South Korea does not have "states" — instead it has 17 first-level administrative divisions: one special city (Seoul), six metropolitan cities, one special autonomous city (Sejong), eight provinces, and one special autonomous province (Jeju). The English word "state" is borrowed from the American system, but Korea organises its territory around cities and provinces (called do in Korean), so the most accurate answer is 17 top-level units rather than a fixed number of states.
The 17 Divisions at a Glance
South Korea packs these 17 units into roughly 100,210 km² and a population of over 51 million. The divisions break down into five distinct legal categories, each with its own level of self-government:
- 1 special city (teukbyeolsi): Seoul, the capital.
- 6 metropolitan cities (gwangyeoksi): Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon, and Ulsan.
- 1 special autonomous city (teukbyeol-jachisi): Sejong, the planned administrative hub.
- 8 provinces (do): Gyeonggi, Gangwon, North and South Chungcheong, North and South Jeolla, and North and South Gyeongsang.
- 1 special autonomous province (teukbyeol-jachido): Jeju Island.
These categories are not just labels — they determine how much fiscal and legislative independence each region holds, with the special autonomous units enjoying powers closer to those of the central government.
Cities That Function Like Provinces
One feature that surprises visitors is that South Korea's largest cities are top-level divisions in their own right, equal in rank to a province rather than nested inside one. Seoul, with around 9.7 million residents, governs itself directly. Busan, the country's second city and busiest port, holds more than 3.4 million people, while Incheon — home to the main international airport and a major seaport — sits just above 3 million.
This explains why the country has so many units despite its modest size: rather than folding big cities into surrounding provinces, Korea elevates them to provincial status. Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, and Ulsan round out the six metropolitan cities, each serving as a regional economic anchor.
Sejong: A Capital Built From Scratch
Sejong Special Autonomous City is the newest division, established in 2012. It was purpose-built to ease the extreme concentration of power and people in Seoul by relocating many government ministries and agencies roughly 120 km south of the capital. Named after King Sejong the Great, who created the Korean alphabet, the city represents a deliberate attempt at administrative decentralisation. Today numerous central government bodies operate from Sejong, even though Seoul remains the constitutional and economic capital.
The Eight Provinces and Jeju
The eight provinces cover most of the national territory outside the big cities. Several share a north-south naming convention left over from historic regions: Chungcheong, Jeolla, and Gyeongsang are each split into "North" (Buk) and "South" (Nam) provinces. Gyeonggi Province wraps around Seoul and is the most populous province by far, with over 13 million residents — more people than many European nations. Gangwon, in the mountainous northeast, hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
Jeju, a volcanic island off the southern coast, holds the rank of special autonomous province. It enjoys greater self-governing authority than the mainland provinces, has its own distinct dialect, and was once an independent kingdom called Tamna. Today it is South Korea's premier holiday destination and a UNESCO-recognised natural site.
Why the Numbers Concentrate in the Northwest
The Seoul Capital Area — Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province combined — is home to roughly 26 million people, about half the entire national population. This makes it one of the most densely settled metropolitan regions on Earth. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating North and South Korea runs across the northern edges of Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces, shaping settlement and security patterns along the border. For a fuller picture of the nation's geography, history, and culture, see our south korea country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does South Korea have states like the United States?
No. South Korea uses a system of provinces and cities rather than states. The closest equivalent to a state is the province (do), of which there are eight, plus the special autonomous province of Jeju.
How many provinces does South Korea have?
There are nine provinces in total: eight ordinary provinces plus Jeju, which holds special autonomous status with extra self-governing powers.
What is the capital of South Korea?
Seoul is the capital. It is classified as a special city and is the largest urban area in the country, with around 9.7 million residents in the city proper.
Why is Sejong a separate division?
Sejong was created in 2012 as a special autonomous city to host relocated government ministries and reduce the overconcentration of population and political power in Seoul.