South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is located in northeastern Asia on the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, bordered by North Korea, the Sea of Japan, the Korea Strait, and the Yellow Sea. Following its establishment in 1948, South Korea underwent rapid industrialization, transitioning from an agrarian economy to a mid-ranking industrial power, significantly supported by U.S. and Japanese aid. The document also discusses historical tensions with North Korea, military conflicts, and the political landscape, emphasizing the impact of these events on both domestic and international relations.