Korea is situated on the Korean Peninsula, which spans 1,100 kilometers north to south. The Korean Peninsula lies in the northeastern part of the Asian continent, where Korean waters are joined by the westernmost parts of the Pacific. The peninsula shares its northern border with China and Russia. To the east is the East Sea, beyond which Japan lies. To the west is the Yellow Sea. In addition to the mainland, Korea includes some 3,200 islands, including Jejudo, Ulleungdo and Dokdo.

The Korea peninsula encompasses a total of about 223,000 square kilometers, almost the same size as the United Kingdom or Ghana. Some 45 percent of this area, or about 99,000 square kilometers, is considered cultivable, excluding land reclaimed from the sea. Mountainous terrain accounts for some two-thirds of the territory, much like Portugal, Hungary or Ireland. The lifting and folding of Korea's granite and limestone base create a breathtaking landscape of scenic hills and valleys.

The Taebaeksan Mountain Range runs the full length of the east coast, where the lashing waves of the East Sea have carved out sheer cliffs and rocky islets. The western and southern slopes are rather gentle, forming plains and many offshore islands honeycombed with inlets.

The peninsula features so many scenic mountains and rivers that Koreans have often likened their country to beautifully embroidered brocade.

The highest peak is on Mt. Baekdu in North Korea along the northern border facing China. It rises 2,744 meters above sea level and is an extinct volcano with a large crater lake named Cheonji. The mountain is regarded as an especially important symbol of the Korean spirit and is mentioned in Korea's national anthem.

Considering its smallish territorial size, Korea has a relatively large number of rivers and streams. These waterways have played crucial roles in shaping the lives of Koreans and in the nation's industrialization. The two longest rivers in North Korea are the Amnokgang (Yalu River, 790 kilometers) and the Dumangang (Tumen River, 521 kilometers). These rivers originate from Mt. Baekdusan and flow to the west and the east, respectively.

In the southern part of the peninsula, the Nakdonggang and the Hangang (referred to in English as Han River) are the two major waterways. The Hangang flows through Seoul, the capital of Korea, and serves as a lifeline for the heavily concentrated population in the central region of modern Korea.

Surrounding the peninsula on three sides, the ocean has played an integral role in the lives of the Koreans since ancient times, contributing to the early development of shipbuilding and navigational skills.

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