The Korean Peninsula is located in North-East Asia. It is bordered by the Amnok River (Yalu River) to the northwest, separating Korea from China, and the Duman River (Tumen River) to the northeast which separates Korea from both China and Russia. The country itself is flanked by the Yellow Sea to its west and the East Sea to the east. There are several notable islands that surround the peninsula including Jeju-do, Ulleung-do and Dok-do (Liancourt Rocks). The Korean peninsula is roughly 1,030 km (612 miles) long and 175 km (105 miles) wide at its narrowest point. Korea's total land area is 100,140 sq km, and it has a population of 48.7 million people (2009).
Mountains cover 70% of Korea's land mass, making it one of the most mountainous regions in the world. The lifting and folding of Koreaâs granite and limestone base create a breathtaking landscape of scenic hills and valleys. The mountain range that stretches along the length of the east coast falls steeply into the East Sea, while along the southern and western coasts, the mountains descend gradually to the coastal plains that produce the bulk of Koreaâs agricultural crops, especially rice. Because of its unique geographical location, Koreais a very valuable piece of land and an international hub of Asia.
Division of the 38th Parallel
The Korean peninsula is divided just slightly north of the 38th parallel. The Democratic Republic of Korea in the south and the communist government of North Korea are separated by a demilitarized zone.
- Geographic position - Between 33Ë and 43Ë north latitude, and 124Ë and 131Ë east longitude (including Nor th Korea)
- Highest mountains in S. Korea - Hallasan on Jeju Island, 1,950 meters (6,400 ft); Jirisan, 1,915 meters (6,283 ft); and Seoraksan, 1,708 meters (5,604 ft)
- Rivers - Nakdonggang, 522 km (324 miles); Hangang, 494 km (307 miles); Geumgang, 396 km (246 miles)
- Economic status (2008) - GNI US $ 955.8 billion; GNI per capita US $ 19,231
