated the region until the 7th century CE when the Silla Kingdom unified the peninsula.
Kingdoms and Empires: The Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) was succeeded by the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), which ruled for over five centuries. During this period, the Korean alphabet (Hangul) was created, and Confucianism became the state ideology.
Colonial Period: In 1910, Korea was annexed by Japan after a series of military conflicts. The country remained under Japanese colonial rule until the end of World War II in 1945.
Independence and Modern Era: After the surrender of Japan, Korea was divided into two zones of occupation – a U.S.-backed administration in the south and a Soviet-backed administration in the north. This led to the establishment of two separate states: the Republic of Korea (South Korea) in 1948 and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) in 1949. The Korean War (1950–1953) resulted in a stalemate and a continued division of the peninsula.
Current Political Situation: South Korea is a democratic republic with a presidential system. The current President is Yoon Suk-yeol, who took office in 2022. The country has a multi-party system, with the conservative People Power Party and the liberal Democratic Party being the two major political parties.
International Relations: South Korea maintains close economic and military ties with the United States and is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the G20. The country has tense relations with North Korea due to the ongoing division of the peninsula.
Human Development and Economy: South Korea has a highly developed economy, with major industries including electronics, automobiles, shipbuilding, and steel. It ranks highly in human development indicators, with a high standard of living and advanced education and healthcare systems.
Cultural Highlights: South Korea has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Shamanism. The country is known for its unique cuisine (Korean barbecue, kimchi), K-pop music, and the Korean Wave (Hallyu) that has gained global popularity.
Challenges and Opportunities: Some pressing challenges for South Korea include the ongoing tensions with North Korea, an aging population, income inequality, and environmental concerns. Opportunities lie in the continued growth of its tech industry, expanding soft power through cultural exports, and further economic integration with regional partners.
Travel Tips for South Korea:
– Best times to visit: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-November) for mild weather and beautiful scenery.
– Cultural etiquette: Remove shoes when entering homes or traditional buildings, dress modestly, and use both hands when giving or receiving items.
– Safety: South Korea is generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and be aware of petty crime.
– Must-see landmarks: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and Jeju Island.
– Culinary experiences: Try Korean barbecue (gogigui), bibimbap (mixed rice bowl), Korean fried chicken, and street foods like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
Living in South Korea:
– Cost of living: Moderately high, especially in major cities like Seoul. Housing and transportation costs can be substantial.
– Housing: Apartments and multi-family housing are common in urban areas, while single-family homes are more prevalent in suburbs.
– Healthcare: Universal healthcare system with affordable medical services and high-quality facilities.
– Education: Highly competitive and rigorous education system, with excellent universities and emphasis on academic achievement.
– Lifestyle: Fast-paced urban life, vibrant nightlife, and a strong work culture. Family values and respect for elders are important.
– Cultural norms: Hierarchical society with a strong emphasis on respect for authority and social harmony. Conformity and group dynamics are valued.
Doing Business in South Korea:
– Business culture: Emphasizes personal relationships, hierarchies, and respect for authority. Networking (yongo) and gift-giving are important.
– Economic climate: Highly developed and export-driven economy, with a focus on technology, manufacturing, and heavy industries.
– Key industries: Electronics, semiconductors, automotive, shipbuilding, steel, and petrochemicals.
– Legal frameworks: Strict labor laws, complex tax regulations, and a strong emphasis on intellectual property protection.
– Negotiation strategies: Patience, humility, and maintaining harmony are crucial. Avoid direct confrontation and allow for face-saving.
– Building relationships: Cultivate personal connections through consistent communication and participation in social activities.
Studying in South Korea:
– Educational system: Highly competitive and rigorous, with a focus on rote learning and test-taking.
– Top universities: Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, and KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology).
– Student life: Vibrant campus communities, active student organizations, and ample opportunities for cultural exchange.
– Visa requirements: International students need a valid student visa, which requires admission to a recognized institution and proof of financial support.
– Opportunities for international students: Language programs, exchange programs, and internships in various industries.
Main facts
1. Location
South Korea is a peninsular country located in the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. It borders North Korea to the north, with the Korea Strait separating it from Japan to the east. The Yellow Sea lies to the west, and the East China Sea is to the south.
2. Map References
South Korea is situated in Eastern Asia, on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula.
3. Area – Comparative
The total area of South Korea is 99,720 sq km, which is slightly larger than the U.S. state of Indiana.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
South Korea shares a 238 km land border with North Korea.
5. Coastline
South Korea has a total coastline of 2,413 km, featuring numerous islands, including Jeju Island, and several major harbors and ports.
6. Maritime Claims
South Korea claims the following maritime zones:
- Territorial Sea: 12 nautical miles
- Contiguous Zone: 24 nautical miles
- Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 nautical miles
- Continental Shelf: 200-350 nautical miles
7. Climate
South Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. The country experiences cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers, with substantial rainfall concentrated in the summer months.
8. Terrain
South Korea is mostly mountainous, with uplands covering around 70% of the total land area. The Taebaek Mountains form the backbone of the peninsula, running from north to south. Coastal plains are wide in the west and narrow in the east.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in South Korea is Hallasan, a volcanic cone located on Jeju Island, at 1,950 m. The lowest point is the East China Sea at 0 m.
10. Natural Resources
South Korea’s major natural resources include coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, hydropower potential.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The two major rivers in South Korea are the Nakdong River and the Han River. Notable lakes include Soyangho and Hwajinpoho. The Yellow Sea and the East China Sea border the country to the west and south, respectively.
12. Natural Hazards
South Korea is prone to occasional typhoons, with the risk of flooding during the rainy season. The country also experiences low-level seismic activity due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
13. Geography – Notes
South Korea is a highly urbanized country, with a high population density, particularly in the capital city of Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area. Environmental issues, such as air pollution and water scarcity, are significant challenges.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 63.40%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 620,302. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 17.40%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 35.907757127.766922.
- Capital: The capital of South Korea is Seoul
- Major Cities:
- Seoul – Population: 9.7 million
- Busan – Population: 3.4 million
- Incheon – Population: 2.9 million
- Daegu – Population: 2.5 million
- Daejeon – Population: 1.5 million
- Population: 51,709,098
- Area(Km2): 99720
- Population Density( P/Km²):527. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:82
- Official Language(s):South Korea is Korean (100%).
- Currency: KRW
Main Economic Indicators
South Korea has a highly developed mixed economy driven by exports and innovation. It is the 12th largest economy in the world and the 4th largest in Asia. Key challenges include an aging population, high household debt, and economic dependence on exports. Notable policies include promotion of high-tech industries, free trade agreements, and corporate restructuring.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 2.5% (Source: Statistics Korea)
2020: 0.5% (Source: Statistics Korea)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: AA- (Stable)
Moody’s: Aa2 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: AA (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 2.1%
Industry: 37.9%
Services: 60%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural: Rice, vegetables, fruits, cattle, pigs, chickens, milk, eggs, fish
Industrial: Semiconductors, automobiles, shipbuilding, steel, electronics, telecommunications equipment, chemicals, machinery, mining
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 28.3 million (2021 est.) (25th largest)
Current Account Balance
2021: $90.5 billion (6th largest surplus globally)
2020: $64.8 billion
Exports and Imports
Exports: $644.5 billion (2021 est.) – Key Partners: China, United States, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan
Imports: $615.1 billion (2021 est.) – Key Partners: China, United States, Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia
Main Exports: Semiconductors, petrochemicals, automobiles, telecommunications equipment, steel, ships, machinery
Main Imports: Machinery, electronics, fossil fuels, transportation equipment, organic chemicals
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $463.1 billion (as of March 2022)
Gold Reserves: 104.7 tons (as of March 2022)
- GDP (Current US$):$2,029,000,000,000. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 15.60%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 33.20%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $1.22. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $6.49. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 4.15%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: South Korean
Adjective: South Korean
2. Ethnic Groups
• Korean (96.3%)
• Other (3.7%)
3. Religions
• None (56.9%)
• Protestant (19.7%)
• Buddhist (15.5%)
• Catholic (7.9%)
4. Age Structure
• 0-14 years: 12.6%
• 15-64 years: 72.6%
• 65 years and over: 14.8%
5. Dependency Ratios
• Total dependency ratio: 38.1
• Youth dependency ratio: 14.8
• Elderly dependency ratio: 23.3
6. Median Age
• Total: 43.7 years
• Male: 42.1 years
• Female: 45.3 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
• Obesity rate: 4.7% of the adult population
• Alcohol consumption: 8.7 liters of pure alcohol per capita (2016)
• Tobacco use: 36.7% of adults (2016)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 82.6. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 97.9%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:6.4. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:6. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 0.98. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 95.4%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 42,106,719. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):36.80%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
South Korea’s military consists of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Armed Forces, which includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. The Army is the largest branch, with specialized units like the Special Forces Brigade and the Capital Mechanized Infantry Division. The Navy operates submarines, surface combatants, and amphibious assault ships. The Air Force fields fighter jets, transport aircraft, and aerial refueling tankers. The Marine Corps is a highly mobile force capable of amphibious operations. The national police and Coast Guard are responsible for maintaining internal security.
Military Expenditures
South Korea’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2018: 2.6%
- 2019: 2.7%
- 2020: 2.8%
- 2021: 3.1%
- 2022: 3.2%
South Korea ranked 10th globally in military spending in 2022.
Personnel Strengths
South Korea has approximately 555,000 active-duty military personnel, with the following breakdown:
- Army: 365,000
- Navy: 70,000
- Air Force: 65,000
- Marine Corps: 29,000
The national police and other security services have an additional 300,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
South Korea operates a diverse range of military hardware, including domestically produced and imported equipment. Key assets include K2 Black Panther main battle tanks, KF-X fighter jets, KSS-III submarines, and Hyunmoo ballistic missiles. Future acquisitions include F-35A stealth fighters, K2 tanks, and KSS-III submarines. The country also has an indigenous ballistic missile defense system in development.
Military Service Age and Obligation
South Korea has mandatory military service for all able-bodied men aged 18-28. The service period is 18-21 months, depending on the branch. There are special enlistment programs for skilled professionals and alternative service options for conscientious objectors.
Military Deployments
South Korea has approximately 28,500 troops deployed overseas, primarily in the following regions:
- United Arab Emirates: 150 troops for training and support
- South Sudan: 290 troops for UN peacekeeping
- Lebanon: 320 troops for UN peacekeeping
Strategic Military Notes
South Korea’s defense strategy is focused on deterring and defending against potential aggression from North Korea, including the threat of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles. The country relies heavily on its military alliance with the United States and participates in combined military exercises and operations.
South Korea plays an active role in international security and peacekeeping missions, contributing troops and resources to UN operations. The country also maintains strong military partnerships with the United States, Japan, and other regional allies, participating in joint training exercises and intelligence sharing.
- Armed Forces Size: 634000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 2.36
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 63.00%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.