It is considered to be in AEZ 6, characterized as warm subhumid subtropical with summer rainfall. Precipitation tends to vary by topography, ranging from 800 to 1300 mm annually. ROK is still in the process of industrializing, and most of the urban people have some rural ties, either having come from the rural area themselves or having relatives in the countryside. Rice is more important than any other food crop or any other agricultural commodity.
Rice is the staple food and the main source of carbohydrate in the diet of the people.
ROK farmers have very low nonfarm income compared with those in other developed or developing countries. The entire lowland is grown to modern varieties of rice. The country now experiences rice surpluses, and per capita consumption is gradually decreasing. The rice area is decreasing yearly as a result of industrialization and expanding urban areas. Farmers now concentrate on quality to maintain the domestic consumption level and do not rely on export markets.