Teaching East Asia: Korea Teaching East Asia: Korea | Page 91

South Korea’s democracy was not gained at one time. It once experienced repressive regimes.
However, the strong will and determination of the people for a better society, has enabled South Korea
to achieve a high standard of democracy with the leadership of civilian political leaders. South Korea’s
democracy is quite laudable in that it has been achieved in the midst of the very unfavorable security
environment with constant threats and provocations from North Korea ever since the Korean War.
Democracy Index 2014 by EIU (www.eiu.com)
3-4. Special Meaning of Successful Development
Why is Korea’s development so remarkable? It is because out of approximately 80 countries in the
world which became independent after World War II, South Korea is the only one that achieved both
democracy and economic development to the average level of European Union countries. This
unprecedented success has a significant meaning in the world history. For these reasons, South Korea
has now become the most popular model for developing countries and is actively playing its role as a
bridge between developed and developing countries.
In addition to the significant meaning of the Korea’s successful development itself, why is the
successful development story of South Korea important to the United States, especially to American
students?
Firstly, it was the sacrifice and contribution of the United States that enabled South Korea to survive
and achieve this development. The United States helped South Korea defend itself from North Korean
aggression during the Korean War by sacrificing as many as 36,940 young American soldiers. Even
after the War, the United States has supported South Korea economically and politically. Without the
sacrifice and support of the United States, South Korea might not be what it is now. South Koreans are
also very grateful to the Korean War veterans.
Secondly, it was under the system of democracy and market economy of the United States that South
Korea achieved this remarkable success. Therefore, the success story of South Korea is the best
example demonstrating that the American values of democracy and market economy prevail. In this
context, the success of South Korea is also the success story of the United States.