a republic in NE Asia: established as a republic in 1948; invaded by North Korea and Chinese Communists in 1950 but division remained unchanged at the end of the war (1953); includes over 3000 islands; rapid industrialization. Language: Korean. Religions: Buddhist, Christian, Confucianist, Shamanist, and Chondokyo. Currency: won. Capital: Seoul. Pop: 50 982 212 (2017 est). Area: 98 477 sq km (38 022 sq miles)