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{{CountryInfobox||s
{{CountryInfobox||s
|area=South Korea
|area=South Korea
|logo=KoreanPokemonLogo.png
|language={{wp|Korean language|Korean}}
|language={{wp|Korean language|Korean}}
|continent={{wp|Asia}}
|continent={{wp|Asia}}
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|DP001=September 10, 2007
|DP001=September 10, 2007
|BW001=May 16, 2011
|BW001=May 16, 2011
|XY001=March 10, 2014
}}
}}
The [[Pokémon]] ('''{{tt|포켓몬스터|Poketmonseuteo}}''') franchise first reached '''{{wp|South Korea}}''' in 1999, with the first airing of ''[[EP001|Pikachu, I Choose You!]]'' on the {{wp|Seoul Broadcasting System}}. None of the [[Generation I|first generation]] Pokémon games were released in South Korea, so it was not until the release of {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} in 2002 that Pokémon games were released in South Korean stores.


The [[Pokémon]] franchise first reached '''{{wp|South Korea}}''' in 1999, with the first airing of ''[[EP001|Pikachu, I Choose You!]]'' on the {{wp|Seoul Broadcasting System}}. None of the [[Generation I|first generation]] Pokémon games were released in South Korea, so it was not until the release of {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} in 2002 that Pokémon games were released in South Korean stores.
==History==
Due to the rocky history between {{wp|Japan–Korea relations|Japan and (South) Korea}}, Japanese cultural imports—such as manga, anime, video games, music and movies—were banned by the South Korean government after Korean Independence at the end of {{wp|World War II}}. This ban would be in effect throughout most of the 80s and 90s, particularly when video game consoles began to grow in popularity in Japan and the West. Many Korean companies would find ways around the ban, such as licensing ''American'' versions of Japanese consoles; Hyundai, for example, licensed the American {{wp|Nintendo Entertainment System}} (instead of the Japanese Famicom) and released it as the 현대 컴보이 ''Hyundai Comboy''. For other things, however, there was no way around the ban, and Pokémon was of no exception; almost all Pokémon-related media of its time would never officially make its way into South Korea. This included all of the [[Generation I|first generation]] games; if anything Pokémon-related appeared in Korea, it was either a bootleg, a rip-off or a pirated version.


==History==
[[File:PocketMonstersGumEun.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Cover of Pocket Monsters Gum·Eun]] Eventually, South Korean and Japanese relations had warmed up to the point where the South Korean government's ban on Japanese cultural imports was partially lifted in October 1998<ref>[http://www.jei.org/Restricted/JEIR00/0026w3.html SOUTH KOREA EASES BAN ON JAPANESE CULTURE]</ref>. This in turn finally allowed for the release of some Pokémon titles into South Korea. In particular, the Pokémon anime first appeared on Korean television on July 1999, while the Pokémon manga series, [[Pokémon Adventures]] (포켓몬스터 스페셜 ''Pocket Monsters Special''), would hit bookshelves on August 1999. The first Korean-language main series game, however, would be {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} (포켓몬스터 금·은 ''Pocket Monsters Gum·Eun''), which saw a release in April 2002; its delay may have been due to the difficulty of including the Korean language writing system in it. On the other hand, neither {{game|Crystal}} nor the [[Generation III|third generation]] games would see a release in South Korea, most likely for the same difficulties involved in a Korean translation. There may have also been uncertainty on how to play those games, as Hyundai would not license a version of either the Game Boy Color or Game Boy Advance for release in Korea.
Due to the rocky history between {{wp|Japan–Korea relations|Japan and (South) Korea}}, Japanese cultural imports such as manga, anime, video games, music and movies had been banned by the South Korean government since the end of {{wp|World War II}}. This ban was still in effect during the releases of {{2v|Red|Green}} in Japan in 1996. As such, most Pokémon-related media of its time never made its way into South Korea, particularly all of the [[Generation I|first generation]] games. Likewise, most video game systems in this period, such as the {{wp|Nintendo Entertainment System|NES/Famicom}} and the Game Boy would not be released by their official Japanese developer (like Nintendo), but by Korean companies (such as Hyundai) which had licensed the hardware designs for sale in Korea. Furthermore, the Korean systems would actually be based on their American counterparts rather than their Japanese ones.


Eventually, South Korean and Japanese relations had warmed up to the point where the South Korean government's ban on Japanese cultural imports was [http://www.jei.org/Restricted/JEIR00/0026w3.html partially lifted] in October 1998. This in turn helped pave the way for the release of some Pokémon titles into South Korea. In particular, the Pokémon anime would be first aired in July 1999, while the Pokémon manga series, [[Pokémon Adventures]] (포켓몬스터 스페셜 ''Pokémon Special''), would hit bookshelves in August 1999. The first main series game, however, would be [[Pokémon Gold and Silver]] (포켓몬스터 금·은 ''Pocket Monsters Gum·Eun''), which saw a release in April 2002; however, it could only be played on Hyundai's "Mini Comboy" system (a Game Boy clone which was licensed to Hyundai), and not on hardware officially released by Nintendo themselves. However, neither {{game|Crystal}} nor the [[Generation III|third generation]] games would see a release in South Korea, most likely due to the difficulty of including the Korean language writing system in the games (seeing as it took about three years for Gold and Silver to be released), as well as the lack of Game Boy Advance hardware in South Korea at the time.
Finally in January 2004, the South Korean government completely lifted its ban on Japanese cultural imports<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2003/dec/28/world/fg-japanculture28 South Korea Makes Way for Anime]</ref>. This allowed Nintendo to officially operate in South Korea as 한국닌텐도(주) ''Nintendo of Korea, Inc.'' starting on July 2006<ref>[http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/03/nintendo-of-korea-opens-july-7th/ Nintendo of Korea opens July 7th]</ref>, with 포켓몬코리아 ''Pokémon Korea, Inc.'' beginning its operations a month later<ref>[http://www.pokemon.co.jp/corporate/en/history/ The Pokémon Company History]</ref>. The [[Nintendo DS Lite]] would end up being the first console officially released by the new Nintendo of Korea in January 2007, and {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}} (포켓몬스터 DP 디아루가·펄기아 ''Pocket Monsters DP Dialga·Palkia'') would be released in February 2008. However, it would not be until the release of {{game|Black and White|s}} (포켓몬스터 블랙·화이트 ''Pocket Monsters Black·White'') in 2010 that Korean games would be completely compatible with other region carts (as [[Generation IV]] games from other regions lack Korean characters).


It was not until January 2004 that the South Korean government [http://articles.latimes.com/2003/dec/28/world/fg-japanculture28 completely lifted its ban] on Japanese cultural imports. This allowed Nintendo to officially operate in South Korea as ''[http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/03/nintendo-of-korea-opens-july-7th/ Nintendo of Korea]'' starting on July 2006, with ''[http://www.pokemon.co.jp/corporate/en/history/ Pokémon Korea, Inc.]'' beginning its operations a month later. [[Pokémon Diamond and Pearl]] (known as ''Pocket Monsters DP - Dialga • Palkia'') would finally be released in February 2008, finally playable on official Nintendo hardware (the [[Nintendo DS Lite]], which was released in January 2007).  
[[File:Platinum KO boxart.png|thumb|right|200px|Cover of Pokémon Giratina Pt version]] In this time, Pokémon has enjoyed considerable success in South Korea. Releases in Korea have been able to keep pace with Japan and the rest of the world; [[Pokémon Adventures volume 42]] was released in Korea before North America, new TCG sets are released on a regular basis, and the Korean release of [[Pokémon X and Y]] (포켓몬스터 X・Y ''Pocket Monsters X·Y'') was part of the "Worldwide Release", with Korean being a playable option in all regions.


Since then, Pokémon has enjoyed considerable success in South Korea, with all the different series of games, anime and manga being released consistently and regularly with their other international counterparts. Pokémon in South Korea also tends to be more similar to what is released in Japan, as opposed to being based on the North American version like with Europe and other Commonwealth nations.
Pokémon in South Korea is also a mix of what is released in Japan, the West and that which is uniquely Korean, though between Japan and the West, it tends to be closer to Japan. For example, sometimes Korean Pokémon names are based on, or are transliterations of, their Japanese names in ways that the Western names don't; in particular, the [[Sylveon]]'s Korean name 님피아 ''Nimpia'' is based the Japanese ニンフィア ''Nymphia'' versus its Western name. On the other hand, certain things, like the card design for the Pokémon TCG in Korea, are based more on their Western than their Japanese counterparts. However, most of the times Pokémon in South Korea is given a uniquely Korean look and feel. For instance, almost all of the characters in the Pokémon franchise are given specifically Korean names: [[Ash Ketchum]] is 한지우 ''Han Ji-u'', [[Jessie]] and [[James]] are 로사 ''Rosa'' and 로이 ''Roy'', respectively, and Champion [[Lance]] is 목호 ''Mokho''.


==Pokémon video games==
==Pokémon video games==
[[File:Korean Platinum-box.png|thumb|right|200px|Cover of Pokémon Giratina Pt version]]
[[File:PokemonXY-KoreanBox.png|thumb|right|200px|Cover of Pocket Monsters X·Y]] Due to the South Korean government's ban on Japanese cultural items, none of the [[Generation I|first generation]] games saw an official release in Korea. Once the ban was slightly lifted in 1998, a Korean-language version of {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} (포켓몬스터 금·은 ''Pocket Monsters Gum·Eun'') would be released in 2002. Unlike previous localizations of Pokémon Gold and Silver, these versions are not playable on the original [[Game Boy]] at all, and display an incompatibility message if inserted into an original Game Boy, like {{game|Crystal}}. <ref>[http://mgaver.tistory.com/122 Hangeru Team (Korean Pokémon blog)]</ref> For unknown reasons, Pokémon Crystal was never released in the Korean language, although it may be of note that the Game Boy Color's lifespan overseas was almost finished. Likewise, none of the [[Generation III|third generation]] would see a South Korean release either.
As none of the [[Generation I|first generation]] or [[Generation III|third generation]] were released in South Korea, it was not until April 24, 2002 when {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} were released for the [[Game Boy Color]] in South Korean stores. Unlike previous localizations of Pokémon Gold and Silver, these versions are not playable on the original [[Game Boy]] at all, and display an incompatibility message if inserted into an original Game Boy, like [[Pokémon Crystal]]. <ref>[http://mgaver.tistory.com/122 Hangeru Team (Korean Pokémon blog)]</ref> For unknown reasons, Pokémon Crystal was never released in the Korean language, although it may be of note that the Game Boy Color's lifespan overseas was almost finished.


Since February 2008, all of the [[Generation IV|fourth generation]] main series games have been released in South Korea. Several of the [[Spin-off Pokémon games|spin-off]] Pokémon games have been released in South Korea as well. The Generation V games have also been released.
Since February 2008, all of the [[Generation IV|fourth generation]] main series games have been released in South Korea. Several of the [[Spin-off Pokémon games|spin-off]] Pokémon games have been released in South Korea as well. The [[Generation V|fifth generation]] games would see a release in 2011, and [[Pokémon X and Y]] were released in Korea at the same time as the rest of the world.


With some exceptions such as {{p|Pikachu}} and the legendary Pokémon, most of the Pokémon species names are completely localized into the Korean language; especially in later generations, these often skew closer to the original Japanese names than translated names in other languages. For more information on these translated names, see [[list of Korean Pokémon names]].
With some exceptions such as {{p|Pikachu}} and the legendary Pokémon, most of the Pokémon species names are completely localized into the Korean language. These names often skew closer to the original Japanese names than translated names in other languages, especially in later generations. For more information on these translated names, see [[list of Korean Pokémon names]].


==={{pkmn2|Event}}s===
==={{pkmn2|Event}}s===
Local events have been occurring often in South Korea since the release of {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}. The events are usually announced on the Korean Pokémon website.
[[File:KoreanPGL.png|thumb|right|200px|Korean Pokémon Global Link]]Local events have been occurring often in South Korea since the release of {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}. The events are usually announced on the Korean Pokémon website. With the release of {{game|Black and White|s}}, there has been both an official Korean version of the [[Pokémon Global Link]] as well as various Wi-Fi competitions, both International and Local (Korean).


Unlike other translations of the games, Korean events tend to be based directly on their Japanese counterparts rather than on English and European events.
Unlike other translations of the games, Korean events tend to be based directly on their Japanese counterparts rather than on North American and European events.


==Pokémon anime==
==Pokémon anime==
[[File:CartoonNetwork.png|thumb|right|100px|Cartoon Network logo]]
[[File:CartoonNetwork.png|thumb|right|100px|Cartoon Network logo]]
<!--The Korean dub of the [[Pokémon anime]] is recorded and produced by ''' '''.-->The Korean dub of the Pokémon anime was first aired in July 1999, and is mainly based on the original Japanese version. Most characters are renamed in the dub.
<!--The Korean dub of the [[Pokémon anime]] is recorded and produced by ''' '''.-->The Korean dub of the Pokémon anime was first aired in July 1999, and is mainly based on the original Japanese version. Most characters are renamed in the dub; for example, [[Ash Ketchum]] is 한지우 ''Han Ji-u'', [[Misty (anime)|Misty]] is 최이슬 ''Choi I-seul'' and [[Brock (anime)|Brock]] is 웅 ''Ung''.


[[File:Tooniverse logo.png|thumb|left|150px|Tooniverse logo]]
[[File:Tooniverse logo.png|thumb|left|150px|Tooniverse logo]]
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Special episodes, such as ''[[SS019|Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters out of the Gate]]'' and ''[[SS020|Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time & Darkness]]'', have been dubbed as well.
Special episodes, such as ''[[SS019|Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters out of the Gate]]'' and ''[[SS020|Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time & Darkness]]'', have been dubbed as well.


Unlike the other dubs, the Korean dub has banned 20 episodes so far, including the ones banned in Japan.
Unlike the other dubs, the Korean dub has banned 20 episodes so far, including the ones banned in Japan. These banned episodes usually included overt references to Japan and Japanese culture, such as ''[[EP004|Challenge of the Samurai]]'' and ''[[EP032|The Ninja Poké-Showdown]]''. However, most of these episodes were from the [[List of original series episodes|original series]], with the last unaired episodes (not counting clip shows like [[AG120]] and [[DP120]] or episodes banned in Japan) being from [[List of Advanced Generation series episodes|Advanced Generation]]: [[AG055]] and [[AG056]]. However, that may have been an oversight, though many of the unaired episodes were released on DVD.


===Music===
===Music===
Much like the English dub, the Korean dub of the [[Pokémon anime]] features different openings from that in Japanese.
[[File:Pocket Monsters AG New and Best CD cover.png|thumb|right|Cover artwork for the CD [[Pocket Monsters AG (New & Best)]]]]
{| align="center" style="background: #1d2c5e; {{roundy}}; border: 5px solid #ffcb05"
{{incomplete|section|Lacking more information in reference to the music}}
|-
{{main|List of Korean opening themes}}
! style="background:#3467af; {{roundytl|5px}};" | {{color|1d2c5e|Screenshot}}
{{main|List of Korean ending themes}}
! style="background:#3467af" | {{color|1d2c5e|Title}}
 
! style="background:#3467af" | {{color|1d2c5e|Debut Episode}}
Much like the English dub, the Korean dub of the [[Pokémon anime]] features different openings and endings from that in Japanese. However, the songs are directly based on their respective Japanese counterparts, using similar lyrics, style and beat along with sharing the same running time (1 minute and 30 seconds) and debuting episodes.
! style="background:#3467af; {{roundytr|5px}};" | {{color|1d2c5e|Final Episode}}
 
|- align="center" style="background:#fff"
A music CD was released in South Korea titled [[Pocket Monsters AG (New & Best)]]. This CD was released in 2003.
| style="background:#000" | [[File:NOEP.png|150px]]
| <span lang="ko">모험의 시작</span><br><small>''{{color2|000|The Start of an Adventure}}''</small>
| {{color2|000|EP001}}<br>피카츄! 너로 정했다!<br><small>''Pikachu! I Choose You!''</small>
| {{color2|000|EP080}}<br>포켓몬 리그 최후의 승자<br><small>''Pokémon League Final Winner''</small>
|- align="center" style="background:#fff"
| style="background:#000" | [[File:NOEP.png|150px]]  
| <span lang="ko">포켓몬 Forever</span><br><small>''{{color2|000|Pokémon Forever}}''</small>
| {{color2|000|EP081}}<br>마사라타운! 새로운 여행!<br><small>''{{tt|Masara|Pallet}} Town! A New Journey!''</small>
| {{color2|000|EP116}}<br>라이벌 대결, 지우 VS 바람<br><small>''Rival Showdown! {{tt|Jiu|Ash}} VS {{tt|Baram|Gary}}!''</small>
|- align="center" style="background:#fff"
| style="background:#000" | [[File:NOEP.png|150px]]
| <span lang="ko">Victory</span><br><small>''{{color2|000|Victory}}''</small>
| {{color2|000|EP117}}<br>새로운 출발! 성도리그!!<br><small>''A New Departure! The {{tt|Seongdo|Johto}} League!!''</small>
| TBA
|- align="center" style="background:#fff"
| style="background:#000" | [[File:NOEP.png|150px]]
| <span lang="ko">포켓몬스터 AG</span><br><small>''{{color2|000|Pocket Monsters AG}}''</small>
| {{color2|000|AG001}}<br>새로운 시작 새로운 모험<br><small>''A New Beginning, a New Adventure''</small>
| {{color2|000|AG192}}<br>여행의 끝, 그리고 여행의 시작!<br><small>''The End of a Journey, the Start of my Journey!''</small>
|- align="center" style="background:#fff"
| style="background:#000" | [[File:NOEP.png|150px]]  
| <span lang="ko">웃어봐</span><br><small>''{{color2|000|Smile}}''</small>
| {{color2|000|DP001}}<br>새로운 여행! 신참 트레이너 나빛나!!<br><small>''The New Journey! The Rookie Trainer {{tt|Na Bit-Na|Dawn}}!!''</small>
| {{color2|000|DP095}}<br>빛나! 엄마의 라이벌을 만나다!<br><small>''{{tt|Bit-Na|Dawn}}! Meet Mom's Rival!''</small>
|- align="center" style="background:#fff"
| style="background:#000" | [[File:NOEPHD.png|200px]]
| <span lang="ko">Yes I Can!</span><br><small>''{{color2|000|Yes I Can!}}''</small>
| {{color2|000|DP096}}<br>갤럭시단! 다시 나타나다! (제1부)<br><small>''{{tt|Galaxy-dan|Team Galactic}}! Striking Again (Part 1)!''</small>
| {{color2|000|DP162}}<br>더블 배틀! 플러시와 마이농 VS 맘모꾸리와 브케인!<br><small>''Double Battle! {{tt|Plusie|Plusle}} and {{tt|Minong|Minun}} VS {{tt|Mammokkuri|Mamoswine}} and {{tt|Beukein|Cyndaquil}}''</small>
|- align="center" style="background:#fff"
| style="background:#000" | [[File:NOEPHD.png|200px]]  
| <span lang="ko">포켓몬 Love Forever</span><br><small>''{{color2|000|Pokémon - Love Forever}}''</small>
| {{color2|000|DP163}}<br>폭발적인 진화! 초염몽!<br><small>''An Explosive Evolution! {{tt|Choyeommong|Infernape}}!''</small>
| {{color2|000|DP191}}<br>추억은 펄! 우정은 다이아몬드!!<br><small>''Memories are Pearls! Friendship is a Diamond!!''</small>
|- align="center" style="background:#fff"
| rowspan="1" style="background:#000" | [[File:NOEPHD.png|200px]]
| <span lang="ko">Another Challenge</span><br><small>''{{color2|000|Another Challenge}}''</small>
| {{color2|000|BW001}}<br>하나지방과 제크로무의 어두운 그림자!<br><small>''The {{tt|Hana|Unova}} Region! In the Dark Shadows of {{tt|Jekeuromu|Zekrom}}!''</small>
| {{color2|000|BW084}}<br> 격투 모란만체육관! 지우 VS 보미카!! (후편)<br><small>''Battle at {{tt|Moranman|Virbank}} Gym! {{tt|Jui|Ash}} VS {{tt|Bomica|Roxie}}!! (Part 2))''</small>
|-
| colspan="4" style="background:#3467af; {{roundybottom|5px}};" |
|}


===Cast and Crew===
===Cast and Crew===
Many voice actors and actresses have contributed to the production of the Korean dub of the Pokémon anime.
Many voice actors and actresses have contributed to the production of the Korean dub of the Pokémon anime.


[[Ash Ketchum]] was voiced by '''최덕희''' ''Choi Deok-Hyi'' for the [[Original series]], ''[[M01|Mewtwo's Counterattack]]'', and ''[[M02|Lugia's Birth]]''. '''안현서''' ''An Hyeon-Seo'' voiced Ash for ''[[M03|M03]]'', ''[[M04|M04]]'', and ''[[M05|M05]]''. '''이선호''' ''Lee Seon-Ho'' voiced Ash for {{series2|Advanced Generation}} and {{series|Diamond & Pearl}} as well as the movies in the respective series.
지우 ''Ji-woo'' ([[Ash Ketchum]]) has been voiced by:
* '''최덕희''' ''Choi Deok-hyi'' for the [[Original series]], ''[[M01]]'' and ''[[M02]]'',
* '''안현서''' ''An Hyeon-seo'' for ''[[M03]]'', ''[[M04]]'', and ''[[M05]]'',
* '''이선호''' ''Lee Seon-ho'' for {{series2|Advanced Generation}}, {{series|Diamond & Pearl}} and [[S14|''Black & White'' series]], as well as the movies in the respective series.


{{an|Misty}} was voiced by '''지미애''' ''Chi Mi-Ae''. {{an|Brock}} is voiced by '''구자형''' ''Ku Ja-Hyeong'' for the original series and all the movies until ''[[M09|Pokémon Ranger and the Prince of the Sea: Manaphy]]''. '''변영희''' ''Byeon Yeong-Hyi'' has voiced Brock for the {{series2|Advanced Generation}} and {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}. [[Tracey Sketchit]] was voiced by '''이영주''' ''Lee Yeong-Ju''.
이슬 ''I-seul'' ({{an|Misty}}) was voiced by '''지미애''' ''Ji Mi-ae''.


{{an|May}} was voiced by '''지미애''' ''Chi Mi-Ae'' for ''[[M06|아름다운 소원의 별 지라치]]''.
웅 ''Ung'' ({{an|Brock}}) was voiced by:
* '''구자형''' ''Koo Ja-hyeong'' for the original series and all the movies until ''[[M09|Pokémon Ranger and the Prince of the Sea: Manaphy]]'',
* '''변영희''' ''Byeon Young-hyi'' for the {{series2|Advanced Generation}} and {{series|Diamond & Pearl}}
 
관철 ''Gwancheol'' ([[Tracey Sketchit]]) was voiced by '''이영주''' ''Lee Young-joo''.
 
봄이 ''Bom'i'' ({{an|May}}) was voiced by:
* '''서혜정''' ''Seo Hye-jeong'' for the {{series2|Advanced Generation}},
* '''지미애''' ''Ji Mi-ae'' for the movies except for ''[[M07]]'',
* '''김현지''' ''Kim Hyeon-ji'' for ''[[M07]]''


==Pokémon Trading Card Game==
==Pokémon Trading Card Game==
The Pokémon Trading Card Game was officially released in South Korea, printing cards until {{TCG|EX Power Keepers}}. Recently, the TCG has been released again, starting with '''모험의 시작''' ''Start of the Adventure'' and its recent expansion, '''암흑의 초승달''' ''Darkness of Crescent''. Currently, the distributor is Pokémon Korea, Inc.  
[[File:Korean-PokemonCard-ADV.jpg|thumb|right|100px|Korean pack of Pokémon ADV]] The Pokémon Trading Card Game (포켓몬 카드 게임 ''Pokémon Card Game'') was initially released in South Korea in 2000 by [[Wizards of the Coast]], starting with [[Base Set]]. A Korean Pikachu was included in two separate [[World Collection (TCG)|Pikachu World Collection]] promo sets. When Nintendo took over the game in 2003, they continued to release new sets until {{TCG|EX Power Keepers}}. With the release of the [[Diamond & Pearl (TCG)|Diamond and Pearl]] sets, the Korean-language cards were released again, starting with 모험의 시작 ''{{KTCG|Start of an Adventure}}''; however Korean sets at this time were a unique combination of existing cards, with none of the sets themselves corresponding to existing sets. It wouldn't be until the release of the [[Black & White (TCG)|Black and White]] sets in Japan that Korean sets would follow Japan's set format; the latest sets released in Korea as of July 2013 were 스파이럴포스 ''Spiral Force'' and 볼트너클 ''Bolt Knuckle'', which correspond to Japan's [[Plasma Freeze (TCG)|Spiral Force and Thunder Knuckle]] sets, respectively, released on May 23rd, 2013.


Unlike the North American set, the booster packs are called Extension Packs, the decks are called Random Decks, and the promotional pack is called a Special Set. The borders, colors and layout is the based on the current English cards.
Currently, the distributor is Pokémon Korea, Inc. Unlike the North American sets, the {{TCG|booster pack}}s are called Extension Packs, the {{TCG|Theme Deck}}s are called Random Decks, and the promotional pack is called a Special Set. However, unlike the Japanese sets, the card borders, colors, layout and backs are the based on the current English cards.


In 2010, Pokémon Cards from [[Diamond & Pearl (TCG)|Diamond & Pearl]],
A complete list in English of the Korean cards during the Diamond & Pearl sets, with reference to the original cards, is available at the [http://www.poisonpie.com/toys/korean/index.html Korean Pokémon Card Database in English].  A searchable database of all cards released since the Diamond & Pearl sets can be found on the official Korean language Pokémon Card Game site [http://pokemonkorea.co.kr/cardgame/card_search_1.asp here].
[[Platinum (TCG)|Platinum]],and [[HeartGold & SoulSilver (TCG)|HeartGold & SoulSilver]] were released in South Korea with text in Korean language.  As of March 2011, there are ten series (with 40 or 60 cards each), eight theme decks (with 30 cards each) and 22 black star promotional cards, containing cards selected from a variety of expansion sets.  A complete list in English of the Korean cards with reference to the original cards is available at the [http://www.poisonpie.com/toys/korean/index.html Korean Pokémon Card Database in English].  Listings of the cards in Korean on the official Korean language Pokémon TCG site are [http://www.pokemoncard.co.kr/product/extend_pack.asp here].


==[[Pokémon merchandise]]==
==Pokémon manga==
[[File:K01.png|thumb|right|190px|Cover of volume 1 Pokémon Adventures]]


=== Pokémon manga ===
[[Pokémon Adventures]] (포켓몬스터 스페셜 ''Pocket Monsters Special'') has been published in South Korea by 대원씨아이 ''{{wp|Daewon C.I.}}'' since August 1999. Since then, every volume that has been released in Japan has been released in Korean, the most recent being [[Pokémon Adventures volume 50|Volume 50]], which was released on June 24, 2015. No major changes have been made between the original Japanese story and the Korean version.
[[File:K01.jpg|thumb|right|190px|Cover of volume 1 Pokémon Adventures]]
 
[[Pokémon Adventures]], '''포켓몬스터 스페셜''' ''Pokémon Special'', has been published in South Korea by '''{{wp|Daewon C.I.}}''' ('''대원씨아이''') since August 1999. Since then, they have published every volume that has been released in Japan as of November 15, 2011.


[[Magical Pokémon Journey]] has been translated into Korean as well.
[[Magical Pokémon Journey]] has been translated into Korean as well.


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://pokemonkorea.co.kr/ Pokémon Korea] (in Korean)
* [http://pokemonkorea.co.kr/ Pokémon Korea] (The official Korean Pokémon website — unique formate)
* [http://www.pokemoncard.co.kr/ Pokémon TCG Korea] (in Korean)
* [http://www.pokemoncard.co.kr/ Pokémon TCG Korea] (Korean language)
* [http://www.champtv.com/program/search_list.asp?search=title&keyword=%C6%F7%C4%CF%B8%F3%BD%BA%C5%CD&x=0&y=0 Pokémon on CHAMP TV] (in Korean)
* [http://www.champtv.com/program/search_list.asp?search=title&keyword=%C6%F7%C4%CF%B8%F3%BD%BA%C5%CD&x=0&y=0 Pokémon on CHAMP TV] (Korean language)
* [http://www.tooniland.com/pageLoad.tl?cate_cd=70&keyValue=946 Pokémon on Tooniverse] (in Korean)
* [http://www.tooniland.com/pageLoad.tl?cate_cd=70&keyValue=946 Pokémon on Tooniverse] (Korean language)
* [http://www.animaxtv.co.kr/shows/PokemonDP2 Pokémon on Animax] (in Korean)
* [http://www.animaxtv.co.kr/shows/PokemonDP2 Pokémon on Animax] (Korean language)
* [http://www.cartoonnetworkkorea.com/asp/event/20081105_pokemon/pokemon.asp Pokémon on Cartoon Network Korea] (in Korean)
* [http://www.cartoonnetworkkorea.com/asp/event/20081105_pokemon/pokemon.asp Pokémon on Cartoon Network Korea] (Korean language)
 
{{-}}


==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>
{{-}}
{{Pokémon around the world}}
{{Pokémon around the world}}
<br>
<br>
{{Project Globe notice}}
{{Project Globe notice}}

Revision as of 10:38, 30 July 2015

Pokémon in South Korea
KoreanPokemonLogo.png
South Korea Flag.png
Flag of South Korea
Languages Korean
Continent Asia
Original anime airdates
EP001 July 14, 1999
AG001 July 21, 2003
DP001 September 10, 2007
BW001 May 16, 2011
XY001 March 10, 2014
SM001
JN001
HZ001

The Pokémon (포켓몬스터) franchise first reached South Korea in 1999, with the first airing of Pikachu, I Choose You! on the Seoul Broadcasting System. None of the first generation Pokémon games were released in South Korea, so it was not until the release of Pokémon Gold and Silver in 2002 that Pokémon games were released in South Korean stores.

History

Due to the rocky history between Japan and (South) Korea, Japanese cultural imports—such as manga, anime, video games, music and movies—were banned by the South Korean government after Korean Independence at the end of World War II. This ban would be in effect throughout most of the 80s and 90s, particularly when video game consoles began to grow in popularity in Japan and the West. Many Korean companies would find ways around the ban, such as licensing American versions of Japanese consoles; Hyundai, for example, licensed the American Nintendo Entertainment System (instead of the Japanese Famicom) and released it as the 현대 컴보이 Hyundai Comboy. For other things, however, there was no way around the ban, and Pokémon was of no exception; almost all Pokémon-related media of its time would never officially make its way into South Korea. This included all of the first generation games; if anything Pokémon-related appeared in Korea, it was either a bootleg, a rip-off or a pirated version.

Cover of Pocket Monsters Gum·Eun

Eventually, South Korean and Japanese relations had warmed up to the point where the South Korean government's ban on Japanese cultural imports was partially lifted in October 1998[1]. This in turn finally allowed for the release of some Pokémon titles into South Korea. In particular, the Pokémon anime first appeared on Korean television on July 1999, while the Pokémon manga series, Pokémon Adventures (포켓몬스터 스페셜 Pocket Monsters Special), would hit bookshelves on August 1999. The first Korean-language main series game, however, would be Pokémon Gold and Silver (포켓몬스터 금·은 Pocket Monsters Gum·Eun), which saw a release in April 2002; its delay may have been due to the difficulty of including the Korean language writing system in it. On the other hand, neither Pokémon Crystal nor the third generation games would see a release in South Korea, most likely for the same difficulties involved in a Korean translation. There may have also been uncertainty on how to play those games, as Hyundai would not license a version of either the Game Boy Color or Game Boy Advance for release in Korea.

Finally in January 2004, the South Korean government completely lifted its ban on Japanese cultural imports[2]. This allowed Nintendo to officially operate in South Korea as 한국닌텐도(주) Nintendo of Korea, Inc. starting on July 2006[3], with 포켓몬코리아 Pokémon Korea, Inc. beginning its operations a month later[4]. The Nintendo DS Lite would end up being the first console officially released by the new Nintendo of Korea in January 2007, and Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (포켓몬스터 DP 디아루가·펄기아 Pocket Monsters DP Dialga·Palkia) would be released in February 2008. However, it would not be until the release of Pokémon Black and White (포켓몬스터 블랙·화이트 Pocket Monsters Black·White) in 2010 that Korean games would be completely compatible with other region carts (as Generation IV games from other regions lack Korean characters).

Cover of Pokémon Giratina Pt version

In this time, Pokémon has enjoyed considerable success in South Korea. Releases in Korea have been able to keep pace with Japan and the rest of the world; Pokémon Adventures volume 42 was released in Korea before North America, new TCG sets are released on a regular basis, and the Korean release of Pokémon X and Y (포켓몬스터 X・Y Pocket Monsters X·Y) was part of the "Worldwide Release", with Korean being a playable option in all regions.

Pokémon in South Korea is also a mix of what is released in Japan, the West and that which is uniquely Korean, though between Japan and the West, it tends to be closer to Japan. For example, sometimes Korean Pokémon names are based on, or are transliterations of, their Japanese names in ways that the Western names don't; in particular, the Sylveon's Korean name 님피아 Nimpia is based the Japanese ニンフィア Nymphia versus its Western name. On the other hand, certain things, like the card design for the Pokémon TCG in Korea, are based more on their Western than their Japanese counterparts. However, most of the times Pokémon in South Korea is given a uniquely Korean look and feel. For instance, almost all of the characters in the Pokémon franchise are given specifically Korean names: Ash Ketchum is 한지우 Han Ji-u, Jessie and James are 로사 Rosa and 로이 Roy, respectively, and Champion Lance is 목호 Mokho.

Pokémon video games

Cover of Pocket Monsters X·Y

Due to the South Korean government's ban on Japanese cultural items, none of the first generation games saw an official release in Korea. Once the ban was slightly lifted in 1998, a Korean-language version of Pokémon Gold and Silver (포켓몬스터 금·은 Pocket Monsters Gum·Eun) would be released in 2002. Unlike previous localizations of Pokémon Gold and Silver, these versions are not playable on the original Game Boy at all, and display an incompatibility message if inserted into an original Game Boy, like Pokémon Crystal. [5] For unknown reasons, Pokémon Crystal was never released in the Korean language, although it may be of note that the Game Boy Color's lifespan overseas was almost finished. Likewise, none of the third generation would see a South Korean release either.

Since February 2008, all of the fourth generation main series games have been released in South Korea. Several of the spin-off Pokémon games have been released in South Korea as well. The fifth generation games would see a release in 2011, and Pokémon X and Y were released in Korea at the same time as the rest of the world.

With some exceptions such as Pikachu and the legendary Pokémon, most of the Pokémon species names are completely localized into the Korean language. These names often skew closer to the original Japanese names than translated names in other languages, especially in later generations. For more information on these translated names, see list of Korean Pokémon names.

Events

Korean Pokémon Global Link

Local events have been occurring often in South Korea since the release of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. The events are usually announced on the Korean Pokémon website. With the release of Pokémon Black and White, there has been both an official Korean version of the Pokémon Global Link as well as various Wi-Fi competitions, both International and Local (Korean).

Unlike other translations of the games, Korean events tend to be based directly on their Japanese counterparts rather than on North American and European events.

Pokémon anime

Cartoon Network logo

The Korean dub of the Pokémon anime was first aired in July 1999, and is mainly based on the original Japanese version. Most characters are renamed in the dub; for example, Ash Ketchum is 한지우 Han Ji-u, Misty is 최이슬 Choi I-seul and Brock is 웅 Ung.

Tooniverse logo

In South Korea, the Pokémon anime had aired on Seoul Broadcasting System since the series' debut. Currently, episodes of the anime are aired on Tooniverse, CHAMP TV, Animax, Cartoon Network, ANIONE, and Jei TV.

Special episodes, such as Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Team Go-Getters out of the Gate and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time & Darkness, have been dubbed as well.

Unlike the other dubs, the Korean dub has banned 20 episodes so far, including the ones banned in Japan. These banned episodes usually included overt references to Japan and Japanese culture, such as Challenge of the Samurai and The Ninja Poké-Showdown. However, most of these episodes were from the original series, with the last unaired episodes (not counting clip shows like AG120 and DP120 or episodes banned in Japan) being from Advanced Generation: AG055 and AG056. However, that may have been an oversight, though many of the unaired episodes were released on DVD.

Music

Cover artwork for the CD Pocket Monsters AG (New & Best)
050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Lacking more information in reference to the music
Main article: List of Korean opening themes
Main article: List of Korean ending themes

Much like the English dub, the Korean dub of the Pokémon anime features different openings and endings from that in Japanese. However, the songs are directly based on their respective Japanese counterparts, using similar lyrics, style and beat along with sharing the same running time (1 minute and 30 seconds) and debuting episodes.

A music CD was released in South Korea titled Pocket Monsters AG (New & Best). This CD was released in 2003.

Cast and Crew

Many voice actors and actresses have contributed to the production of the Korean dub of the Pokémon anime.

지우 Ji-woo (Ash Ketchum) has been voiced by:

이슬 I-seul (Misty) was voiced by 지미애 Ji Mi-ae.

웅 Ung (Brock) was voiced by:

관철 Gwancheol (Tracey Sketchit) was voiced by 이영주 Lee Young-joo.

봄이 Bom'i (May) was voiced by:

  • 서혜정 Seo Hye-jeong for the Advanced Generation,
  • 지미애 Ji Mi-ae for the movies except for M07,
  • 김현지 Kim Hyeon-ji for M07

Pokémon Trading Card Game

File:Korean-PokemonCard-ADV.jpg
Korean pack of Pokémon ADV

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (포켓몬 카드 게임 Pokémon Card Game) was initially released in South Korea in 2000 by Wizards of the Coast, starting with Base Set. A Korean Pikachu was included in two separate Pikachu World Collection promo sets. When Nintendo took over the game in 2003, they continued to release new sets until EX Power Keepers. With the release of the Diamond and Pearl sets, the Korean-language cards were released again, starting with 모험의 시작 Start of an Adventure; however Korean sets at this time were a unique combination of existing cards, with none of the sets themselves corresponding to existing sets. It wouldn't be until the release of the Black and White sets in Japan that Korean sets would follow Japan's set format; the latest sets released in Korea as of July 2013 were 스파이럴포스 Spiral Force and 볼트너클 Bolt Knuckle, which correspond to Japan's Spiral Force and Thunder Knuckle sets, respectively, released on May 23rd, 2013.

Currently, the distributor is Pokémon Korea, Inc. Unlike the North American sets, the booster packs are called Extension Packs, the Theme Decks are called Random Decks, and the promotional pack is called a Special Set. However, unlike the Japanese sets, the card borders, colors, layout and backs are the based on the current English cards.

A complete list in English of the Korean cards during the Diamond & Pearl sets, with reference to the original cards, is available at the Korean Pokémon Card Database in English. A searchable database of all cards released since the Diamond & Pearl sets can be found on the official Korean language Pokémon Card Game site here.

Pokémon manga

File:K01.png
Cover of volume 1 Pokémon Adventures

Pokémon Adventures (포켓몬스터 스페셜 Pocket Monsters Special) has been published in South Korea by 대원씨아이 Daewon C.I. since August 1999. Since then, every volume that has been released in Japan has been released in Korean, the most recent being Volume 50, which was released on June 24, 2015. No major changes have been made between the original Japanese story and the Korean version.

Magical Pokémon Journey has been translated into Korean as well.

External links

References

  1. ↑ SOUTH KOREA EASES BAN ON JAPANESE CULTURE
  2. ↑ South Korea Makes Way for Anime
  3. ↑ Nintendo of Korea opens July 7th
  4. ↑ The Pokémon Company History
  5. ↑ Hangeru Team (Korean Pokémon blog)


The Pokémon franchise around the world
The Americas: Brazil • Canada • Latin America • United States
Asia: Greater China • Indonesia • Japan • Malaysia • Philippines • Singapore • South Asia • South Korea • Thailand • Vietnam
Europe: Albania • Belgium • Bulgaria • Croatia • Czech Republic • Denmark • Finland • France • Germany • Greece
Hungary • Iceland • Ireland • Italy • Latvia • Lithuania • Netherlands • North Macedonia • Norway • Poland
Portugal • Romania • Russia • Serbia • Slovakia • Spain • Sweden • Ukraine • United Kingdom
Middle East: Arab world • Israel • Turkey
Oceania: Australia • New Zealand


Project Globe logo.png This article is part of Project Globe, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon franchise around the world.
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