News : India and South Korea recently concluded their 6th Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue (FPSD), reinforcing a “Special Strategic Partnership” that is vital for stability in the Indo-Pacific.
What are the political and maritime boundaries of South Korea?
South Korea is an East Asian nation situated on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. Its geography is defined by its peninsular nature and its delicate political border to the north.
- The 38th Parallel: This latitude serves as the primary dividing line between South Korea and North Korea. It is one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world.
- Maritime Surrounds: The nation is bounded by water on three sides:
- East: The East Sea (also known as the Sea of Japan).
- West: The Yellow Sea.
- South: The East China Sea.
- The Korea Strait: Located to the southeast, this strategic waterway separates South Korea from the Japanese island of Tsushima.
What are the defining physical and geographical features?
- Highest Elevation: Mount Halla (Hallasan), located on the volcanic Jeju Island, is the highest point in South Korea.
- Major River Systems:
- Han River: Flows through the capital, Seoul, and was historically significant for trade and defense.
- Nakdong River: The longest river in the country, vital for agriculture in the southeast.
- Geum River: An important waterway in the west-central region.
- Terrain: The country is predominantly mountainous, particularly along the eastern coast (Taebaek Mountains), which limits large-scale farming to the river basins and coastal plains in the west and south.
Why is the India-South Korea Special Strategic Partnership significant ?
South Korea is a “Like-Minded Partner” in India’s Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific Vision.
- Defense Cooperation: South Korea is a key partner in India’s defense indigenization, notably providing the technology for the K9-Vajra self-propelled howitzers.
- Economic Synergy: The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) facilitates trade, while Korean giants like Samsung and Hyundai are major contributors to the “Make in India” initiative.
- Geopolitical Stability: Both nations share concerns regarding freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, making their security dialogue a pillar of regional peace.
