The first civilization in Korea was centered on the state of Choson which developed in the northwest corner of the peninsula in the second century BC.

During the 19th century, Korea became a geopolitical pawn in the burgeoning regional competition between China, Japan and the encroaching European powers (plus the USA). After the 1895 Treaty of Shimonoseki, which ended the First Sino-Japanese war, Japan established a firm hegemony over Korea. Over the next 15 years, Korea entered one of the darkest periods of its history. The deep suspicion which continues to affect Japanese-Korean relations to this day dates from this period.

At the end of World War II, as Japan was stripped of its colonial territories, the Soviets and Americans agreed to divide Korea along latitude 38°N (the 38th parallel). As the Cold War evolved, the Korean border – one of the few direct meeting points between the Soviet and American spheres of influence – became a key flashpoint. Cross-border incursions increased until full-scale war broke out between the two sides in 1950. The three-year war which followed engaged all the major powers and came closer than is often realised to provoking a nuclear conflagration. By 1953, a stalemate had been reached and an armistice was signed (although the war was never officially brought to an end). For the next three decades, locked into opposing Cold War blocs, the two Koreas went their separate ways. Relations with its northern neighbor remain a major concern in Seoul and the border between the two countries is closed.

Korea is a mountainous peninsula, which boasts breathtaking mountain scenery and a ruggedly scenic coastline. Seoul’s many attractions and excellent transport links make it the country's number one destination for foreign visitors and the logical place from which to embark on a tour of the country. The country also has several dozen national and provincial parks, renowned for their natural beauty and numerous temples.

Finally, The Republic of Korea also has considerable experience in hosting major international sporting events, notably the 1986 Asian Games, the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, the 2002 Asian Games and the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which it co-hosted together with Japan – the first time this major sporting event has taken place in an Asian country. Visitors will benefit from sports facilities of a generally high standard, particularly in Seoul and in the larger cities.

Geography
The Republic of Korea (South Korea) shares borders to the north with the demilitarised zone (separating it from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), to the east with the Sea of Japan (East Sea), to the south with the Korea Strait (separating it from Japan), and to the west with the Yellow Sea. There are many islands, bays and peninsulas in the Korea Strait. The volcanic island of Cheju-do lies off the southwest coast. Most of the country consists of hills and mountains and the 30% of flat plain contains the majority of the population and cultivation. Most rivers rise in the mountains to the east, flowing west and south to the Yellow Sea. The Naktong River flows into the Korea Strait near the southern port of Busan. The eastern coast is rocky and steep with mountains rising from the sea.