Largest Cities in South Korea

by | January 20, 2021

Facts about South Korea

Official languages: Korean, English
Capital: Seoul
Area: 98,480 km²
Population: 48.4 million residents
Population density: 491.70 residents per km²
Currency: KRW
Internet TLD: .kr
ISO codes: KR, KOR, 410
The country code for South Korea is +82

Flag of South Korea

The national flag of South Korea was adopted in 1950 after the division of the country into northern and southern parts. However, this flag, called taegukki in Korean, dates back to the 19th century. In the middle of the white rectangular background is a red-blue symbol of the duality and harmony of the yin and yang opposites, with the red part at the top and the blue at the bottom. In each corner of the flag there is one trigram (called kwae) consisting of three dashes or a combination of solid and dashed lines. These four trigrams taken from Chinese philosophy are supposed to represent the four elements – heaven, fire, water and earth. The white background is a symbol of purity, hope and peace.

 

Flag of South Korea

Located in East Asia, the Republic of Korea, widely known as South Korea, is a state on the southern half of the Korean peninsula. The only direct neighboring country is North Korea in the north, the socialist half of Korea. The two Korean states were founded in 1948 during the emerging Cold War. The division was cemented with the Korean War that followed.

The official German state name is Republic of Korea; colloquially, however, one usually speaks of South Korea. In Korean, the country is officially called Daehan Minguk (대한민국, 大韓民國; German “Republic of Greater Korea”). In South Korea it is generally called in its short form Hanguk (한국, 韓國, “State of Korea”) or Namhan (남한, 南韓, “South Korea”), in contrast to Bukhan (북한, 北韓, “North Korea”).

In the 1960s, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. After 35 years of Japanese colonial rule (1920-1945) and the Korean War (1950-1953), the north formed the industrial focus, while the south was largely agricultural. Under energetic control by the state and an export-oriented industrialization strategy, South Korea developed into a dynamic industrial nation in less than a generation. Since the 1960s, the country has developed at a rapid pace into one of the most important economies in the world, which has taken global leadership in several technology sectors. In the production of ships and electronic products such as semiconductors, microchips,

There are always tensions between North Korea and South Korea. Nevertheless, the Republic of Korea is considered a relatively safe travel destination. The consequences of the division of the Korean Peninsula and the political relations between the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) have so far not adversely affected the security situation for travelers in South Korea.

Biggest Cities of South Korea by Population

Seoul is the largest city in South Korea, with a population of around 10 million people. Located in the heart of South Korea, Seoul is known for its vibrant culture and modern cityscape. It offers visitors plenty to do including exploring its bustling markets selling local goods such as jewelry, textiles, spices and handicrafts made by locals from around Seoul. Additionally, there are many great restaurants serving traditional Korean cuisine such as bibimbap (rice bowl with vegetables and beef) and samgyeopsal (pork belly).

Busan is the second largest city in South Korea with a population of around 3.5 million people. It is located on the southeastern coast of South Korea and is known for its stunning beaches and views of the East Sea. Busan offers visitors plenty to do including exploring its markets selling local goods such as jewelry, textiles, spices and handicrafts made by locals from around Busan as well as visiting historical sites like Haedong Yonggungsa Temple which dates back to 1376! Additionally, there are some great restaurants serving traditional Korean cuisine such as bibim naengmyeon (cold noodles) and ojingeo bokkeum (spicy stir-fried squid).

Incheon is the third largest city in South Korea with a population of around 2 million people. It is located on the western coast of South Korea near Seoul and is known for its modern architecture and waterfront views. Incheon offers visitors plenty to do including exploring its markets selling local goods such as jewelry, textiles, spices and handicrafts made by locals from around Incheon as well as visiting historical sites like Jayu Park which houses statues dedicated to Admiral Yi Sun-sin who helped defend Korea against Japanese invaders during the Imjin War. Additionally, there are some great restaurants serving traditional Korean cuisine such as kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) and galbi jjim (braised beef short ribs).

# City Population Latitude Longitude
1 Seoul, South Korea 10,349,423 37.566 126.978
2 Busan, South Korea 3,678,666 35.1028 129.04
3 Incheon, South Korea 2,628,111 37.4565 126.705
4 Daegu, South Korea 2,566,651 35.8703 128.591
5 Daejeon, South Korea 1,475,332 36.3214 127.42
6 Gwangju, South Korea 1,417,049 35.1547 126.916
7 Suwon, South Korea 1,242,835 37.2911 127.009
8 Goyang-si, South Korea 1,073,180 37.6564 126.835
9 Seongnam-si, South Korea 1,032,046 37.4386 127.138
10 Ulsan, South Korea 962,976 35.5372 129.317
11 Bucheon-si, South Korea 850,842 37.4989 126.783
12 Jeonju, South Korea 711,535 35.8219 127.149
13 Ansan-si, South Korea 650,839 37.3236 126.822
14 Cheongju-si, South Korea 634,707 36.6372 127.49
15 Anyang-si, South Korea 634,478 37.3925 126.927
16 Changwon, South Korea 550,111 35.2281 128.681
17 Pohang, South Korea 500,111 36.0292 129.365
18 Uijeongbu-si, South Korea 479,252 37.7415 127.047
19 Hwaseong-si, South Korea 476,408 37.2068 126.817
20 Masan, South Korea 434,482 35.1273 126.831
21 Jeju City, South Korea 408,475 33.5097 126.522
22 Cheonan, South Korea 365,225 36.8065 127.152
23 Kwangmyong, South Korea 357,656 37.4772 126.866
24 Kimhae, South Korea 356,353 35.2342 128.881
25 Chinju, South Korea 307,353 35.1928 128.085
26 Yeosu, South Korea 295,649 34.7606 127.662
27 Gumi, South Korea 291,117 36.1136 128.336
28 Iksan, South Korea 283,612 35.9439 126.954
29 Mokpo, South Korea 268,513 34.8128 126.392
30 Gunsan, South Korea 243,517 35.9786 126.711
31 Wonju, South Korea 243,498 37.3514 127.945
32 Suncheon, South Korea 230,907 34.9505 127.488
33 Sejong, South Korea 230,438 36.5924 127.292
34 Chuncheon, South Korea 209,857 37.8747 127.734
35 Icheon-si, South Korea 196,341 37.2792 127.442
36 Guri-si, South Korea 195,347 37.5986 127.139
37 Gangneung, South Korea 180,722 37.7527 128.872
38 Yangju, South Korea 180,034 37.8331 127.062
39 Osan, South Korea 159,089 37.1522 127.071
40 Seogwipo, South Korea 155,802 33.2533 126.562
41 Gyeongju, South Korea 155,348 35.8428 129.212
42 Gimcheon, South Korea 150,111 36.1218 128.12
43 Jeongeup, South Korea 139,987 35.6 126.917
44 Hanam, South Korea 135,013 37.54 127.206
45 Gyeongsan-si, South Korea 130,014 35.8233 128.738
46 Andong, South Korea 129,430 36.5664 128.723
47 Hwado, South Korea 106,469 37.6525 127.308
48 Tonghae, South Korea 101,239 37.5439 129.107
49 Asan, South Korea 97,860 36.7836 127.004
50 Wabu, South Korea 96,886 37.5897 127.22
51 Namyangju, South Korea 90,909 37.6367 127.214
52 Kwangyang, South Korea 89,392 34.9753 127.589
53 Hongseong, South Korea 89,285 36.6009 126.665
54 Sokcho, South Korea 89,158 38.207 128.592
55 Eisen, South Korea 84,736 36.8217 128.631
56 Wanju, South Korea 84,120 35.8451 127.148
57 Yangp’yong, South Korea 83,478 37.4897 127.491
58 Ungsang, South Korea 83,471 35.4061 129.169
59 Sinhyeon, South Korea 82,671 34.8825 128.627
60 Gwangju, South Korea 81,891 37.41 127.257
61 Mungyeong, South Korea 81,636 36.5946 128.199
62 Naeso, South Korea 81,098 35.2497 128.52
63 Muan, South Korea 75,829 34.9901 126.479
64 Hongch’on, South Korea 75,362 37.6918 127.886
65 Changnyeong, South Korea 74,779 35.5415 128.495
66 Seosan, South Korea 74,319 36.7817 126.452
67 Koch’ang, South Korea 73,107 35.4333 126.7
68 Gongju, South Korea 72,546 36.4556 127.125
69 Kyosai, South Korea 72,235 34.8503 128.589
70 Yangsan, South Korea 72,047 35.342 129.034
71 Anseong, South Korea 69,366 37.0108 127.27
72 Hwawon, South Korea 64,829 35.8017 128.501
73 Pubal, South Korea 63,137 37.2917 127.508
74 Kosong, South Korea 62,557 38.3788 128.468
75 Taisen-ri, South Korea 62,150 36.3493 126.598
76 Chinch’on, South Korea 61,075 36.8567 127.443
77 Hwasun, South Korea 60,025 35.0612 126.987
78 Nangen, South Korea 58,168 35.41 127.386
79 Okcheon, South Korea 56,745 36.3012 127.568
80 Eisen, South Korea 56,117 35.9675 128.931
81 Sangju, South Korea 55,751 36.4153 128.161
82 Gapyeong, South Korea 55,526 37.831 127.511
83 Yeongam, South Korea 55,111 34.8006 126.697
84 Sinan, South Korea 53,261 34.8262 126.109
85 Miryang, South Korea 53,214 35.4933 128.749
86 T’aebaek, South Korea 49,073 37.1759 128.989
87 Kimje, South Korea 45,005 35.8017 126.889
88 Koesan, South Korea 44,572 36.8108 127.795
89 Nonsan, South Korea 43,956 36.2039 127.085
90 Munsan, South Korea 43,319 37.8594 126.785
91 Gijang, South Korea 43,175 35.2442 129.214
92 Naju, South Korea 42,570 35.0292 126.717
93 Santyoku, South Korea 42,256 37.4406 129.171
94 Yeonil, South Korea 40,963 35.9953 129.352
95 Hayang, South Korea 40,534 35.9133 128.82
96 Yesan, South Korea 39,520 36.6776 126.843
97 Imsil, South Korea 37,625 35.6131 127.279
98 Yeoju, South Korea 37,601 37.2958 127.634
99 Heunghae, South Korea 36,191 36.1095 129.345
100 Kunwi, South Korea 34,404 36.2347 128.573
101 Tangjin, South Korea 32,889 36.8944 126.63
102 Fuyo, South Korea 32,753 36.2819 126.912
103 Cheongsong gun, South Korea 31,424 36.4335 129.057
104 Jinan-gun, South Korea 31,384 35.7917 127.425
105 Kurye, South Korea 30,111 35.2094 127.464
106 Waegwan, South Korea 29,802 35.9925 128.398
107 Seonghwan, South Korea 29,350 36.9156 127.131
108 Goseong, South Korea 26,815 34.9763 128.324
109 Changsu, South Korea 26,574 35.6484 127.515
110 Ganghwa-gun, South Korea 25,646 37.7472 126.486
111 Neietsu, South Korea 25,524 37.1845 128.468
112 Kinzan, South Korea 25,354 36.1031 127.489
113 Yonmu, South Korea 25,126 36.1294 127.1
114 Yong-dong, South Korea 24,265 36.175 127.776
115 Yanggu, South Korea 24,138 38.1058 127.989
116 Haenam, South Korea 24,039 34.5711 126.599
117 Hwacheon, South Korea 23,933 38.1071 127.706
118 Gaigeturi, South Korea 23,828 33.4644 126.318
119 Taesal-li, South Korea 23,260 36.9714 126.454
120 Puan, South Korea 22,378 35.7281 126.732
121 Jenzan, South Korea 20,784 36.2408 128.298
122 Yeonggwang, South Korea 20,020 35.2781 126.512
123 Beolgyo, South Korea 19,953 34.849 127.341
124 Sintansin, South Korea 15,111 36.4536 127.431
125 Yongsan-dong, South Korea 12,723 37.5445 126.984
126 Songgangdong, South Korea 10,111 36.4341 127.376
127 Pyeongchang, South Korea 10,051 37.3703 128.393

Republic of Korea: Seoul

The capital of the Republic of Korea is Seoul. As early as 18 BC It was a capital of the country when it was still a kingdom. Today the city is very modern and quite crowded, because ten million people live here. There is always something going on. Whether you are interested in culture, food or architecture, there is always something to see in Seoul. In 1988 the Summer Olympics took place in Seoul.

Neighboring countries of South Korea