South Korea covers the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, spanning about 100,364 square kilometers. It is roughly 70% mountainous, bordered by North Korea to the north along the DMZ, the Yellow Sea to the west, the East Sea to the east, and the Korea Strait to the south.
Topography and Mountains
- Highlands: About 70% of the land is rugged and covered by low mountains and hills.
- Taebaek Range: Runs north-south along the eastern coast, forming the primary watershed.
- Sobaek Range: Branches off the Taebaek mountains in a long S-shape across the interior.
- Highest Peak: Mount Hallasan (1,950 meters), a dormant volcano located on Jeju Island.
Coastlines and Islands
- Asymmetrical Coasts: The eastern coast is smooth and steep, while the western and southern coasts are jagged, irregular, and feature extensive mudflats and rias.
- Islands: Surrounded by approximately 3,000 islands, mostly clustered along the western and southern shores.
- Major Island: Jeju Island lies off the southwest coast as the largest province and island.
Hydrology
- Short, Steep Rivers: Flow mostly westward or southward into the Yellow and South seas from the eastern mountain divide.
- Major Rivers: Include the Han River (passing through Seoul), Nakdong River (the longest), and Geum River.