South Korean history spans thousands of years, beginning with ancient civilizations such as the Gojoseon era in ancient times and was followed by various kingdoms, including Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. In the 14th century, the Joseon Dynasty emerged, ruling for over 500 years. In the late 19th century, Korea faced external pressures from Japan, leading to its colonization in 1910. After Japan's defeat in World War II, Korea was liberated, but it was divided along the 38th parallel into the North and South in 1945 by the US and Soviet Union . The Korean War (1950-1953) further solidified this division. South Korea then experienced rapid economic growth and democratization in the latter half of the 20th century. Other notable events in the country’s history include the April 19 Revolution (1960), Gwangju Uprising (1980), and the hosting of the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

South Korea has a democratic political system. It operates as a presidential republic with a multi-party system. The President is the head of state and government, elected by the people for a single five-year term. The National Assembly is the legislative body, with members elected through proportional representation and single-member districts.

After the devastation of the Korean War, the South Korean economy embraced an export-oriented industrialization strategy, focusing on sectors like electronics, automotive, and shipbuilding. The government's economic development plans, like the Five-Year Plans and the Saemaul Undong, transformed the country from an agrarian society to an industrial powerhouse. This era, known as the "Miracle on the Han River," saw the rise of chaebols (large, family-owned conglomerates) like Samsung and Hyundai, driving economic growth. By the late 20th century, South Korea had transformed into a developed nation with a strong export-oriented economy. Today, it is a global leader in technology, manufacturing, and innovation, boasting companies like Samsung and Hyundai, contributing significantly to the world economy. South Korea also faces ongoing challenges, such as an aging population, economic inequality, and geopolitical tensions with North Korea.