Korolev is a large lunar impact crater of the walled plain or basin type.

Notable nearby craters include Galois just to the southeast, Das to the south-southeast, Doppler attached to the southern rim, and Kibal'chich to the northeast.

The interior floor is relatively flat compared to the surrounding terrain, but is pock-marked with many craters of varying sizes.

[2] Measurements taken from orbit on this point improved the accuracy of mapping of the lunar far side, although they were likely surpassed by subsequent Apollo missions.

By convention these features are identified on lunar maps by placing the letter on the side of the crater midpoint that is closest to Korolev.