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REPUBLIC OF KOREA AT A GLANCE |
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| General
Information |
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| Location: Southern Korean peninsula in
east Asia |
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| Government: Republic, Parliamentary Democracy
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| Language: Korean |
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| Administrative Divisions: 9 provinces and
7 metropolitan cities |
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EXECUTIVE
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| Head of
State |
President Roh Moo-hyun (since 25
February 2003)
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| Head of Government |
Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan (since 25 May 2004); Deputy Prime Ministers Han Duck-soo (14 March 2005), KIM Jin-pyo (since 28 January 2005), and Oh Myung (since 18 October 2004)
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| Cabinet |
State Council appointed by the president
on the prime minister's recommendation
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| Elections |
President elected by popular vote
for a single five-year term; election last held 18 December
1997. Prime minister appointed by the President; Deputy
Prime Ministers appointed by the President on Prime
Minister's recommendation
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| LEGISLATURE |
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Unicameral National Assembly or Kukhoe
( 299 seats total - 243 elected by direct, popular vote
and 56 awarded on a proportional basis; members serve
four-year terms
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| Elections: |
Last held 15 April 2004 (next to be held in April 2008; by-elections held on 30 April 2005 and on 26 October 2005)
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| JUDICIARY |
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Supreme Court (justices are appointed
by the President with the consent of the National Assembly)
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| SPECIAL FACTORS |
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The Republic of Korea has a predominantly
market economy based largely on services and light and
heavy industries. Economic growth has been heavily dependent
on exports of manufactures. The GNP is growing much faster
than the population. The GNP per capita is similar to
those of the other rapidly developing east Asian countries
and was ranked in the top 10 countries in Asia in 2000 |
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| Indicators |
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| Indicators |
Estimate |
Year |
Source |
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| Population
( millions) |
| Population growth
(1991-2001) |
| Annual Population
Growth (percent) |
| Population Density
(per sq.km) |
| Sex Ratio (females
per 1,000 males) |
| Crude Birth Rate
(per 1000 population) |
| Crude Death Rate |
| Total Fertility
Rate |
| Infant Mortality
(per 1000) |
| Maternal Mortality
Rate |
| Human Development
Index Ranking |
| Literacy (Total) |
| -
Males |
| -
Females |
| Increase in literacy |
| People below poverty
line ($ 1 a day) |
| Urban Population
(%) |
| Growth of Urban
population (annual) |
| Life expectancy |
| Per capita GNP (US
$) |
| Population with
access to proper sanitation (%) |
| Population with
access to improved water sources (%) |
| Health Expenditure-Public
(% of GDP) |
| Health Expenditure
- Private (% of GDP) |
| Physicians per 100,000
population |
| Population with
Access to Essential Drugs (%) |
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| 47.64 | 2004 | UNICEF | | -- | -- | -- | | 1.1 | 1975-2003 | UNDP HDR 2005 | | 483 | 2002 | World Development Report 2004 | | -- | -- | -- | | 12 | 2002 | UNICEF | | 6 | 2002 | UNICEF | | 1.2 | 2000 - 2005 | UNDP HDR 2005 | | 5 | 2002 | UNDP HDR 2005 | | 20 | 2000 | UNDP HDR 2005 | | 28 | 2003 | UNDP HDR 2005 | | 97.9 | 2003 | UNDP HDR 2005 | | 99.2 | 2002 | UNDP HDR 2005 | | 96.6 | 2002 | UNDP HDR 2005 | | -- | -- | -- | | <2 | 1990-2002 | UNDP HDR 2005 | | 80.3 | 2003 | UNDP HDR 2005 | | 1.8 | 1990-2002 | UNICEF | | 77 | 2004 | UNICEF | | 13980 | 2004 | UNICEF | | 63 | 2002 | UNDP HDR 2005 | | 92 | 2002 | UNDP HDR 2005 | | 2.6 | 2002 | UNDP HDR 2005 | | 2.4 | 2002 | UNDP HDR 2005 | | 181 | 1990-2004 | UNDP HDR 2005 | | 95 -100 | 1999 | UNDP HDR 2003 |
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| Socio-Economic
Background |
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| Rapid economic growth during the past three decades has resulted in successful poverty alleviation. According to UNDP, the incidence of poverty in ROK has been reduced remarkably from 40.9 % of the national population to 9.5 % in 1988, and the absolute poverty is as low as 3 % in 1996. Poverty remains high among households with female heads, families headed by the elderly and the handicapped. The Government has set up a welfare model system for the 21 century under which the minimum standard of living will be fully supported for the poor. The Asian financial crisis of 1997 exposed some of the weaknesses in the South Korean development model. This led to extensive restructuring.
The earlier government assisted, family-controlled conglomerates were heavily invested in export-oriented manufacturing, neglecting the domestic market, and exposing the economy to any downturns in overseas markets. Of the 30 largest conglomerates, 11 collapsed between July 1997 and June 1999. In the wake of the crisis the government made several efforts to reform the economy and many of the reforms were directed at the conglomerates. |
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| Led by consumer spending and exports, growth in 2002 was an impressive 7.0% . Between 2003 and 2005, it moderated to about 4%. A downturn in consumer spending was offset by rapid export growth.
In 2005, the government proposed labor reform legislation and a corporate pension scheme to help make the labor market more flexible, and new real estate policies to rein in property speculation. Moderate inflation, low unemployment, an export surplus, and fairly equal distribution of income characterize the South Korean economy. Per capita, its GDP is equal to the middle economies of Europe. |
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| South Korea is the twelfth most densely populated country in the world and more than 80% of its population lives in the cities. The annual rate of population increase in South Korea has dropped steadily from more than 3% in the late 1950s to 0.4% in 2005. |
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| Estimates |
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| Figures |
| Value | Year | Source | | 13,000 | 2005 | UNAIDS Global AIDS Report 2006 | | 13,000 | 2005 | UNAIDS Global AIDS Report 2006 | | 7400 | 2005 | UNAIDS Global AIDS Report 2006 | | -- | -- | -- | | <500 | 2005 | UNAIDS Global AIDS Report 2006 | | -- | -- | -- |
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| Estimated Number
of HIV cases (Adults and children) |
| Adults (15-49 years) |
| Women (15-49) |
| Children |
| Esimated number
of deaths due to AIDS |
| Estimated Number
of AIDS orphans |
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| HIV
Situation |
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| The first case of HIV infection was reported in 1985 and the first AIDS case in 1987. Majority of (93%) HIV infections are estimated to be sexually transmitted, with 13% occurring among women. According to UNAIDS 2004 report, by the end of December 2003, a cumulative total of 2440 HIV cases including 389 AIDS cases had been reported. An estimated 4,000 HIV-infected individuals were living in the country at the end of 2001 (prevalence of 0.01% among people aged 15 to 49). The great majority (96%) of HIV infections are estimated to be sexually transmitted, with 13% occurring among women. National sero-prevalence surveys have identified only sporadic cases of HIV infection. |
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| The sero-prevalence of syphilis is also very low (0.03% among blood donors). Gonococcal antimicrobial resistance is high; in 2000, penicillin resistance was 80% and quinolone (ciprofloxacin) resistance, 79.5%. Behavioural surveys in 2001 found that 26.8% of sex workers reported using condoms during all sexual contacts |
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| Sex is the leading route of infection. HIV transmission
among homosexual population appears challenging. In 1992 homosexual
contact was the number one route of HIV transmission. |
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| The
National Response |
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| Since 1985, the Ministry of Health and Welfare
(MOHW) has coordinated a wide range of activities for AIDS prevention
and control. National AIDS Committee (NAC) was formed in March
1987. The Center for AIDS Control was established at the National
Institute of Health (NIH) in May 1987 and the center provides
technical support for the national AIDS prevention program,
especially in the area of laboratory, training and research.
HIV testing of all the donated blood and plasma units started
in July 1987. Free anonymous HIV testing service is available
at health centers nationwide. |
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| The AIDS law (AIDS Prevention Act) was enacted
in November 1987 and it gives a legal basis for various activities
of AIDS prevention. The law assigns responsibilities of the
State, local government and citizen; protect individuals against
undue discrimination; ensures confidentiality of the person
with HIV/AIDS; requires reporting of HIV infection; and stipulates
mandatory HIV testing for certain groups of population and donated
blood. |
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| Chronology of National AIDS Prevention
Program |
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| June 1985 |
| HIV antibody free requirement for imported plasma
and blood Components |
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| Sept. 1985 |
| HIV antibody testing of MSM bar employees |
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| Nov. 1985 |
| AIDS task force; AIDS advisory committee |
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| Oct. 1986 |
| HIV testing of selected blood donors and prostitutes |
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| Mar. 1987 |
| National AIDS Committee (NAC) |
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| Mar. 1987 |
| AIDS and HIV infection designated as second class
notifiable disease |
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| May 1987 |
| Center for AIDS Control at the National Institute
of Health |
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| July 1987 |
| HIV testing of all donated blood and plasma units
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| Sep. 1987 |
| HIV testing of all workers under STD screening
scheme |
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| Nov. 1987 |
| AIDS law (AIDS Prevention Act) |
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| Feb. 1988 |
| Mandatory HIV testing of returning seafarers |
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| Oct. 1988 |
| 29 hospitals designated as 'AIDS care facilities' |
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| Dec. 1988 |
| AIDS law amended - 'border control measures' clauses
included |
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| Oct. 1989 |
| Free of charge anonymous HIV testing introduced
at community health centers and quarantine stations. |
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| Apr. 1990 |
| Public relations on condom for AIDS prevention
introduced |
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| July 1991 |
| Money consolation rules for blood services mediated
HIV victim |
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| May 1993 |
| Mandatory HIV testing of returning seafarers was
banned. AIDS prevention initiatives by Korean Anti-AIDS Federation
(KAAF) and Korean Alliance to defeat AIDS (KADA). Information
and communication technologies (ICTs) are effectively being
used as a comprehensive response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic |
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| UN Offices |
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| UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) |
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| #105 Hannam Tower, |
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| 730 Hannam-2dong |
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| Yongsan-Ku, |
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| Seoul 140-212 |
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| Mail Address: Same as Above |
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| Phone: (82-2) 790-9562 |
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| Fax: (82-2) 749-1417 |
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| E-mail: registry.kr@undp.org |
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| URL: www.undp.org.kr |
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| NGO Support |
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| Established in 1993, the Korean Anti-AIDS Federation
(KAAF) and Korean Alliance to Defeat AIDS (KADA) and other voluntary
groups are also active in education of AIDS prevention and the
government is supporting and willing to support their efforts.
A nation-wide HIV/AIDS prevention campaign was launched in March
1999 by a major NGO (Korean Anti-AIDS Federation, Inc.) in cooperation
with UNDP Seoul Office and the Seoul Metropolitan Government. |
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| In 2003, UNDP Seoul Office and the newly established
KUISC (Korea UNAIDS Information Support Center) jointly organized
the first 'Seoul AIDS Walk' campaign to promote the public awareness
of HIV/AIDS prevention, in cooperation governmental and non-governmental
organizations. About 500 people joined the campaign, which would
continue as a yearly event. |
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| The Korea Health Promotion Association with its
branches, since 1987, has been actively involved in counselling
services for AIDS prevention. It dealt with over 7,500 calls
or visits and has contributed much in disseminating correct,
scientific, understandable information on AIDS and AIDS prevention.
Planned Parenthood Federation of Korea (PPFK) with its interests
and well-established organization also has joined the efforts.
The Korean Nurses Association has provided refreshing and education
sessions on AIDS for its members who are qualified counsellors
at the primary health care level. |
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| Web Resources |
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| Government of South Korea |
| http://www.korea.net/ |
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| Ministry of Health and Welfare |
| http://english.mohw.go.kr/index.jsp |
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| UN Agencies |
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| UNDP |
| UNDP is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. |
| http://www.undp.or.kr/ |
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| UNAIDS |
| UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, brings together the efforts and resources of ten UN system organisations to the global AIDS response. |
| www. unaids.org/en/Regions_Countries/Countries/dpr_korea.asp |
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| World Health Organisation |
| The World Health Organization is the United Nations specialized agency for health. WHO's objective, as set out in its Constitution, is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. |
| http://www.who.int/countries/kor/en/ |
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| World Bank |
| The World Bank is a vital source of financial and technical assistance to developing countries around the world. We are made up of two unique development institutions owned by 184 member countries—the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). |
| www. worldbank.org/kr |
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| National and International Organisations |
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| Korean UNAIDS Information Support Centre (KUISC) |
| The mandate of KUISC is to act as a channel between the Korean public and the UNAIDS headquarters regarding information about the HIV/AIDS pandemic both at home and abroad |
| http://www.kuisc.org/Html/Main.php |
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| Korean Federation for AIDS Prevention |
| KFAP is a professional, private non-profit organisation pursuing the health of all Korean people through effective performance of campaign, education, survey & research, counselling and international cooperation for prevention of AIDS. |
| http://english.kaids.or.kr/Html/Main.php |
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| World Vision |
| World Vision is an international Christian relief and development organisation working to promote the well being of all people - especially children. |
| http://www.worldvision.or.kr/eng |
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| Korea Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) |
| Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) is newly established (in January 2004) to protect the public from various diseases and to foster safe and healthful environments. |
| http://www.cdc.go.kr/webcdc/english/index.jsp |
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| Korean Red Cross |
| Korean Red Cross promotes individual and community humanitarian values which encourage respect for other human beings and a willingness to work together to find solutions to problems. |
| http://redcross.or.kr/ |
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| Sources: UN Agencies, Asian Development Bank
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