South Korea boasts a dynamic and diverse media landscape, with a long history of both print and online publications. By the mid-1980s, South Korean print media faced heavy censorship, which sparked widespread public criticism. However, the lifting of these restrictions paved the way for an increasingly open and robust media environment. Today, the country's largest daily newspapers such as Hankook Ilbo, Joongang Ilbo, Chosun Ilbo, and Donga Ilbo remain influential with a combined circulation of over 6.5 million copies.
Despite being smaller in circulation, The Hankyoreh represents a strong anti-establishment voice in South Korean journalism, maintaining a significant readership. Meanwhile, newspapers like Kyonghan Shinmun and Seoul Shinmun continue to offer comprehensive coverage, while specialized economic dailies also have their place in South Korea’s media ecosystem. These epapers provide diverse viewpoints on current affairs, politics, business, and social issues, offering readers a broad spectrum of information that helps them stay informed in an ever-changing world.