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Do not fill this in! == Government and politics == {{Main|Government of South Korea|Politics of South Korea}} [[File:ROK election system and separation of powers (en).svg|thumb|left|[[Separation of powers]] and the [[Elections in South Korea|election system]] of South Korea]] {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left; float:right; margin-right:9px; margin-left:2px;" |- | style="text-align:left;"| [[File:South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol portrait.jpg|140px]] | style="text-align:left;"| [[File:Han Duck-soo 2022.jpg|130px]] |- | style="text-align:center;"|[[Yoon Suk Yeol]]<br /><small>[[President of South Korea|President]]</small> | style="text-align:center;"|[[Han Duck-soo]]<br /><small>[[Prime Minister of South Korea|Prime Minister]]</small> |} The South Korean government's structure is determined by the [[Constitution of South Korea|Constitution of the Republic of Korea]]. Like many democratic states,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://a330.g.akamai.net/7/330/25828/20081021185552/graphics.eiu.com/PDF/Democracy%20Index%202008.pdf |publisher=The Economist Intelligence Unit |title=Index of Democracy 2008 |access-date=25 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214053945/http://a330.g.akamai.net/7/330/25828/20081021185552/graphics.eiu.com/PDF/Democracy%20Index%202008.pdf |archive-date=14 December 2008}}</ref> South Korea has a government divided into three branches: [[executive (government)|executive]], [[judiciary|judicial]], and [[legislature|legislative]]. The executive and legislative branches operate primarily at the national level, although various ministries in the executive branch also carry out local functions. The [[Judiciary of South Korea|judicial branch]] operates at both the national and local levels. Local governments are semi-autonomous and contain executive and legislative bodies of their own. South Korea is a constitutional democracy. [[File:National Assembly Building of the Republic of Korea.png|thumb|right|The [[National Assembly of South Korea]]]] The constitution has been revised several times since its first promulgation in 1948 at independence. However, it has retained many broad characteristics and with the exception of the short-lived [[Second Republic of Korea]], the country has always had a presidential system with an independent chief executive.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ks00000_.html|title=South Korea – Constitution|publisher=International Constitutional Law|access-date=16 February 2009|archive-date=20 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120192957/http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ks00000_.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Under its current constitution the state is sometimes referred to as the [[Sixth Republic of South Korea|Sixth Republic of Korea]]. The first direct [[Elections in South Korea|election]] was also held in 1948. Although South Korea experienced a series of military dictatorships from the 1960s until the 1980s, it has since developed into a successful [[liberal democracy]]. Today, the [[The World Factbook|CIA World Factbook]] describes South Korea's democracy as a "fully functioning modern democracy",<ref name="ciawfb">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/korea-south/ |title=Korea, South |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |work=[[The World Factbook]] |date=10 February 2009 |access-date=16 February 2009 |archive-date=29 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129003620/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/korea-south/ |url-status=live }}</ref> while ''[[The Economist Democracy Index]]'' classifies it as a "full democracy", ranking at 24th out of 167 countries in 2022.<ref name="Economist-2023">{{Cite news |date=1 February 2023 |title=The world's most, and least, democratic countries in 2022 |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |url=https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2023/02/01/the-worlds-most-and-least-democratic-countries-in-2022 |accessdate=2 February 2023 |archive-date=6 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106075424/https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2023/02/01/the-worlds-most-and-least-democratic-countries-in-2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to the [[V-Dem Democracy indices]] South Korea is 2023 the 3rd most [[Democracy in Asia|electoral democratic country in Asia]].<ref name="vdem_dataset">{{cite web |last=V-Dem Institute |date=2023 |title=The V-Dem Dataset |url=https://www.v-dem.net/data/the-v-dem-dataset/ |access-date=14 October 2023 |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208183458/https://www.v-dem.net/data/the-v-dem-dataset/ |url-status=live }}</ref> South Korea is ranked 33rd on the [[Corruption Perceptions Index]] (6th in the [[Asia-Pacific]] region), with a score of 63 out of 100.<ref name="ti_2022">{{cite web |title=CPI 2022 |date=31 January 2023 |url=https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2022 |access-date=31 January 2023 |publisher=[[Transparency International]] |archive-date=16 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416180715/https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> === Foreign relations === {{Main|Foreign relations of South Korea}} [[File:Ban Ki-moon February 2016.jpg|upright|thumb|Former [[Secretary-General of the United Nations]] (2007–2016), [[Ban Ki-moon]]]] South Koreas has been a member of the United Nations since 1991, when it became a member state at the same time as North Korea. On 1 January 2007, former South Korean Foreign Minister [[Ban Ki-moon]] served as [[Secretary-General of the United Nations|UN Secretary-General]] from 2007 to 2016. South Korea has developed links with the [[Association of Southeast Asian Nations]] as both a member of ''ASEAN Plus three'', a body of observers, and the [[East Asia Summit]] (EAS). In November 2009, South Korea joined the OECD [[Development Assistance Committee]], marking the first time a former aid recipient country joined the group as a donor member. South Korea hosted the G-20 Summit in Seoul in November 2010, a year that saw South Korea and the [[European Union]] conclude a [[European Union–South Korea Free Trade Agreement|free trade agreement]] (FTA) to reduce trade barriers. South Korea went on to sign a [[Canada–South Korea Free Trade Agreement|Free Trade Agreement with Canada]] and [[Australia–Korea Free Trade Agreement|Australia]] in 2014, and another with [[New Zealand free-trade agreements|New Zealand]] in 2015. South Korea and Britain have agreed to extend a period of low or zero tariffs on bilateral trade of products with parts from the European Union in October 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ravikumar |first1=Sachin |date=2023-10-16 |title=Exclusive: Britain, South Korea extend tariff-free trade on goods with EU links |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/britain-south-korea-agree-extend-tariff-free-trade-two-years-2023-10-15/ |access-date=2023-11-28 |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205123104/https://www.reuters.com/business/britain-south-korea-agree-extend-tariff-free-trade-two-years-2023-10-15/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ==== North Korea ==== {{Main|North Korea–South Korea relations}} [[File:Panmunjeom DMZ.png|thumb|left|The [[Joint Security Area]]]] Both North and South Korea claim complete sovereignty over the entire peninsula and outlying islands.<ref>{{cite news |date=21 March 2018 |title=Can North Korea get South to join dispute with Japan over two islands in Asia? |work=Newsweek |url=http://www.newsweek.com/can-north-korea-get-south-join-dispute-japan-over-two-islands-asia-815076 |access-date=9 March 2018 |archive-date=23 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623005232/http://www.newsweek.com/can-north-korea-get-south-join-dispute-japan-over-two-islands-asia-815076 |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite mutual animosity, reconciliation efforts have continued since the initial separation between North and South Korea. Political figures such as [[Kim Koo]] worked to reconcile the two governments even after the Korean War.<ref>[http://modernkoreanhistory.weebly.com/ modern Korean history – Home] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626135653/https://modernkoreanhistory.weebly.com/ |date=26 June 2018 }}. Modernkoreanhistory.weebly.com. Retrieved 17 April 2015.</ref> With longstanding animosity following the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, North Korea and South Korea signed an agreement to pursue peace.<ref name="Reuters-2007">{{cite news |date=4 October 2007 |title=North, South Korea pledge peace, prosperity |work=Reuters |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKSEO16392220071004 |access-date=17 February 2009 |archive-date=23 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071223105941/http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKSEO16392220071004 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 4 October 2007, [[Roh Moo-Hyun]] and North Korean leader [[Kim Jong-il]] signed an eight-point agreement on issues of permanent peace, high-level talks, economic cooperation, renewal of train services, highway and air travel, and a joint Olympic cheering squad.<ref name="Reuters-2007" /> [[File:2018 inter-Korean summit 01.jpg|thumb|North Korean leader [[Kim Jong-un]] and South Korean President [[Moon Jae-in]] shake hands inside the [[Inter-Korean Peace House|Peace House]].]] Despite the Sunshine Policy and efforts at reconciliation, the progress was complicated by [[List of North Korean missile tests|North Korean missile tests]] in [[1993 North Korean missile test|1993]], [[1998 North Korean missile test|1998]], [[2006 North Korean nuclear test|2006]], [[2009 North Korean nuclear test|2009]], and [[2013 North Korean missile tests|2013]]. By early 2009, relationships between North and South Korea were very tense; North Korea had been reported to have deployed missiles,<ref>{{cite news |date=23 February 2009 |title=North Korea deploying more missiles |work=[[BBC News]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7905361.stm |access-date=9 March 2009 |archive-date=24 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100824214110/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7905361.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> ended its former agreements with South Korea,<ref>{{cite news |date=30 January 2009 |title=North Korea tears up agreements |work=[[BBC News]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7859671.stm |access-date=8 March 2009 |archive-date=6 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306071916/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7859671.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and threatened South Korea and the United States not to interfere with a satellite launch it had planned.<ref>{{cite news |date=3 March 2009 |title=North Korea warning over satellite |work=[[BBC News]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7931670.stm |access-date=8 March 2009 |archive-date=9 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309171011/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7931670.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> North and South Korea are still technically at war (having never signed a peace treaty after the Korean War) and share the world's most heavily fortified border.<ref name="border">{{cite news |date=4 June 2004 |title=Koreas agree to military hotline |work=CNN |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/06/03/koreas.agree/index.html |access-date=18 February 2010 |archive-date=30 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091130235815/http://edition.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/06/03/koreas.agree/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ==== China and Russia ==== {{Main|China–South Korea relations|South Korea–Taiwan relations|Russia–South Korea relations}}[[File:Vladimir Putin and Moon Jae-in (2017-09-06) 01.jpg|thumb|South Korean president [[Moon Jae-in]] meets with Russian president [[Vladimir Putin]].]] Historically, Korea had close relations with the dynasties in China, and some Korean kingdoms were members of the [[Tributary system of China|Imperial Chinese tributary system]]. The Korean kingdoms also ruled over some Chinese kingdoms including the Khitan people and the Manchurians before the Qing dynasty and received tributes from them.<ref>A New History of Korea p. 61</ref> In modern times, before the formation of South Korea, Korean independence fighters worked with Chinese soldiers during the Japanese occupation. However, after World War II, the People's Republic of China embraced [[Maoism]] while South Korea sought close relations with the United States. The PRC assisted North Korea with manpower and supplies during the Korean War, and in its aftermath the diplomatic relationship between South Korea and the PRC almost completely ceased. Relations thawed gradually, and South Korea and the PRC re-established formal diplomatic relations on 24 August 1992. The two countries sought to improve bilateral relations and lifted the forty-year-old trade embargo,<ref name="Asia Times-2004">{{cite news |date=11 September 2004 |title=Asia Times – News and analysis from Korea; North and South |work=Asia Times |location=Hong Kong |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/FI11Dg03.html |url-status=unfit |access-date=25 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040911032145/http://atimes.com/atimes/Korea/FI11Dg03.html |archive-date=11 September 2004}}</ref> and South Korean–Chinese relations have improved steadily since 1992.<ref name="Asia Times-2004" /> The Republic of Korea broke off official relations with the [[Taiwan|Republic of China (Taiwan)]] upon gaining official relations with the People's Republic of China, which does not recognize [[Political status of Taiwan#Position of the People's Republic of China (PRC)|Taiwan's sovereignty]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Kristof |first=Nicholas D. |date=24 August 1992 |title=Chinese and South Koreans Formally Establish Relations |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/24/world/chinese-and-south-koreans-formally-establish-relations.html |access-date=18 February 2017 |archive-date=19 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619113034/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/24/world/chinese-and-south-koreans-formally-establish-relations.html |url-status=live }}</ref> China has become South Korea's largest trading partner by far, sending 26% of South Korean exports in 2016 worth $124 billion, as well as an additional $32 billion worth of exports to [[Hong Kong]].<ref name="MIT-2018">{{cite web |date=10 March 2018 |title=South Korea Country Profile |url=https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/kor/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409050138/https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/kor/ |archive-date=9 April 2019 |access-date=9 March 2018 |work=MIT}}</ref> South Korea is also China's fourth largest trading partner, with $93 billion of Chinese imports in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |date=10 March 2018 |title=China Country Profile |url=https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/chn/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718124252/https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/profile/country/chn/ |archive-date=18 July 2018 |access-date=9 March 2018 |work=MIT}}</ref> Following the Korean War, the Soviet Union's relation with North Korea resulted in little contact until the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]]. Since the 1990s, there has been greater trade and cooperation between the two nations. ==== Japan ==== {{Main|Japan–South Korea relations}} {{See also|History of Japan–Korea relations|Japan–Korea disputes}} [[File:Liancourt walleye view.jpg|thumb|The [[Liancourt Rocks]] have become an issue known as the [[Liancourt Rocks dispute]].]] Korea and Japan have had difficult relations since ancient times but also significant cultural exchange, with Korea acting as the gateway between East Asia and Japan. Contemporary perceptions of Japan are still largely defined by [[Korea under Japanese rule|Japan's 35-year colonization of Korea]] in the 20th century, which is [[Anti-Japanese sentiment in Korea|generally regarded in South Korea as having been very negative]]. There were no formal diplomatic ties between South Korea and Japan directly after independence the end of World War II in 1945. South Korea and Japan eventually signed the [[Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea]] in 1965 to establish diplomatic ties. Japan is today South Korea's third largest trading partner, with 12% ($46 billion) of exports in 2016.<ref name="MIT-2018" /> Longstanding issues such as [[Japanese war crimes]] against Korean civilians, the [[Historical revisionism (negationism)|negationist]] [[Japanese history textbook controversies|re-writing of Japanese textbooks]] relating Japanese atrocities during World War II, the territorial disputes over the [[Liancourt Rocks]], known in South Korea as "Dokdo" and in Japan as "Takeshima",<ref>{{cite web |author=Kim Hee-sung |date=22 February 2008 |title=Professor from Japan Discovers Map Proving Dokdo Island is Korean Territory |url=http://www.dynamic-korea.com/news/view_news.php?main=KTD&sub=&uid=200800220395&keyword= |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514111833/http://www.dynamic-korea.com/news/view_news.php?main=KTD&sub=&uid=200800220395&keyword= |archive-date=14 May 2011 |website=DYNAMIC-KOREA.COM}}</ref> and visits by Japanese politicians to the [[Yasukuni Shrine]], honoring Japanese people (civilians and military) killed during the war continue to trouble Korean-Japanese relations. The Liancourt Rocks were the first Korean territories to be forcibly colonized by Japan in 1905. Although it was again returned to Korea along with the rest of its territory in 1951 with the signing of the Treaty of San Francisco, Japan does not recant on its claims that the Liancourt Rocks are Japanese territory.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 June 2012 |title=Dokdo Takeshima Island Liancourt Rocks The Historical Facts of the Dokdo / Takeshima Island Dispute Between Korea and Japan |url=http://www.dokdo-takeshima.com/dokdo-takeshima-related-historical-data |website=www.dokdo-takeshima.com |access-date=28 March 2024 |archive-date=27 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627005210/https://www.dokdo-takeshima.com/dokdo-takeshima-related-historical-data |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2009, in response to Prime Minister [[Junichiro Koizumi]]'s visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, President Roh Moo-hyun suspended all summit talks between South Korea and Japan in 2009.<ref>{{cite news |date=17 March 2006 |title=President Roh Moo-hyun will not hold a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi until Koizumi stops visits to Japan's Yasukuni shrine |work=[[Voice of America]] |url=http://www.voanews.com/Korean/archive/2006-03/2006-03-17-voa12.cfm |access-date=15 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080507103851/http://www.voanews.com/Korean/archive/2006-03/2006-03-17-voa12.cfm |archive-date=7 May 2008}}</ref> A summit between the nations' leaders was eventually held on 9 February 2018, during the Korean held Winter Olympics.<ref>{{cite news |date=9 February 2018 |title=Japan PM tells South Korea's Moon that 2015 'comfort women' deal is final |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-olympics-2018-japan-abe/japan-pm-tells-south-koreas-moon-that-2015-comfort-women-deal-is-final-idUSKBN1FT06J |access-date=28 March 2024 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142914/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-olympics-2018-japan-abe/japan-pm-tells-south-koreas-moon-that-2015-comfort-women-deal-is-final-idUSKBN1FT06J |url-status=live }}</ref> South Korea asked the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) to ban the Japanese [[Rising Sun Flag]] from the [[2020 Summer Olympics]] in Tokyo,<ref>{{cite news |date=11 September 2019 |title=South Korea formally requests Japan's 'rising sun' flag be banned at 2020 Olympics |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/2020-olympics-tokyo-south-korea-japan-rising-sun-flag-ban-a9101086.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/2020-olympics-tokyo-south-korea-japan-rising-sun-flag-ban-a9101086.html |archive-date=24 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=11 September 2019 |title=South Korea asks IOC to ban Japan's use of 'Rising Sun' flag at Olympics |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southkorea-japan-olympics/south-korea-asks-ioc-to-ban-japans-use-of-rising-sun-flag-at-olympics-idUSKCN1VW1LG |access-date=14 September 2019 |archive-date=13 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913095332/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southkorea-japan-olympics/south-korea-asks-ioc-to-ban-japans-use-of-rising-sun-flag-at-olympics-idUSKCN1VW1LG |url-status=live }}</ref> and the IOC said in a statement "sports stadiums should be free of any political demonstration. When concerns arise at games time we look at them on a case-by-case basis."<ref>{{cite news |date=12 September 2019 |title=S. Korea urges IOC to ban Japanese imperial flag from 2020 Olympics |work=[[Kyodo News]] |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/09/5097f6b5dca3-s-korea-urges-ioc-to-ban-rising-sun-flag-from-2020-olympics.html?phrase=Onaga,%20okinawa&words= |access-date=5 September 2020 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417211822/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/09/5097f6b5dca3-s-korea-urges-ioc-to-ban-rising-sun-flag-from-2020-olympics.html?phrase=Onaga,%20okinawa&words= |url-status=live }}</ref> ==== European Union ==== {{Main|South Korea–European Union relations}} The [[European Union]] (EU) and South Korea are important trading partners, having negotiated a [[free trade agreement]] for many years since South Korea was designated as a priority FTA partner in 2006. The free trade agreement was approved in September 2010, and took effect on 1 July 2011.<ref>{{cite news |date=16 September 2009 |title=EU agrees free trade deal with S.Korea |agency=Agence France-Presse |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hjiU353BrLQrVT2oZEu5HPb40ugA |access-date=28 March 2024 |archive-date=20 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520170725/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hjiU353BrLQrVT2oZEu5HPb40ugA |url-status=live }}</ref> South Korea is the EU's tenth largest trade partner, and the EU has become South Korea's fourth largest export destination. EU trade with South Korea exceeded €90 billion in 2015 and has enjoyed an annual average growth rate of 9.8% between 2003 and 2013.<ref name="EU">{{Cite web |title=South Korea-EU – trade in goods – Statistics Explained |url=http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/South_Korea-EU_-_trade_in_goods#EU_and_South_Korea_in_world_trade |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923095528/http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/South_Korea-EU_-_trade_in_goods#EU_and_South_Korea_in_world_trade |archive-date=23 September 2017 |access-date=23 September 2017 |website=ec.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref> The EU has been the single largest foreign investor in South Korea since 1962, and accounted for almost 45% of all FDI inflows into Korea in 2006. Nevertheless, EU companies have significant problems accessing and operating in the South Korean market because of stringent standards and testing requirements for products and services often creating barriers to trade. Both in its regular bilateral contacts with South Korea and through its FTA with Korea, the EU is seeking to improve the current geopolitical situation.<ref name="EU" /> ==== United States ==== {{Main|South Korea–United States relations}} [[File:President Biden met with President of South Korea Yoon at the Presidential Office in Yongsan 2022.jpg|thumb|President [[Yoon Suk Yeol]] meets with [[President of the United States|U.S. President]] [[Joe Biden]] in Seoul.]] A close relationship with the United States began directly after World War II, when the United States temporarily administered Korea for three years (mainly in the South, with the Soviet Union engaged in North Korea). Upon the onset of the Korean War in 1950, U.S. forces were sent to defend against an invasion from North Korea of the South and subsequently fought [[United States in the Korean War|as the largest contributor of UN troops]]. The United States participation was critical for preventing the [[Battle of Pusan Perimeter|near defeat of the Republic of Korea]] by northern forces, as well as fighting back for the territory gains that define the South Korean nation today. Following the Armistice, South Korea and the U.S. agreed to a "Mutual Defense Treaty", under which an attack on either party in the [[United States Indo-Pacific Command|Pacific area]] would summon a response from both.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States and the Republic of Korea; October 1, 1953 |url=http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/kor001.asp |publisher=Yale Law School |access-date=18 September 2010 |archive-date=7 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807165304/http://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/kor001.asp |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1967, South Korea obliged the mutual defense treaty by sending a large combat troop contingent to support the United States in the [[Vietnam War]]. The two nations have strong economic, diplomatic, and military ties, although they have at times disagreed with regard to policies towards North Korea and with regard to some of South Korea's industrial activities that involve usage of rocket or nuclear technology. There had also been strong anti-American sentiment during certain periods, which has largely moderated in the modern day.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Haesook Chae |year=2010 |title=South Korean Attitudes toward the ROK–U.S. Alliance: Group Analysis |journal=PS: Political Science & Politics |volume=43 |issue=3 |pages=493–501 |doi=10.1017/S1049096510000727 |s2cid=155083075}}</ref> The two nations also share a close economic relationship, with the U.S. being South Korea's second largest trading partner, receiving $66 billion in exports in 2016.<ref name="MIT-2018" /> In 2007, a free trade agreement known as the [[South Korea – United States Free Trade Agreement|Republic of Korea-United States Free Trade Agreement]] was signed between South Korea and the United States, but its formal implementation was repeatedly delayed, pending approval by the legislative bodies of the two countries. On 12 October 2011, the U.S. Congress passed the long-stalled trade agreement with South Korea.<ref>{{cite news |author=Appelbaum, Bintamin |author2=Steinhauer, Jennifer |date=13 October 2011 |title=Congress Ends 5-Year Standoff on Trade Deals in Rare Accord |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/13/business/trade-bills-near-final-chapter.html?scp=17&sq=korea&st=cse |access-date=18 February 2017 |archive-date=12 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142051/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/13/business/trade-bills-near-final-chapter.html?scp=17&sq=korea&st=cse |url-status=live }}</ref> It went into effect on 15 March 2012.<ref>{{cite news |date=9 June 2012 |title=New Opportunities for U.S. Exporters Under the U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement |url=http://www.ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/korus-fta |access-date=28 March 2024 |archive-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121032246/https://ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/korus-fta |url-status=live }}</ref> === Military === {{Main|Republic of Korea Armed Forces}}[[File:ROKS Sejong the Great (DDG 991) broadside view.jpg|thumb|[[Republic of Korea Navy|ROKN]] Sejong the Great, a [[Sejong the Great-class destroyer|''Sejong the Great'']]-class [[guided-missile destroyer]] built by [[Hyundai Heavy Industries]]]] Unresolved tension with North Korea has prompted South Korea to allocate 2.6% of its GDP and 15% of all government spending to its military (government share of GDP: 14.967%), while maintaining compulsory conscription for men.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}} Consequently, the ROK Armed Forces is one of the largest and most powerful standing armed forces in the world with a reported personnel strength of 3,600,000 in 2022 (500,000 active and 3,100,000 reserve).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Public Notebook |url=https://www.mnd.go.kr/user/mnd/upload/pblictn/PBLICTNEBOOK_202302161200208490.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216075613/https://www.mnd.go.kr/user/mnd/upload/pblictn/PBLICTNEBOOK_202302161200208490.pdf |archive-date=2023-02-16 |access-date=2023-02-16}}</ref> The South Korean military consists of the [[Republic of Korea Army|Army]] (ROKA), the [[Republic of Korea Navy|Navy]] (ROKN), the [[Republic of Korea Air Force|Air Force]] (ROKAF), and the [[Republic of Korea Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] (ROKMC), and reserve forces. Many of these forces are concentrated near the Korean Demilitarized Zone. All South Korean males are constitutionally required to serve in the military, typically 18 months.<ref>{{cite news |author=Lee Tae-hoon |date=30 September 2009 |title=Military Duty Exemption for Biracial Koreans Will Be Scrapped |work=[[The Korea Times]] |location=Seoul |url=http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/10/116_52759.html |access-date=18 February 2010 |archive-date=17 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117202320/http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/10/116_52759.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition [[Korean Augmentation to the United States Army]] is a branch of the Republic of Korea Army that consists of Korean enlisted personnel who are augmented to the Eighth United States Army. In 2010, South Korea spent [[South Korean won|₩]]1.68 trillion in a cost-sharing agreement with the U.S. to provide budgetary support to the U.S. forces in Korea, on top of the ₩29.6 trillion budget for its own military. [[File:K2 black panther3.jpg|thumb|left|The South Korean-developed [[K2 Black Panther]], built by [[Hyundai Rotem]]]] From time to time, South Korea has sent its troops overseas to assist American forces. It has participated in most major conflicts that the United States has been involved in the past 50 years. South Korea dispatched 325,517 troops to fight in the [[Vietnam War]], with a peak strength of 50,000.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Heo |first1=Man-ho |date=25 March 2009 |title=North Korea's Continued Detention of South Korean POWs since the Korean and Vietnam Wars North Korea's Continued Detention of South Korean POWs since the Korean and Vietnam Wars |journal=Man-ho Heo |volume=14 |issue=2 |pages=141–165 |doi=10.1080/10163270209464030}}</ref> In 2004, South Korea sent 3,300 troops of the [[Zaytun Division]] to help rebuilding in northern [[Iraq]], and was the third largest contributor in the [[Multi-National Force – Iraq|coalition forces]] after the U.S. and Britain.<ref>{{cite web |title=Zaytun Division official website |url=http://www.army.mil.kr:7081/zaytun2/english/index.jsp |access-date=17 February 2009}}{{dead link|date=February 2009}}</ref> Beginning in 2001, South Korea had deployed 24,000 troops in the Middle East region to support the [[war on terror]]. [[File:해군 독도함 (7438321572).jpg|thumb|left|[[ROKS Dokdo]], the lead ship of the {{sclass|Dokdo|amphibious assault ship}}, built by [[Hanjin Heavy Industries]]]] The right to [[conscientious objection]] was not recognized in South Korea until recently. Over 400 men were typically imprisoned at any given time for refusing military service for political or religious reasons in the years before right to conscientious objection was established.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wri-irg.org/en/programmes/world_survey/country_report/en/Korea,+South|title=Country report and updates: Korea, South – War Resisters' International|website=www.wri-irg.org|date=15 June 2023|access-date=18 September 2023|archive-date=30 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930202934/https://www.wri-irg.org/en/programmes/world_survey/country_report/en/Korea,+South|url-status=live}}</ref> On 28 June 2018, the South Korean Constitutional Court ruled the Military Service Act unconstitutional and ordered the government to accommodate civilian forms of military service for conscientious objectors.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/28/world/asia/south-korea-military-service-conscientious-objectors.html|title=South Korea Must Offer Alternatives to Military Draft, Court Rules|last=Choe|first=Sang-Hun|date=2018-06-28|website=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=2019-03-17|archive-date=20 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620165531/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/28/world/asia/south-korea-military-service-conscientious-objectors.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 November 2018, the South Korean Supreme Court legalized conscientious objection as a basis for rejecting compulsory military service.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/11/01/asia/south-korea-conscientious-objectors-intl/index.html|title=South Korea's top court legalizes conscientious objection after decades-long fight|last1=Kwon|first1=Jake|last2=Griffiths|first2=James|date=2018-11-01|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107095357/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/11/01/asia/south-korea-conscientious-objectors-intl/index.html|archive-date=2018-11-07|access-date=2018-11-28}}</ref> ==== United States contingent ==== The United States has stationed a substantial contingent of troops to defend South Korea. There are approximately 28,500 U.S. military personnel stationed in South Korea,<ref>{{cite news |date=26 February 2007 |title=America's Unsinkable Fleet |work=Newsweek |location=New York |url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/68465 |access-date=17 February 2009 |archive-date=30 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120130152045/http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2007/02/25/america-s-unsinkable-fleet.html |url-status=live }}</ref> most of them serving one year unaccompanied tours. The U.S. troops, which are primarily ground and air units, are assigned to [[United States Forces Korea]] and mainly assigned to the [[Eighth United States Army|Eighth Army]], [[Seventh Air Force]], and [[United States Naval Forces Korea|Naval Forces Korea]]. They are stationed in installations at [[Osan]], [[Kunsan]], Yongsan, [[Dongducheon]], Sungbuk, [[Camp Humphreys]], and [[Daegu]], as well as at [[Camp Bonifas]] in the DMZ [[Joint Security Area]]. A fully functioning [[United Nations Command|UN Command]] is at the top of the [[chain of command]] of all forces in South Korea, including the U.S. forces and the entire South Korean military – if a sudden escalation of war between North and South Korea were to occur the United States would assume control of the South Korean armed forces in all military and paramilitary moves. There has been long-term agreement between the United States and South Korea that South Korea should eventually assume the lead for its own defense. This transition to a South Korean command has been slow and often postponed, although it is currently scheduled to occur in the 2020s.<ref>{{cite news |date=22 February 2018 |title=Allies' future command to be led by S. Korean general: minister |work=[[Yonhap News Agency]] |url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2018/02/22/0200000000AEN20180222009000315.html |access-date=28 March 2024 |archive-date=11 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311140722/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2018/02/22/0200000000AEN20180222009000315.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. If you do not want your writing to be edited mercilessly, then do not submit it here. You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it from a public domain or similar free resource (see Christianpedia:Copyrights for details). Do not submit copyrighted work without permission! Cancel Editing help (opens in new window) Discuss this page