Step 1: Concept
We can use coordinates. East is the positive x direction and north is the positive y direction. A right turn from south leads to west, and a right turn from west leads to north.
Step 2: Write the moves as vectors
Leg 1: 5 km south = (0, -5).
Leg 2: 5 km west = (-5, 0).
Leg 3: 5 km north = (0, +5).
Step 3: Add the vectors
Total = (0 - 5 + 0, -5 + 0 + 5) = (-5, 0).
The x value is negative, so he is on the west side. The y value is zero, so there is no north or south shift.
Step 4: Read the answer
The displacement is 5 km along the negative x axis, which is due west. So the distance from the start is 5 km.
Final Answer:
He is to the west of the start, option 1.
\[ \boxed{\text{West}} \]