South Korea cities list with latitude and longitude in Excel, CSV, XML, SQL, JSON formats

Last update : 05 December 2025.

Below is a list of 100 prominent cities in South Korea. Each row includes a city's latitude, longitude, region and other variables of interest. This is a subset of all 58158 places in South Korea that you'll find in our World Cities Database. You're free to use the data below for personal or commercial applications. The data below can be downloaded in Excel (.xlsx), .csv, .json, .xml and .sql formats. Notable Cities: The capital of South Korea is Seoul.

**Exploring South Korea: A Geographer's Perspective**

Introduction**

South Korea, nestled on the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, is a fascinating tapestry of geography, culture, and history. As a geographer delving into the data of South Korea's cities, regions, and geographic coordinates, one gains profound insights into the spatial dynamics that shape the country's landscape and society.

Understanding South Korea's Urban Landscape**

South Korea's urban landscape is characterized by vibrant cities that serve as centers of commerce, culture, and innovation. From the bustling metropolis of Seoul, the capital city situated along the Han River, to the port city of Busan in the south and the historic city of Gyeongju, each urban center reflects a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Other significant cities include Incheon, Daejeon, and Daegu, each contributing to the country's dynamic urban fabric.

Mapping South Korea's Geographic Coordinates**

Obtaining the latitude and longitude coordinates of South Korea's cities provides valuable insights into the country's spatial distribution of population, resources, and infrastructure. From the mountainous terrain of the Taebaek Mountains in the east to the fertile plains of the Honam region in the southwest, these coordinates offer a nuanced understanding of South Korea's diverse geography and its implications for human settlement and development.

Analyzing Regional Disparities**

While South Korea has experienced rapid urbanization and economic development in recent decades, regional disparities persist. Coastal regions like Busan and Incheon benefit from maritime trade and tourism, while inland regions face challenges related to depopulation and industrial decline. By analyzing data on regional demographics, economic activity, and infrastructure development, geographers can inform policies aimed at promoting balanced regional development and reducing spatial inequalities.

Environmental Challenges and Conservation Efforts**

South Korea faces a range of environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and habitat loss. Rapid urbanization and industrialization have placed strains on natural ecosystems and biodiversity. However, concerted efforts are underway to address these challenges through initiatives such as reforestation, renewable energy development, and conservation of natural habitats. Geographers play a crucial role in studying the impacts of human activities on the environment and informing sustainable land use and resource management practices.

Conclusion**

In conclusion, exploring South Korea through a geographer's lens reveals a complex interplay of physical, social, and environmental factors that shape the country's landscape and society. By obtaining data on its cities, regions, and geographic coordinates, we gain valuable insights into the spatial dynamics that underpin South Korea's development trajectory. As the country navigates the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century, the role of geographers in analyzing, interpreting, and shaping its geographic landscape remains indispensable. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment to sustainability, South Korea can chart a course toward a more resilient, equitable, and prosperous future for all its inhabitants.

Download data files for South Korea's cities in Excel (.xlsx), CSV, SQL, XML and JSON formats

Exploring the Geography of South Korea: Unlocking Spatial Data for Urban Planning and Development

South Korea, a nation that has undergone rapid modernization over the past few decades, is not only a global leader in technology and industry but also a country with a rich and varied geography. From its mountainous regions and rural farmlands to its bustling urban centers, South Korea’s landscape has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s urbanization and economic growth. For geographers, urban planners, and policymakers, obtaining detailed geographic data on the cities, regions, and natural features of South Korea is critical for understanding spatial relationships and making informed decisions that foster sustainable development. This article delves into the geography of South Korea, highlighting the importance of geographic data and how it can be leveraged for effective urban planning, resource management, and environmental conservation.

South Korea’s Geography: A Country of Contrast and Diversity

South Korea’s geographical features are as diverse as they are distinct. Situated on the Korean Peninsula, the country is bordered by North Korea to the north, the Yellow Sea to the west, and the Sea of Japan (East Sea) to the east. The landscape is defined by rugged mountains, fertile plains, and coastal regions, each contributing to the country’s economic and cultural identity.

The central and eastern parts of South Korea are dominated by mountain ranges, such as the Taebaek Mountains, which run along the eastern coast. These mountains are not only scenic but also play an essential role in the country’s climate, water distribution, and biodiversity. In contrast, the western and southwestern regions of South Korea feature vast plains, including the fertile Honam Plain, which is vital for agriculture and food production.

South Korea’s coastline, stretching over 2,400 kilometers, is dotted with numerous harbors, rivers, and islands, all of which play a critical role in the country’s trade and maritime activities. The country’s rivers, such as the Han and Nakdong, are essential to its agriculture and urban development, providing water resources for both irrigation and industrial uses.

This geographical variety significantly influences urbanization patterns, with large cities concentrated in the coastal and lowland areas, while the mountainous regions remain sparsely populated, except for some areas where mining and agriculture are prevalent.

Regions, Cities, and Administrative Divisions of South Korea

South Korea is divided into 17 administrative divisions: 9 provinces and 8 metropolitan cities. These regions are central to the governance and administration of the country, as well as to the distribution of resources, infrastructure, and services. Each province or city has its own unique characteristics and plays a distinct role in the national economy and cultural life.

The capital city of Seoul, located in the northwest near the Han River, is the largest and most developed city in South Korea. As the political, cultural, and economic center, Seoul is home to over 10 million people, and its metropolitan area includes several neighboring cities like Incheon and Gyeonggi Province. The Seoul metropolitan area is one of the most densely populated urban centers in the world and is a focal point for innovation, finance, and technology.

Other key cities include Busan, located on the southeastern coast, which is South Korea’s second-largest city and a major port; Daegu, an industrial hub located inland; and Daejeon, a center for research and development. The capital of Gwangju, located in the southwest, is known for its cultural significance and historical importance. Incheon, a major gateway city with its international airport and port, has seen tremendous growth and development in recent years, further integrating the city into global commerce and trade.

These cities, along with the surrounding provinces, form the backbone of South Korea’s economy, housing industries such as electronics, automotive manufacturing, shipbuilding, and petrochemicals. Understanding the spatial relationships between these urban areas, as well as their interaction with the surrounding natural environments, is key to ensuring that South Korea’s growth remains sustainable and well-managed.

The Role of Geographic Data in Understanding South Korea’s Development

Accurate geographic data is essential for understanding the spatial organization of South Korea’s cities, regions, and natural resources. Latitude and longitude coordinates, along with information on administrative boundaries, land use, and infrastructure, are critical for urban planners, environmentalists, and policymakers to make informed decisions.

Obtaining geographic data in flexible formats like CSV, SQL, JSON, and XML enables the integration of this data into Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which are essential tools for spatial analysis and urban planning. GIS tools allow for the creation of detailed maps that can show population density, infrastructure development, transportation networks, and environmental features like forests, rivers, and wetlands.

For example, by obtaining latitude and longitude data for each city or region, one can create accurate maps of urban centers, track their growth over time, and identify areas where infrastructure is needed. This data also plays a vital role in resource management, helping to identify areas with limited access to resources like water, electricity, and healthcare.

Moreover, geographic data can be used to monitor environmental factors such as air quality, deforestation, and the preservation of natural habitats. South Korea’s rapid urbanization and industrial growth have put significant pressure on the environment, making it essential to use geographic data to guide sustainable development and protect the country’s natural resources.

Practical Applications of Geographic Data in South Korea

The practical applications of geographic data in South Korea are numerous and cover a wide range of sectors, including urban planning, agriculture, environmental management, and disaster response. These applications are crucial for optimizing the country’s infrastructure, managing its resources efficiently, and ensuring that development is aligned with sustainability goals.

1. **Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development**: South Korea’s urban centers continue to expand, with new housing developments, transportation networks, and industrial zones being built regularly. Geographic data allows planners to visualize and predict the effects of urbanization, ensuring that new developments are well-integrated with existing infrastructure. It also helps optimize the placement of public services, such as schools, hospitals, and parks, to ensure equitable access for all residents.

2. **Agriculture and Resource Management**: The agricultural regions of South Korea, particularly in the southwest, are vital for food production. Geographic data is used to monitor crop yields, water resources, and soil conditions, ensuring that agricultural practices are sustainable and productive. With climate change impacting rainfall patterns, geographic data helps farmers plan for irrigation and mitigate the risks posed by droughts or floods.

3. **Environmental Conservation and Monitoring**: South Korea’s diverse ecosystems, including mountains, rivers, and coastal regions, require careful monitoring to ensure their protection. Geographic data allows environmental organizations to track deforestation, monitor pollution levels, and create protected areas for biodiversity. For example, geographic data can help manage the preservation of wetlands, forests, and marine life, ensuring that development does not come at the expense of the environment.

4. **Disaster Management and Response**: South Korea is prone to natural disasters such as floods, typhoons, and landslides, particularly in areas with heavy rainfall or steep terrain. Geographic data is critical for disaster preparedness, allowing authorities to identify at-risk areas, plan evacuation routes, and allocate resources for disaster relief. GIS systems help coordinate response efforts and ensure that affected communities receive the necessary support in a timely manner.

Unlocking South Korea’s Future with Spatial Data

As South Korea continues to evolve and face the challenges of urbanization, climate change, and resource management, geographic data will play an increasingly important role. By obtaining detailed data on the location of cities, regions, and natural features, policymakers can better understand how these elements interact and contribute to the country’s growth. Geographic data provides the foundation for developing strategies that balance urban expansion with environmental protection and sustainable resource management.

With data available in formats such as CSV, SQL, JSON, and XML, stakeholders across the public and private sectors can integrate this information into planning systems, ensuring that decisions are based on reliable, up-to-date data. These formats also allow for greater flexibility and ease of use, enabling stakeholders to share, analyze, and visualize geographic data more effectively.

Conclusion

South Korea’s diverse geography, rapid urbanization, and industrial growth present both opportunities and challenges for the country’s future development. By obtaining accurate geographic data on cities, regions, and natural features, South Korea can ensure that its growth is well-managed and sustainable. The availability of geographic data in formats like CSV, SQL, JSON, and XML provides essential tools for urban planning, environmental conservation, and resource management. With the right data, South Korea can navigate its future with confidence, fostering economic prosperity while safeguarding its natural resources for generations to come.