South Korea

South Korea (Republic of Korea) is located on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, bordered by North Korea to the north and surrounded by the Yellow Sea to the west, the East Sea (Sea of Japan) to the east, and the Korea Strait to the south. Covering approximately 100,000 km², the country is characterized by a predominantly mountainous landscape, with about 70% of its territory consisting of hills and mountains. Major mountain ranges include the Taebaek Mountains along the eastern coast and the Sobaek Mountains in the south-central region. Coastal plains and river valleys, particularly around the Han, Nakdong, Geum, and Yeongsan rivers, support dense populations and intensive agricultural activity. South Korea experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, including cold winters, warm humid summers, and a monsoon season that provides much of the annual rainfall.

The country’s physical geography has significantly influenced its patterns of settlement and economic development. Most major cities, including Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, are located in lowland areas and coastal regions. South Korea has relatively limited natural resources and arable land compared with many neighboring countries, but its strategic maritime location has facilitated trade and economic integration. The country is also vulnerable to typhoons, floods, and occasional droughts, which can affect agricultural production and infrastructure. Forests cover more than 60% of the land area, contributing to biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, and environmental stability.

Historically, the Korean Peninsula has been home to organized states for more than two millennia. Ancient kingdoms such as Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla competed for dominance before the peninsula was largely unified under the Silla Kingdom in the seventh century. Later dynasties, including Goryeo and Joseon, established strong political and cultural traditions, while Confucianism became a major influence on society and governance. Korea was annexed by Japan in 1910 and remained under colonial rule until the end of the Second World War in 1945. Following the war, the peninsula was divided into northern and southern zones, eventually leading to the establishment of two separate states in 1948. The Korean War (1950–1953) caused extensive destruction and ended with an armistice rather than a formal peace treaty. Since then, South Korea has transformed from a largely agrarian society into one of the world’s most advanced industrial economies. Through rapid economic growth, often referred to as the “Miracle on the Han River,” the country became a global leader in manufacturing, technology, shipbuilding, and innovation while developing a stable democratic political system.

Agriculture accounts for a relatively small share of the economy but remains important for food security and rural livelihoods. Rice is the dominant crop and has long been the foundation of Korean agriculture. It is cultivated primarily in irrigated lowland fields throughout the country. Other major agricultural products include barley, wheat, soybeans, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, and specialty crops such as ginseng. South Korea is particularly known for the intensive cultivation of vegetables and fruits, including cabbage, garlic, onions, apples, pears, and citrus fruits. High levels of mechanization, modern irrigation systems, and government support have contributed to agricultural productivity. However, the sector faces challenges related to urbanization, limited farmland, labor shortages, and an aging rural population.

Fisheries are a significant component of South Korea’s food system and maritime economy. The country benefits from productive fishing grounds created by the interaction of warm and cold ocean currents around the Korean Peninsula. Marine fisheries harvest species such as pollock, mackerel, anchovy, squid, and shellfish, while aquaculture has become increasingly important. Seaweed cultivation, oyster farming, and fish aquaculture contribute substantially to domestic consumption and exports. Seafood plays a central role in Korean cuisine and nutrition. Nevertheless, fisheries face challenges associated with overfishing, marine pollution, changing ocean temperatures, and international competition for marine resources.

Forestry has undergone a remarkable transformation in South Korea. Following the Korean War, extensive deforestation and environmental degradation affected much of the country. Beginning in the 1960s and 1970s, the government implemented ambitious reforestation and forest restoration programs that successfully increased forest cover and improved ecosystem health. Today, forests provide important ecological services, including carbon sequestration, soil conservation, flood control, and biodiversity protection. Commercial timber production is relatively limited, and forestry policies increasingly emphasize sustainable management, recreation, ecosystem services, and climate-change mitigation. National parks and protected areas conserve many of the country’s mountainous landscapes and natural habitats.

Overall, South Korea is characterized by a combination of mountainous terrain, limited natural resources, and exceptional human capital. Its rapid transformation into a highly industrialized and technologically advanced nation has made it one of the world’s leading economies. Although manufacturing and services dominate economic activity, agriculture, fisheries, and forestry continue to play important roles in food security, environmental management, and the preservation of rural landscapes and cultural traditions.

Gerold first visited South Korea in 2011 during an 11-day stay, mainly in Seoul, as part of an Asia trip with Klaudia. He attended all events of the 17th Organic World Congress (OWC) and related meetings, including ISOFAR, where he was elected to the Executive Board. Seoul left a very positive impression with its friendly and optimistic people, dynamic atmosphere, excellent public transport, and pleasant September weather. Highlights included visits to organic producers, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and jogging along the Han River beneath Seoul’s impressive skyline.

In 2012, Gerold spent five days in Cheonan, participating in organic agriculture symposia and ISOFAR board meetings at Chungbuk University. Despite the short stay, he joined excursions and attended the inauguration of a school garden in Seoul. The country’s fast pace 
South Korea became an important destination again in 2014, with three visits to Cheonan and Chungbuk Province in preparation for the 2015 World Organic Expo, organized jointly by ISOFAR and the provincial government. The visits were marked by contrasting circumstances: national mourning after the tragic Sewol ferry disaster in April, persistent rain during the August trip, and the signing of a Memorandum of 
In 2015, Gerold spent eight days in South Korea, first attending an IFOAM World Board meeting in Seoul and then speaking as chairman at the D-100 opening event for the International Organic Expo. Visits to leading organic organizations and research facilities, including Hansalim, Jang-an Organic Farm, and a soil research center, provided valuable insights. Later that year, as President of ISOFAR, he chaired the 1st ISOFAR Symposium at the International Organic Expo in Goesan and Seoul. The Expo attracted around one million visitors and 
Gerold returned in 2019 for an IFOAM World Board meeting in Goesan, spending seven days in the country and briefly staying at Incheon 
Most recently, in 2022, Gerold organized five scientific workshops linked to the 2nd Organic Expo. Although the event was less vibrant than in 2015, the scientific programme and the enthusiasm of ISOFAR participants remained outstanding. During his seven-day stay, he once again experienced South Korea’s strong commitment to advancing organic agriculture and international cooperation.