South Korea is a presidential constitutional republic with a highly developed, export-driven economy that ranks among Asia's largest. The country transformed from a war-torn nation to a technological and industrial powerhouse through rapid industrialization, known as the "Miracle on the Han River." Its economy is dominated by large industrial conglomerates (chaebols) like [[Samsung]] and [[Hyundai]], with strengths in electronics, semiconductors, automobiles, shipbuilding, and cultural exports (K-pop, entertainment). Despite its impressive technological advancement and high living standards, South Korea faces challenges with an aging population, high youth unemployment, and economic competition from neighbors like [[China]].