how big is korea

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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15-03-2025

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How Big is Korea? Unpacking the Size of South and North Korea

How big is Korea? It's a question with a slightly more complex answer than you might think, as it depends on whether you're asking about South Korea or North Korea, or the Korean Peninsula as a whole. Let's break down the size of each:

South Korea's Size and Geography

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a relatively small country, but surprisingly diverse geographically. It's a peninsula jutting out from the Asian continent, bordered by the Yellow Sea to the west, the East Sea (also known as the Sea of Japan) to the east, and the Korea Strait separating it from Japan to the south.

Size: South Korea covers a total area of approximately 100,210 square kilometers (38,691 square miles). To put that in perspective, it's slightly smaller than the US state of Indiana.

• Mountains: A significant portion of the country is mountainous, with ranges running down the spine of the peninsula. This rugged terrain influences the country's population distribution, with most people living in coastal plains and valleys.
• Coastal Regions: The extensive coastline provides ample opportunities for fishing and harbors vital port cities like Busan, the country's second-largest city.
• Agricultural Land: Despite the mountainous terrain, South Korea has cultivated significant agricultural land, particularly in the plains and river valleys, producing a variety of crops including rice, vegetables, and fruits.

North Korea's Size and Geography

North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, occupies the northern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It shares a border with China and Russia to the north, and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separates it from South Korea to the south.

Size: North Korea's total area is roughly 120,540 square kilometers (46,541 square miles). It's slightly larger than South Korea and about the size of the state of Alabama.

• Mountainous Terrain: Similar to South Korea, much of North Korea is mountainous. The highest peak, Mount Paektu, is a significant symbol of national pride.
• Forestry: North Korea possesses considerable forested areas, which contribute significantly to the country's overall landscape. However, deforestation remains a concern.
• Agricultural Practices: Agriculture plays a crucial role in the North Korean economy, although its productivity is severely hampered by economic hardship and outdated farming techniques.

The Korean Peninsula: A Combined Perspective

When considering the entire Korean Peninsula, the combined area is approximately 220,750 square kilometers (85,232 square miles). This makes it roughly the size of the UK or the state of Idaho. The peninsula's geography is largely dominated by mountains, with coastal plains offering fertile land for agriculture and important ports.

Comparing Korea's Size to Other Countries

To gain a clearer understanding of Korea's size, here are some comparisons:

• Slightly smaller than the UK (242,500 sq km).
• Slightly smaller than Italy (301,340 sq km).
• Comparable to the US state of Maine (91,646 sq km) or Idaho (216,443 sq km).

Understanding the size of Korea, both South and North, provides essential context to its geography, economy, and population distribution. While the country may be relatively small compared to global giants, its unique geography and strategic location have played a significant role in its history and its present-day affairs.