Korean development, from the 1870s to the 2000s

Originally created by Eun Young “Lisa” Lee, 2005, for PSC 303: International Relations.

Further developed by Dr. Jeremy Lewis, Political Science Dept., Huntingdon College,

Jan-Feb. 2011

Map of the Far Eastshowing Korean peninsula in center, China to North, Russia to North –

east, and Japanese islands to South-east & East

Japanese Invasion, 1895

Harsh Repression, 1900-1919:executions and abductions of slaves

Declaration of Independence, revolt against Japanese occupation

Comfort Womenforced prostitution of 40,000 women by Japanese

38th Parallelthere was little to restrain the massed Northern army

Korean War, Conflict or UN Police Action, 1950-53

South Korean economic rebirth: the Miracle of Han river, 1953-2003

Seoul: modern metropolis,9m pop., 25m metropolitan area, 48m nation

The Residential Area of Seoulhigh density housing, rapid growth, but still vulnerable

The Gate of Peaceon which the economic miracle depends

The modern Korean economy, society & politics

• Additions by Jeremy Lewis, PhD, 1 Feb. 2011

• Images of development

• Confucian society

• Economic miracle

• Political development

• Security issues

• Intermestic issues

Infrastructure greatly developed

• Airports: Kimpo & new at Incheon

• Subway system highly developed

• Prestige projects: stadiums

• Highways

• Railways

• Internet

Prestige projects: 1988 Olympics

FIFA world cup 2002, with Japan

South Korea to playoffs, 2010

Confucian society

• Striking features of culture: – Homogenous population (99%)– Education, strong in science, OECD PISA test– respect for elders, including boss– orderly society, low crime, evening walks– Equality, school uniforms– Saturday school supported by families– work ethic– extended families supportive of children

Historical legacy

• History of invasions, self reliance

• Architecture destroyed by wars & fires

• Japanese influence (buildings & names) rejected

• Distrust of Chinese and Japanese

• Longing for reunification

• Ambivalence about US occupation

• Trading with Europeans (not invaders)

The modern South Korean economy:

• Chaebols organization, conglomerates• High savings and reinvestment rate• Heavy & medium engineering

– Locomotives, cars, ships, buildings– Hyundai, Daewoo

• Electronic engineering– Microwaves, cell phones (ranked 2 & 3)– Samsung, Lucky Goldstar (LG)

• Possible development of tourism?

Agitation for democracy

Postwar governance, ROK

• Rhee Syngman replaced UN occupation

• Support from forces & KCIA

• Economic development with limited political expression

• 1950s-1990s, united by N.Korean threat– Assassinations: ministers, Mrs. Park, Park

• 1994-96: students’ agitation for democracy

• 1996: Kim Young Sam heads democracy