South+Korea+Geography

Geography of South Korea =**Topography**= Area: 99,720 sq km, slightly larger than Indiana Coastline: 2,413 km
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The terrain is mostly hills and mountains with wide coastal plains in the west and south.

The Taebaek Range can be found along the east coast of South Korea and slopes into the East Sea. Many of Korea’s highest mountains are part of the Taebaek Range. Mt. Seoraksan is the most famous and picturesque. The tallest mountain is Mr. Halla-san, a dormant volcano on Jejudo Island.

The largest rivers are Hangang River, Geumgang River, Yeongsangang River, Seomjingang River and Nakdonggang River.

The lowest point is the Sea of Japan, 0 m The highest point is Halla-san, 1,950 m

=**Natural Resources**= Coal, tungsten, graphite, molybdenum, lead, and hydropower potential are significant natural resources found in South Korea. Land Use: arable land is 16.58%, permanent crops 2.01%; other 81.41%

=**Population**= Ethnic Group: Homogenous (except 20,000 Chinese) Population: 48,860, 500 (July 2012 est .) Life expectancy: total population: 79.3 years

=**Climate**= South Korea has a temperate climate with rainfall heavier in summer than winter The annual precipitation of South Korea is 1,245 mm.

=Natural Hazards= Occasional typhoons bring high winds and floods; low-level seismic activity common in southwest. Volcanism: Halla is considered active although it has not erupted in many centuries.

=**Current Environmental Issues**= Issues include air pollution in large cities, acid rain, water pollution from the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents, and drift net fishing.