FACTS

Location: Eastern Asia, southern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea

Area (only Total) total: 98,480 sq km

Climate: temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter

Terrain: mostly hills and mountains; wide coastal plains in west and south

Population: 49,232,844 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Korean

Government type: republic

Capital (Name): Seoul

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+9

Independence: 15 August 1945 (from Japan)

National holiday: Liberation Day, 15 August (1945)

HOLIDAYS

January 1 New Year's Day

February 6 - 8 Sollal

March 1 Independence Movement Day

April 5 Arbor Day/ Day of Trees

May 1 Labour Day (banks and workers, not Government)

May 5 Children's Day

May 12 Buddha's Birthday

June 6 Memorial Day

July 17 Constitution Day

August 15 Liberation Day

October 3 National Foundation Day

December 25 Christmas Day

Weekend - Sunday