People from South Korea are called South Korean.
South Korean
/ˌsaʊθ kəˈriən/
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The term 'Korean' and the country name Korea have rich historical origins rooted in medieval Korean kingdoms and cross-cultural linguistic transmission. The English name 'Korea' derives from 'Goryeo' (고려, 918-1392 CE), also romanized as 'Koryŏ', a powerful medieval Korean kingdom that ruled the peninsula during a golden age of cultural and artistic achievement. The name 'Goryeo' itself is believed to be a shortened form of 'Goguryeo' (고구려, 37 BCE-668 CE), one of the Three Kingdoms of ancient Korea known for its military prowess and territorial expansion.
The transmission of this name to the Western world occurred through multiple intermediaries. Persian and Arab traders who encountered Korea through the Silk Road and maritime routes adopted the name as 'Koryŏ', which then spread to medieval Europe through Marco Polo's accounts and other travelers. European cartographers and explorers in the 16th-17th centuries standardized various spellings including 'Corea', 'Coree', and eventually 'Korea'. Some Korean scholars and nationalists have noted that 'Corea' was the earlier Western spelling and suggest that the 'K' spelling may have been influenced by Japan during its colonial period (1910-1945), though this remains debated among historians.
In the Korean language, South Korea is officially known as 'Daehan Minguk' (대한민국), meaning 'Republic of Great Han' or 'Great Han People's Nation'. The term 'Han' (한/韓) references the Samhan (Three Han) confederacies—Mahan, Jinhan, and Byeonhan—that existed in southern Korea during the Proto-Three Kingdoms period (1st-4th centuries CE). Colloquially, South Koreans refer to their country as 'Hanguk' (한국), literally 'Han Country', while North Korea uses 'Joseon' (조선), referencing the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), the last Korean kingdom before Japanese annexation.
Historically, the Korean peninsula has been known by several names. The ancient name 'Gojoseon' (고조선, c. 2333 BCE-108 BCE), meaning 'Old Joseon', refers to the first Korean kingdom according to traditional historiography. The Chinese historically called Korea 'Chaoxian' (朝鮮), the Chinese reading of 'Joseon', while Japanese sources used 'Chōsen'. During the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE-668 CE), the peninsula was divided among Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, each with distinct cultural identities that eventually unified under the Silla kingdom in 668 CE.
The demonym 'Korean' in English follows standard patterns for nationality adjectives, while 'South Korean' specifically distinguishes residents and nationals of the Republic of Korea from those of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea). In Korean, the people are called 'Hanguk saram' (한국 사람) or more formally 'Hanguk-in' (한국인) in the South, while North Koreans use 'Joseon saram' (조선 사람). The division of the peninsula in 1945 and the subsequent Korean War (1950-1953) created this geographic distinction that persists today, with both states claiming legitimacy over the entire peninsula.
South Koreans and those associated with this region have made significant contributions to the world.
Sinan County, South Korea
Kim Dae-jung (1924-2009) was the eighth President of South Korea (1998-2003) and recipient of the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize for his 'Sunshine Policy' toward North Korea and lifelong commitment to democracy and human rights. Despite facing imprisonment, assassination attempts, and a death sentence under military dictatorships, he persevered to become a symbol of South Korea's democratic transformation. His presidency brought economic recovery after the 1997 Asian financial crisis and significant steps toward inter-Korean reconciliation, including the historic 2000 inter-Korean summit.
Seoul, South Korea (group formed)
BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan, also known as Bangtan Boys or Beyond The Scene) is a seven-member boy band formed in 2010 that became a global phenomenon and the most successful K-pop group in history. They have achieved multiple Billboard Hot 100 #1 hits, sold out stadiums worldwide, and addressed the United Nations General Assembly multiple times. Their record-breaking achievements include being the first Korean act to top the Billboard 200, winning numerous American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards, and generating billions in economic value for South Korea. They've been credited with contributing over $3.6 billion annually to the Korean economy.
Daegu, South Korea
Bong Joon-ho (born 1969) is an acclaimed filmmaker who made history at the 92nd Academy Awards when his film 'Parasite' became the first non-English language film to win Best Picture, along with three other Oscars (Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best International Feature). His distinctive filmmaking style blends social commentary with genre elements in films like 'Memories of Murder', 'The Host', 'Mother', and 'Snowpiercer'. He has won the Palme d'Or at Cannes twice (for 'Parasite' in 2019) and is widely recognized as one of the most influential contemporary filmmakers.
Other places in the region and their demonyms
Want to explore where South Koreans live? Here's the atlas that does it best:
Highly detailed, stunning visuals
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