Part of the country series of articles.
TRAVEL ADVISORY: EXERCISE CAUTIONThe Commonwealth advises travellers to exercise caution in this country. Some areas or circumstances may carry elevated risk. Travellers should monitor local conditions and follow the guidance of local authorities.
| Republic of Korea | |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Republic | |
 |
|
| Capital | Seoul |
| Languages | Korean, English |
| Population | 48,200,000 |
The Republic of Korea is a constitutional democracy in East Asia, occupying the Korean peninsula south of the Manchurian border. It is aligned closely with Japan, with which it shares deep commercial ties and a complicated history, and maintains a large American military presence on its territory. Elections occur regularly but the military establishment is the real centre of power, and regards them as a mechanism for legitimacy. The country has cycled through several constitutions and a handful of coups under watch of the Haengnim – the military clique of “elder brothers” that are the source of political power in the country.
The economy is dominated by large family-owned conglomerates with interests across shipping, electronics, construction and finance. These groups have more in common with their Japanese counterparts than with Western corporations, and their relationships with the state are similarly entangled. Korea is less industrialised than Japan and has moved quickly into services and finance, with Seoul functioning as a significant regional financial centre. The standard of living is high by regional standards and rising, which provides the democratic government whatever legitimacy the military does not.