The National Atlas of Korea III

South Korea · National Geographic Information Institute · 2016

Editors’ Accounts

Development Directions for the National Atlas of the Republic of Korea through a Comparative Analysis of National Atlases

정재준; 황철수 · 2017

Jeong Jae-joon and Hwang Chul Sue describe the Korean- and English-language three-volume National Atlas of Korea published in 2014–2016. Volume I covers territory and history, Volume II the natural environment, and Volume III the human environment. They credit the edition with broader thematic coverage, explanatory text alongside maps and graphics, more varied single-page and double-page layouts, and mapping techniques including cartograms and three-dimensional thematic maps. In their assessment, these changes improved readability and information delivery. They also identify limitations: the books’ size and weight reduce portability and accessibility, while restricted page space and a fixed classification scheme constrain responses to different readers and emerging social issues. On this basis, they recommend a more extensive, gazetteer-like print series, a digital atlas information system, regular online updates with explicit metadata, and permanent staffing and legal provisions for atlas production. These are proposals for future development.

Reviews & Responses

Reviews: The National Atlas of Korea, Volume III: Human Geography

Yeong-Hyun Kim · 2018

This review examines Volume III of the National Atlas of Korea (English edition), published in 2016 by the National Geographic Information Institute (NGII) of the Republic of Korea, which focuses on human geography. The volume aims to present the dynamic transformation and sustainable development of South Korea's national territory and human life, organized into four sections—National Territory and Places of Life, Population and Living, Industrial Activities, and Society and Culture—comprising 16 sub-sections contributed by prominent Korean human geographers. The reviewer regards the atlas as a comprehensive and authoritative source for the public, particularly useful for students, teachers, and researchers interested in contemporary South Korea. However, the review identifies shortcomings: the lack of a concluding synthesis, the absence of introductory overviews for sections and sub-sections, and awkward organization of certain topics (e.g., the broad scope of "Sustainable Land Development" and insufficient coverage of international trade). Despite these limitations, the volume is deemed an important contribution to geographical knowledge, with free online access enhancing its utility.

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Administrative Divisions Elections Mineral Resources Drainage Basins Reservoirs Water Resources Natural Hazards Floods Storm Hazards Population Distribution Population Density Population Growth Births Deaths Natural Increase Migration Age Structure Sex Structure Religion Families Households Labour Resources Employment Urban Systems Urbanization Housing Housing Conditions Economic Structure Economic Development Economic Regions Regional Economic Linkages National Income Investment Spatial Planning Regional Development Planning Industrial Distribution Mining Manufacturing Electricity Farm Size Crop Production Livestock Farming Forestry Forest Management Capture Fisheries Aquaculture Transport Networks Road Transport Rail Transport Air Transport Passenger Transport Freight Transport Telecommunications Trade Domestic Trade Retail Trade Foreign Trade Imports Exports Banking Insurance Public Revenue Taxation Public Expenditure Service Industries Income Poverty Education Educational Attainment Educational Facilities Higher Education Research Institutions Research Activities Cultural Facilities Cultural Heritage Health Diseases Healthcare Healthcare Facilities Social Security Welfare Facilities Water Supply Sanitation Tourism Industry Recreation Sports Sports Facilities Sports Participation

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