DEVELOPMENT STATE, KOREA’S EXPERIENCE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY: FOCUS ON THE SAEMAUL UNDONG DEVELOPMENT IN 1970’S

Abstract

This study explains how Korean government and their citizens overcame poverty and achieved a development feat within one generational period. It illustrates the emergence of Saemaul Undong Development in the developmental state of Korea, that by instilling a new ethos on the basic ideals of diligence, self-help and cooperation, Saemaul Undong inspired the Koreans with a ‘can-do’ spirit in achieving ‘prosperity through hard work’. The study covers four key themes such as: Korean experiences in the 1970s, discussion on Saemaul Undong, success factors of Saemaul Undong, and Saemaul Undong as a community development strategy for developing countries. Government-established incentive systems and capacity-building activities accelerated Saemaul Undong’s nationwide implementation. Some aspects of Saemaul Undong are also helpful with the right policies and strategies, based on individual, politics, social, economic and political contexts. Adoption of Saemaul Undong will produce successful results if developing countries carefully study their situation and devise a workable and practical solution of their own. Keywords: saemaul undong; developmental state; community development; green revolution