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National Geographic

THE COMPASS

South Korea

PHOTOGRAPH BY MAREMAGNUM, PHOTOLIBRARY / GETTY IMAGES

From the cosmopolitan capital of Seoul to the terraced hills and turquoise bays of Geojedo Island, South Korea brims with opportunities for exploration and adventure. In this edition, we take a look at antique maps that highlight Korea’s rich cultural heritage, discover new fossil spiders with "glowing" eyes that have been found in South Korea, and see how COVID-19 couldn’t stop K-pop’s global rise.

Let's explore the South Korea.

HISTORY & CULTURE

This 19th-century map of the Korean peninsula was made during the late Joseon dynasty. It depicts the country’s eight political and administrative divisions, labeled with Chinese characters in the red circles.

PHOTOGRAPH BY LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Antique maps highlight Korea’s rich cultural heritage

See the intriguing ways that mapmakers have depicted the peninsula over centuries.

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Seventy years ago, conflict erupted over who would control the Korean Peninsula. It stoked tensions that still roil today—and changed how wars are waged.

PHOTOGRAPH BY THE AP

The Korean War never technically ended. Here’s why.

Seventy years ago, conflict erupted over who would control the Korean Peninsula. It stoked tensions that still roil today—and changed how wars are waged.

Kim Song Jong, nine, poses for a portrait following a dance performance at a Children's Day event in Pyongyang, North Korea.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ED JONES, GETTY IMAGES

See photos of life side-by-side in North and South Korea

Photographer Ed Jones has rare, regular access to North Korea, but is based in South Korea—the perfect setup to document how life in both countries can be similar.

SCIENCE

The defining specimen of Koreamegops samsiki, a newfound species of spider that lived in what is now South Korea between 106 and 112 million years ago.

PHOTOGRAPH BY PAUL ANTONY SELDEN

New fossil spiders with 'glowing' eyes found in South Korea

The ancient arachnids had eyes that shone in the dark—a key adaptation for night vision.

The Ulleungdo hemlock (Tsuga ulleungensis) has been found to be a new species, with some potentially valuable attributes.

PHOTOGRAPH BY PETER DEL TREDICI

First new species of temperate conifer tree discovered in more than a decade

The Ulleungdo hemlock, found on a small Korean island, is likely already endangered, but it may hold the key to fighting invasive species.

TRAVEL

DREAM NOW, GO LATER

Fans of BTS and other popular K-pop bands have helped push the popularity of Korean culture to new heights, even after the pandemic canceled concerts around the world.

PHOTOGRAPH BY NINA WESTERVELT, THE NEW YORK TIMES / REDUX

COVID-19 couldn’t stop K-pop’s global rise

Here’s why South Korea’s cultural wave is a creative force that only keeps growing.

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The Dokdo Islands are the center of a diplomatic dispute between South Korea and Japan that goes back more than 300 years.

PHOTOGRAPH BY TIM FRANCO

Two nations disputed these small islands for 300 years

Many South Koreans consider a trip to the Dodko Islands a civic duty.

The DMZ Peace Train carries South Korean soldiers and tourists from Seoul to train terminals closest to the DMZ.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID GUTTENFELDER

Korea’s heavily armed border is packed with tourists

The DMZ is a living vestige of the Cold War era—it’s also a tourist attraction.

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, South Korea, was designed by architect Zaha Hadid.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MAREMAGNUM, PHOTOLIBRARY / GETTY IMAGES

Discover the best of Seoul

Make the most of your trip to Seoul with these top 10 tips.

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RELATED: EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT SEOUL +

WHERE WILL WE JOURNEY TO NEXT?

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