Definition

Proper noun A large peninsula in East Asia, extending southward from the Asian mainland. It is bordered by the Yellow Sea to the west, the Sea of Japan (East Sea) to the east, and the Korea Strait to the south. It separates the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan. The peninsula is divided politically into two sovereign states: North Korea (the Democratic People's Republic of Korea) and South Korea (the Republic of Korea).

Usage Examples

• The Korean Peninsula has a long and complex history.
• Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have significant geopolitical implications.
• The climate of the Korean Peninsula includes both continental and oceanic influences.

Advanced Usage

• Geopolitical Context: The term is often used in political, historical, and security discussions to refer to the region as a whole, especially concerning issues involving both North and South Korea.
  • Diplomatic efforts focus on achieving peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
• Geographical Feature: Used to describe the physical landmass itself.
  • The Korean Peninsula is primarily mountainous.

Variants and Related Words

• Korea: A common name for the region/cultural area historically associated with the peninsula. It can refer to the entire peninsula or, in modern contexts, sometimes specifically to South Korea.
• Dae-Han-Min-Gook / Han-Gook: The Korean names for Korea, as referenced in the source definition.
• Manchuria: The historical region of Northeast Asia from which the Korean Peninsula extends, as noted in the source ("off Manchuria").

Synonyms

• (The) Peninsula (when the context is clearly about Korea, e.g., "the situation on the peninsula").
• Korea (in a geographical/historical sense).

Related Terms and Phrases

• Demilitarized Zone (DMZ): The heavily fortified border that divides the Korean Peninsula.
• 38th parallel: The latitudinal line that roughly divides North and South Korea.
• East Asia: The broader region to which the Korean Peninsula belongs.

Noun

1. an Asian peninsula (off Manchuria) separating the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan; the Korean name is Dae-Han-Min-Gook or Han-Gook