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A 'palace guard' stands for tourists in front of the snow-covered Gyeongbokgung Palace in central Seoul
Image: Jung Yeon-je/AFP/Getty Images

South Korea

South Korea is a country in east Asia on the southern portion of the Korean peninsula. It has a population of over 51 million and is a major player in global trade, particularly in the technology and automotive sectors.

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All Content on this topic

Police stand in front of pro-Yoon supporters on the side of a road as they wait for the arrival of former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol (pictured on flag) outside the Central District Court in Seoul on April 14, 2025

Is South Korea's military suffering a leadership crisis?

Senior officers' ties to disgraced President Yoon have raised tough questions about South Korea's military leadership.
PoliticsApril 14, 2025
Südkorea Ex-Präsident Yoon Suk Yeol

South Korea: Impeached Yoon in court for criminal trial

Yoon denied charges and defended his decision to enforce a martial as a peaceful ‘message’ to the nation.
PoliticsApril 14, 2025
The words "rising UP" and some graphics are superimposed on an image of two wooden houses resting on stilts above sea level

How countries around the world are beating sea level rise

Oceans are rising at an alarming rate and cities struggle to stay afloat. Which solutions are most promising?
Nature and EnvironmentApril 11, 202511:35 min
Protesters attend a rally in Seoul ahead of former President Yoon's impeachment on April 4

South Korea sets snap election date for June 3

The race to find a successor to impeached President Yoon Suk Yoon Suk Yeol has begun, with a polarizing contest likely.
PoliticsApril 8, 2025
People hug and scream on the streets of Seoul on April 4

What's next for South Korea after Yoon's removal?

After President Yoon Suk Yeol's ouster, South Korea must prepare for potentially contentious elections.
PoliticsApril 4, 2025
People react after hearing that Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office

South Korean court upholds impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol

South Korea's Constitutional Court upheld Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over his declaration of martial law last December.
Law and JusticeApril 4, 2025
The K-pop band BLACKPINK performs on stage in 2022

South Korean K-Pop show caught in child exploitation storm

The K-Pop audition show "Under15" has drawn criticism in South Korea for provocative performances by children.
SocietyApril 3, 2025
South Korea's Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Ahn Duk-geun (C) poses for a photo with Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto (L) and China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao (R)

China, Japan and South Korea to strengthen free trade

China, Japan and South Korea held their first trade talks in five years amid Donald Trump's looming tariff threat.
PoliticsMarch 30, 2025
A damaged temple bell

South Korea: Rains help firefighters battle deadly wildfires

Wildfires in South Korea spread rapidly, raging through thousands of hectares of and displacing more than 37,000 people.
Nature and EnvironmentMarch 28, 2025
A wildfire burns through a dense forest, with flames engulfing trees and smoke rising into the sky

Worst wildfires ever wreak havoc across South Korea

The devastating flames are threatening regional towns and UNESCO heritage sites.
CatastropheMarch 27, 202502:12 min
A brown, smoky haze seen in a district in Gilan-Myeon in Andong, South Korea

South Korea wildfires now largest and deadliest on record

Fire crews are struggling to contain multiple wildfires, which have claimed 27 lives so far and forced mass evacuations.
CatastropheMarch 27, 2025
A resident looks on as a wildfire devastates the area in Andong, South Korea. He's seen from behind in the shadows, while the fire glows bright red and orange.

South Korea wildfires: The lost battle for 1,000-year-old temples

Devastating forest fires cost the lives of at least 20 people and destroyed centuries-old cultural treasures.
Nature and EnvironmentMarch 26, 20257 images
Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate Lee Jae-Myung participates in his campaign in Seoul

South Korea court clears opposition leader

An appeals court reverses a ruling that found main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung guilty of violating election law.
PoliticsMarch 26, 2025
Wildfires spread along the mountain slopes in Uiseong, South Korea, on March 24, 2025.

South Korea: Raging wildfires kill at least 24

Rescue efforts have been hampered by dry winds and a drought.
CatastropheMarch 26, 2025
Han Jong-hee at the Samsung annual general meeting on March 19.

Samsung co-CEO Han Jong-hee dies at 63

Han had been credited with boosting television business of the South Korean electronics giant.
BusinessMarch 25, 2025
South Korean acting President Han Duck-soo speaks during a briefing at the Government Complex in Seoul.

South Korean court dismisses impeachment of PM Han Duck-soo

The Constitutional Court's ruling means Han can be reinstated as acting president.
Rule of LawMarch 24, 2025
A huge plume of smoke rises over a mountain n the southeastern county of Sancheong, South Korea

Wildfires in South Korea turn deadly, prompt evacuations

Four deaths were reported as South Korea battles over 20 wildfires, including a large blaze in the Sancheong county.
CatastropheMarch 22, 2025
US K9A1 self-propelled howitzers being fired during a 2024 defense exercise

Is the US rethinking its command role in South Korea?

There is concern the Trump administration is laying the groundwork for South Korea to fend for itself against the North.
ConflictsMarch 12, 2025
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un looking with binoculars

North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles — Seoul

Last week, Kim Yo Jong warned against further "provocations" after the US deployed an aircraft carrier to South Korea.
PoliticsMarch 10, 2025
South Korean impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol reacts outside the Seoul detention center after his release in Uiwang

South Korea's impeached Yoon Suk Yeol released from prison

Seoul's Central District Court canceled Yoon's arrest warrant on Friday.
PoliticsMarch 8, 2025
South Korean army soldiers and police officers stand guard near a bomb accident site in Pocheon

South Korea: Shells hit civilian area during military drill

Air force officials said eight bombs were accidentally dropped in a civilian district during a military drill.
CatastropheMarch 6, 2025
US President Donald Trump meets with China's President Xi Jinping at the start of their bilateral meeting at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019

Will Trump's actions force Asian allies to embrace China?

Washington's recent moves raise questions about the reliability of US commitment to the security of its Asian allies.
PoliticsMarch 5, 2025
A young boy attaches a paper carnation to his mother's chest

South Korea records birth rate rise

For the first time in nine years, the country has reported a birth rate increase.
SocietyMarch 4, 2025
USS Carl Vinson sails in the South China Sea in 2021

US carrier docks in South Korea after North's missile tests

The USS Carl Vinson has entered the port of Busan, South Korea, in a show of force expected to enrage Pyongyang.
ConflictsMarch 2, 2025
South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol attends the hearing of his impeachment trial over his short-lived imposition of martial law, at the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea on February 20, 2025

South Korea's Yoon unapologetic for martial law decision

Facing a hearing that could lead to his removal, Yoon Suk Yeol said his decision was needed to protect the country.
Law and JusticeFebruary 25, 2025
A collapsed piece of bridge in Anseong, South Korea

South Korea: 4 dead in bridge collapse

At least ten workers fell from an elevated piece of highway in the city of Anseong.
CatastropheFebruary 25, 2025
President Yoon Suk Yeol attends a hearing of his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea

South Korea: President Yoon faces criminal trial

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court for a case charging him with orchestrating a rebellion.
Law and JusticeFebruary 20, 2025
Photo illustration of the DeepSeek app

DeepSeek: South Korea temporarily bans AI app

Many countries have raised concerns over the Chinese AI app collecting sensitive data.
TechnologyFebruary 17, 2025
North Koreans meet their South Korean relatives at Mount Kumgang resort on August 21, 2018

N. Korea destroys meeting place for war-separated families

The Mount Kumgang Reunion Center has been a place where separated families have gathered for some emotional scenes.
SocietyFebruary 13, 2025
US President Donald Trump looks on during a news conference in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Washington DC, USA, on January 21, 2025

Will Donald Trump's tariff gamble pay off?

Trump's tariff strategy has forced Mexico, Canada, Colombia and Panama to toe the line. But how long will coercion work?
BusinessFebruary 10, 2025
Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un seen at the DMZ in South Korea

South Korea fears being sidelined by Trump-Kim revival

South Korea is looking at a potential return of US President Donald Trump "falling in love" with North Korea's dictator.
PoliticsFebruary 3, 2025
A burned out fuselage with firefighting vehicles around it

South Korea: Airplane catches fire at Busan airport

A passenger aircraft caught fire at an international airport in Busan, South Korea, the Yonhap news agency reported.
Cars and TransportationJanuary 28, 2025
Authorities search for the missing and recover the deceased at the site of an accident near Muan International Airport, South Korea, on December 29

South Korea: Bird DNA found in engines of crashed Jeju jet

South Korean officials have yet to determine the cause of the worst aviation disaster on its soil.
CatastropheJanuary 27, 2025
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on television

S. Korean prosecutors indict President Yoon over martial law

South Korean prosecutors have indicted the impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, on charges of leading a rebellion.
PoliticsJanuary 26, 2025
A 24-hour Yonhap news TV broadcast at Seoul Railway Station shows news broadcast with impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Jan 21, 2025

South Korea investigators want Yoon formally charged

The anti-corruption agency leading a criminal investigation into the Yoon recommended he be indicted over insurrection.
PoliticsJanuary 23, 2025
South Korean police car enters Seoul court

South Korea: Yoon backers riot at court over his arrest

A Seoul court's ruling effectivly extends the detention of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.
PoliticsJanuary 19, 2025
A blue van believed to be transporting impeached South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol on Jan 18, 2025.

South Korea: Yoon attends court hearing over his detention

Yoon Suk Yeol attended the court as hundreds of his supporters rallied outside it, calling for his release.
PoliticsJanuary 18, 2025
A vehicle carrying impeached South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol (C) on January 15, 2025.

South Korea: Yoon refuses to attend questioning

South Korean President Yoon's lawyer informed the press that he will not be appearing for questioning on Thursday.
PoliticsJanuary 16, 2025
A placard of impeached South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol with horns near his residence in Seoul

South Korea: What next after President Yoon's arrest?

The embattled South Korean president is expected to put up a fight as political turmoil shows no sign of abating.
PoliticsJanuary 15, 2025
Pro-Yoon demonstrators hold U.S. and South Korean flags as they take part in a rally in support of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol near his official residence in Seoul, South Korea.

How South Korean president's arrest could cause more turmoil

Thousands of police officers were involved in the operation to detain South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol.
Law and JusticeJanuary 15, 202501:42 min
Former President Yoon arrives at the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) in Gwacheon

South Korea's President Yoon arrested after standoff

Suspended South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been detained for briefly imposing martial law in December.
Law and JusticeJanuary 15, 2025
Pro-Yoon demonstrators take part in a rally in support of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol near his official residence in Seoul

Is China exploiting South Korea's political crisis?

China has placed a large structure in an area of the West Sea that South Korea says is its territory.
PoliticsJanuary 14, 2025
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, right, shakes hands with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya during their meeting at the foreign ministry in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.

South Korea, Japan stress security ties and importance of US

Cho Tae-yul and Takeshi Iwaya stressed the importance of security ties, and trilateral work with the US.
PoliticsJanuary 13, 2025
A demonstrator with a placard reading "Stop the Steal". Behind hime are other protesters.

Standoff over detention of South Korean president drags on

With President Yoon Suk Yeol holed up in his compound resisting detention, some worry wider problems are being ignored.
PoliticsJanuary 13, 202503:11 min
Yoon he will not attend the impeachment hearing until safety issues are resolved

South Korea's Yoon to skip impeachment trial opening

The suspended president's team say he will not attend the impeachment hearing until safety issues are resolved
PoliticsJanuary 12, 2025
DW Arts Unveiled (Sendungslogo Composite)

War and culture — Arts Unveiled

Controversy over the comfort women statue in Berlin and Momento Odesa, a music project for Ukraine.
CultureJanuary 11, 202526:04 min
Park Chong-jun

Yoon's security chief resigns, urges peaceful arrest

Park Chong-jun is under investigation for obstructing the arrest of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
PoliticsJanuary 10, 2025
Protesters attend a rally demanding the arrest of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol near the presidential residence in Seoul

South Korean court tries again to arrest president

Embattled Yoon Suk Yeol has been barricaded inside his residence, protected by hundreds of security personnel.
PoliticsJanuary 8, 202501:47 min
Yoon supporters hold umbrellas and stand in the wet cold in Seoul

South Koreans hope for return to normality amid Yoon crisis

As President Yoon's impeachment drama continues, South Koreans told DW they are ready for the country to move on.
PoliticsJanuary 8, 2025
Yoon Suk Yeol supporters lie in front of a police line near the presidential residence

South Korea's political crisis dragging down economy

The power struggle in South Korea has made the stock exchange jittery and pushed its currency to historic lows.
BusinessJanuary 6, 2025