The most expensive area in Seoul, South Korea as of December 2024 was ********** with an average apartment selling price of around *** billion South Korean won. The Gangnam area, which includes Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu, Yongsan-gu, and Songpa-gu, is one of the richest neighborhoods in South Korea. What is Gangnam Style?Gangnam has developed greatly since the 1960s with intensive government investment. It literally means 'south of the Han River' and is one of the busiest entertainment districts including Hongdae and Itaewon. Gangnam is also known as a place where people with a high level of education or wealth live. These backgrounds motivated Psy, the well-known Korean singer, rapper, and songwriter, to write his internationally popular song “Gangnam Style”. Luxury apartments in South KoreaThe average purchasing price of apartments in the country has almost doubled in the last 10 years. Part of the reason for this are the multiple luxury-branded apartment complexes in Seoul. Located in Gangnam-gu in Seoul, The Penthouse Cheongdam was the most expensive, with a transaction amount of around **** billion South Korean won.

In 2024, the Penthouse Cheongdam apartments, located in the Gangnam district of Seoul, were the most expensive in South Korea, with an actual transaction value of around 16.4 billion South Korean won. This price exceeded that of the second-most expensive apartment, creating a price gap of approximately 3.5 billion won. The most expensive area in South Korea Seoul ranks as the most expensive city in South Korea. As of November 2023, the average apartment price in Seoul stood at around 12.6 million won, about three times the national average. According to the housing affordability index, Seoul received the highest score nationwide. Within Seoul, the most expensive area was Gangnam, whose residents are known for their luxurious lifestyle. Increasing mortgage loans Since apartments constitute the majority of housing in South Korea, it is no surprise that most mortgage loans are granted for apartment purchases. Moreover, mortgage loans have steadily increased over the years, indicating a higher financial burden for housing, in line with the high housing affordability index. Despite the high housing prices, a survey revealed that most respondents thought housing prices would fall over the next year. Although this provides a relatively positive outlook for future developments, the current housing situation has left respondents with a negative impression of the current government’s real estate policies.

KR: Average Precipitation in Depth data was reported at 1,274.000 mm/Year in 2014. This stayed constant from the previous number of 1,274.000 mm/Year for 2012. KR: Average Precipitation in Depth data is updated yearly, averaging 1,274.000 mm/Year from Dec 1962 (Median) to 2014, with 12 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,274.000 mm/Year in 2014 and a record low of 1,274.000 mm/Year in 2014. KR: Average Precipitation in Depth data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Korea – Table KR.World Bank: Land Use, Protected Areas and National Wealth. Average precipitation is the long-term average in depth (over space and time) of annual precipitation in the country. Precipitation is defined as any kind of water that falls from clouds as a liquid or a solid.; ; Food and Agriculture Organization, electronic files and web site.; ;

KR: Rural Land Area data was reported at 77,155.289 sq km in 2010. This stayed constant from the previous number of 77,155.289 sq km for 2000. KR: Rural Land Area data is updated yearly, averaging 77,155.289 sq km from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2010, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 77,155.289 sq km in 2010 and a record low of 77,155.289 sq km in 2010. KR: Rural Land Area data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Korea – Table KR.World Bank: Land Use, Protected Areas and National Wealth. Rural land area in square kilometers, derived from urban extent grids which distinguish urban and rural areas based on a combination of population counts (persons), settlement points, and the presence of Nighttime Lights. Areas are defined as urban where contiguous lighted cells from the Nighttime Lights or approximated urban extents based on buffered settlement points for which the total population is greater than 5,000 persons.; ; Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN)/Columbia University. 2013. Urban-Rural Population and Land Area Estimates Version 2. Palisades, NY: NASA Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC). http://sedac.ciesin.columbia.edu/data/set/lecz-urban-rural-population-land-area-estimates-v2.; Sum;

As of December 2024, the mean purchase price of housing in Seoul, South Korea, amounted to around *** million South Korean won. The average price of detached houses amounted to around **** billion won while the price of apartments was about **** billion South Korean won. Apartments in South Korea Among all housing types, apartments are the most expensive, costing more than *** billion South Korean won on average. Living in apartments is typical for Seoul, as an increasing number of citizens move towards the city, causing high population density. As of 2022, more than ** percent of all households were living in apartments, excluding alternative housing, such as officetels or goshiwons. Gangnam Style Based on the average selling price of apartments in Seoul, Gangnam is the most expensive area in Seoul to live in, with an average sales price of around **** billion South Korean won. The area became internationally known due to the viral YouTube hit Gangnam Style by South Korean artist PSY. Since Gangnam is known for its wealthy citizens, the song was inspired by their mannerisms.

In 2023, around 66 percent of apartments in Seoul, South Korea, with more than one kitchen and room were worth over 900 million South Korean won. The proportion of expensive housing in Seoul has increased rapidly over the past five years, not only in Seoul but also in the Seoul capital area, including Gyeonggi and Incheon.

KR: Urban Land Area Where Elevation is Below 5 Meters data was reported at 630.008 sq km in 2010. This stayed constant from the previous number of 630.008 sq km for 2000. KR: Urban Land Area Where Elevation is Below 5 Meters data is updated yearly, averaging 630.008 sq km from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2010, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 630.008 sq km in 2010 and a record low of 630.008 sq km in 2010. KR: Urban Land Area Where Elevation is Below 5 Meters data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Korea – Table KR.World Bank: Land Use, Protected Areas and National Wealth. Urban land area below 5m is the total urban land area in square kilometers where the elevation is 5 meters or less.; ; Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN)/Columbia University. 2013. Urban-Rural Population and Land Area Estimates Version 2. Palisades, NY: NASA Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC). http://sedac.ciesin.columbia.edu/data/set/lecz-urban-rural-population-land-area-estimates-v2.; Sum;

In September 2024, the average purchase price for apartments over 135 square meters in South Korea amounted to around 7.6 million South Korean won per square meter. This was a decrease of almost two million won per square meter from the previous month for apartments of this size.

Apartment price trends In recent years, apartment prices in Korea have experienced a steady rise, driven by factors such as urbanization and economic growth. Seoul, the capital city, documented the highest average apartment price at about 13.4 million won per square meter. The most expensive area to live in Seoul was Gangnam, with an average apartment selling price of around 2.4 billion won. As of 2024, The Penthouse Cheongdam apartment located in Gangnam was considered the most expensive apartment in South Korea. Its transaction value exceeded 16 billion won, setting it apart from the second-most expensive apartment by more than three billion won. Living in luxury Exclusive districts like Gangnam showcase high-end residences with panoramic city views, luxurious designs, and premium facilities. Over the past five years, there has been a notable increase in the share of luxury apartments in Seoul. More than 60 percent of apartments in Seoul with more than one kitchen and room were valued at over 900 million won. According to a survey, Hyundai's "Hillstate" merged as the most preferred brand for apartments, followed by Samsung C&T’s "Raemian" as the second-most popular choice.

KR: Forest Rents: % of GDP data was reported at 0.015 % in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.016 % for 2015. KR: Forest Rents: % of GDP data is updated yearly, averaging 0.019 % from Dec 1970 (Median) to 2016, with 47 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.224 % in 1973 and a record low of 0.010 % in 2005. KR: Forest Rents: % of GDP data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Korea – Table KR.World Bank: Land Use, Protected Areas and National Wealth. Forest rents are roundwood harvest times the product of regional prices and a regional rental rate.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on sources and methods described in 'The Changing Wealth of Nations 2018: Building a Sustainable Future' (Lange et al 2018).; Weighted average;

In 2023, the total area of farmland in South Korea amounted to around 1.51 million hectares, a slight decrease from 1.53 million hectares in the previous year. The area of farmland in South Korea has been on a declining trend in the last decade. Overview of the agriculture industry While the gross domestic product from agriculture, forestry and fishing has remained stable in Korea, the agricultural sector overall has faced various issues in the last couple of years. Previously known as the most important crop of the country, the per capita consumption of rice has shown a rapid decrease, partly due to changing eating habits. The livestock and dairy sector, on the other hand, has increased greatly in the last five years. Another issue can be noticed in the share of farming household population among the total population, which also decreased in the last four years by around 0.5 percent. As people over 65 years make up over 50 percent of agricultural households, this trend of decreasing households will probably continue with no direct intervention. Agriculture and inflation South Korea’s inflation has remained relatively moderate in the past few decades. Still, the price of essential items, particularly food and clothing, has significantly increased and the price level index currently about 1.6 times above the OECD average. For example, agricultural products such as potatoes, pork, and apples are two to three times more expensive than in other developed countries. This high pricing is often attributed to several factors, including restricted imports of fresh fruits and vegetables, limited availability of agricultural land, and generally low productivity levels within the agricultural sector. Especially low-income households have been disproportionately affected by the rising cost of groceries and have spent over 30 percent of their income on food expenses.

Korea Surface Area data was reported at 100,280.000 sq km in 2017. This stayed constant from the previous number of 100,280.000 sq km for 2016. Korea Surface Area data is updated yearly, averaging 99,260.000 sq km from Dec 1961 (Median) to 2017, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 100,280.000 sq km in 2017 and a record low of 99,260.000 sq km in 2000. Korea Surface Area data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Korea – Table KR.World Bank: Land Use, Protected Areas and National Wealth. Surface area is a country's total area, including areas under inland bodies of water and some coastal waterways.; ; Food and Agriculture Organization, electronic files and web site.; Sum;

Korea Land Area data was reported at 97,480.000 sq km in 2017. This stayed constant from the previous number of 97,480.000 sq km for 2016. Korea Land Area data is updated yearly, averaging 96,460.000 sq km from Dec 1961 (Median) to 2017, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 97,480.000 sq km in 2017 and a record low of 96,460.000 sq km in 2000. Korea Land Area data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Korea – Table KR.World Bank: Land Use, Protected Areas and National Wealth. Land area is a country's total area, excluding area under inland water bodies, national claims to continental shelf, and exclusive economic zones. In most cases the definition of inland water bodies includes major rivers and lakes.; ; Food and Agriculture Organization, electronic files and web site.; Sum;

The three northeastern provinces and the Korean Peninsula are geographically and climatically diverse, and the geographical regions have continuously formed relatively unique flora. This paper collected through the national and provincial list of bryophytes, the specimens in the online herbarium, recently published bryophytes papers and bryophytes information recorded in field investigation in certain areas. Quantitative statistical analysis of plant species or taxa data was carried out by traditional methods. In order to clarify the species diversity and species genetic relationship of bryophytes in the study area, a preliminary study was conducted to explain the flora pattern and formation mechanism. There are 1,006 species of bryophytes belonging to 305 genera and 107 families in the three provinces of Northeast China, and there are 1,119 species of bryophytes belonging to 368 genera and 126 families in the Korean Peninsula. In addition, 477 new distribution records of bryophytes in the three northeastern provinces were supplemented. The dominant families and genera of bryophyte in the Korean Peninsula and the three northeastern provinces are highly similar, and the species richness of mosses and liverworts in the two study areas is dominated by families containing 2–10 species and single-species genera. According to a similarity analysis of family, genus and species, there are 541 species of bryophytes belonging to 269 genera and 102 families in the study area. The three northeastern provinces and the Korean Peninsula are rich in bryophytes, and are mainly distributed in temperate zones. Therefore, the similarity between Heilongjiang Province and Jilin Province in the three northeastern provinces is higher, while the similarity between Jilin Province, Liaoning Province and the Korean Peninsula is higher, indicating that the adjacent areas may have a common evolutionary origin or show evolutionary convergence. Compared with the Korean Peninsula, the proportion of tropical distribution and East Asian distribution in the three northeastern provinces is slightly higher. This study analyses the characteristics, similarity feature and floristic composition of bryophyte species and provides background information on bryophyte biodiversity conservation in the study area, which is highly important for the protection of bryophyte diversity and the promotion of basic data sharing.

In 2024, there were just over *********** housing transactions in South Korea, up from about the ******* seen in the two years prior. The number of housing transactions in South Korea has notably decreased since 2020. Housing in South Korea There are around ** million housing units and counting for the more than ** million people living in South Korea. Given the mountainous topography of the peninsula and the imbalance in population density between urban and rural areas, there is limited space for constructing houses. Apartments make up most of the housing in the country as they allow for the vertical stacking of housing units. Housing outside of Seoul Detached houses have become more expensive over the years as people want space in Seoul and the surrounding areas. Many people who can afford to commute have purchased houses in the South Korean province of Gyeonggi, which is just outside the Seoul metropolitan area. The island of Jeju, below the southern coast, is also a popular holiday and retirement destination. Far less dense than the capital, detached houses constitute the highest number of housing units on the island.

Korea Forest Area data was reported at 61,840.000 sq km in 2015. This records a decrease from the previous number of 61,916.000 sq km for 2014. Korea Forest Area data is updated yearly, averaging 62,715.000 sq km from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2015, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 63,700.000 sq km in 1990 and a record low of 61,840.000 sq km in 2015. Korea Forest Area data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Korea – Table KR.World Bank: Land Use, Protected Areas and National Wealth. Forest area is land under natural or planted stands of trees of at least 5 meters in situ, whether productive or not, and excludes tree stands in agricultural production systems (for example, in fruit plantations and agroforestry systems) and trees in urban parks and gardens.; ; Food and Agriculture Organization, electronic files and web site.; Sum;

North Korea KP: Urban Population Living in Areas Where Elevation is Below 5 meters: % of Total Population data was reported at 2.176 % in 2010. This records an increase from the previous number of 2.166 % for 2000. North Korea KP: Urban Population Living in Areas Where Elevation is Below 5 meters: % of Total Population data is updated yearly, averaging 2.176 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2010, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.341 % in 1990 and a record low of 2.166 % in 2000. North Korea KP: Urban Population Living in Areas Where Elevation is Below 5 meters: % of Total Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s North Korea – Table KP.World Bank: Land Use, Protected Areas and National Wealth. Urban population below 5m is the percentage of the total population, living in areas where the elevation is 5 meters or less.; ; Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN)/Columbia University. 2013. Urban-Rural Population and Land Area Estimates Version 2. Palisades, NY: NASA Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC). http://sedac.ciesin.columbia.edu/data/set/lecz-urban-rural-population-land-area-estimates-v2.; Weighted Average;

Korea Rural Population Living in Areas Where Elevation is Below 5 Meters: % of Total Population data was reported at 1.016 % in 2010. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1.055 % for 2000. Korea Rural Population Living in Areas Where Elevation is Below 5 Meters: % of Total Population data is updated yearly, averaging 1.055 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2010, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.228 % in 1990 and a record low of 1.016 % in 2010. Korea Rural Population Living in Areas Where Elevation is Below 5 Meters: % of Total Population data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Korea – Table KR.World Bank: Land Use, Protected Areas and National Wealth. Rural population below 5m is the percentage of the total population, living in areas where the elevation is 5 meters or less.; ; Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN)/Columbia University. 2013. Urban-Rural Population and Land Area Estimates Version 2. Palisades, NY: NASA Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC). http://sedac.ciesin.columbia.edu/data/set/lecz-urban-rural-population-land-area-estimates-v2.; Weighted Average;

Korea Land Area Where Elevation is Below 5 Meters: % of Total Land Area data was reported at 2.947 % in 2010. This stayed constant from the previous number of 2.947 % for 2000. Korea Land Area Where Elevation is Below 5 Meters: % of Total Land Area data is updated yearly, averaging 2.947 % from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2010, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.947 % in 2010 and a record low of 2.947 % in 2010. Korea Land Area Where Elevation is Below 5 Meters: % of Total Land Area data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Korea – Table KR.World Bank: Land Use, Protected Areas and National Wealth. Land area below 5m is the percentage of total land where the elevation is 5 meters or less.; ; Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN)/Columbia University. 2013. Urban-Rural Population and Land Area Estimates Version 2. Palisades, NY: NASA Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC). http://sedac.ciesin.columbia.edu/data/set/lecz-urban-rural-population-land-area-estimates-v2.; Weighted Average;

Korea Arable Land: % of Land Area data was reported at 15.024 % in 2015. This records a decrease from the previous number of 15.142 % for 2014. Korea Arable Land: % of Land Area data is updated yearly, averaging 20.703 % from Dec 1961 (Median) to 2015, with 55 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 22.766 % in 1967 and a record low of 15.024 % in 2015. Korea Arable Land: % of Land Area data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Korea – Table KR.World Bank: Land Use, Protected Areas and National Wealth. Arable land includes land defined by the FAO as land under temporary crops (double-cropped areas are counted once), temporary meadows for mowing or for pasture, land under market or kitchen gardens, and land temporarily fallow. Land abandoned as a result of shifting cultivation is excluded.; ; Food and Agriculture Organization, electronic files and web site.; Weighted average;

Korea Mineral Rents: % of GDP data was reported at 0.002 % in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 0.002 % for 2015. Korea Mineral Rents: % of GDP data is updated yearly, averaging 0.006 % from Dec 1970 (Median) to 2016, with 47 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.182 % in 1974 and a record low of 0.000 % in 1999. Korea Mineral Rents: % of GDP data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Korea – Table KR.World Bank: Land Use, Protected Areas and National Wealth. Mineral rents are the difference between the value of production for a stock of minerals at world prices and their total costs of production. Minerals included in the calculation are tin, gold, lead, zinc, iron, copper, nickel, silver, bauxite, and phosphate.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on sources and methods described in 'The Changing Wealth of Nations 2018: Building a Sustainable Future' (Lange et al 2018).; Weighted average;