Interviewed with a principal of Kyeongsan Elementary school who participated Saemaul Movement, Shin Dae Jong 1.

How did Korea look like right after the Korean War? Since I born in 1951, I was in my mothers belly when the Korean War was happened. But I remember condition of after the war. The school divided the classed into two parts, morning and afternoon class. Each class had almost 70 students in it. After second period, we ate soup that was made by milk and corn that were sent by America. I also remember that in the village meeting, everyone was competed to get some used clothes that were sent by Americans. 2. How poor was South Korea in 1960s? Right after the Korean War, the government was very unstable. There was student demonstration in April 19, 1960 and army revolution in May 16, 1961. It was very confusing and unpredictable. That time, Park Chung Hee became our countrys president. He, who reigned almost 19 years, was the one who took all the citizens out from the poverty. 3. What was the biggest concern during President Park Chung Hees reign? After the war, people were extremely hungry. Numerous children were crying for starving. It was worse than any current African children. But President Park solved that problem. To us, citizens, he was like a savior. In 1960, current undeveloped countries, such as Philippines or Central and South America countries had better economy than South Korea. But now it totally changed. We are much developed than any of these countries. In order to become this condition, we had an excellent leader, President Park Chung Hee. We had some regrets about President Parks long term governments, but that reign made turning point in South Koreas history.

4. What do you think about President Parks administrative power? Do you have positive opinion about his long term governments or negative perspective? First, Park Chung Hee was the one who brought our country from one of the poorest underdeveloped countries to one of the fastest developed nation. So although many people pointed our President Parks protracted reign, I believed without his political power, we couldnt have current South Korea economy and government. In addition, he is considered as the most respectful president in Korean history. 5. Do you think South Korea, during 1960s, actually needed Saemaul Movement and was it necessary policy? Saemaul movement changed citizens mind totally almost every farmers had strong will to develop their houses and village. Especially they had can do spirit in their head and mind. Each village regularly had meeting called Summer Saemaul School. During the summer, I was also one of the main instructors in my center. Saemaul movement put lots of confident in citizens mind. Also the movement enlightened the Korean inhabitants about diligent, self-help, and cooperation. 6. What was Saemaul Movements main work? There was numerous of work for Saemaul Movement. But because of this movement, our house had some changes too. I destroyed our houses stone fence and rebuilt the wall with brick. Also we extended the roads and fixed many roofs. While we did these works, we sang a song called, Saemaul Movement. President Park actually made the song and lyrics. Because of this song, we got more energy and this song encouraged us in many ways.

7. How did Saemaul Movement influence in South Korea economy? - It changed life pattern of famers and attitude of life. - Confident, Can do spirit. - Before the movement, there were lots of larger lout in the street, but it was almost gone by the time of end of Saemaul Movement. 8. Do you think South Korea economy will continue to develop? Even though South Korea is very small country, I am sure that this nation will be one of the most important developed countries in the world. South Korea has lots of strong point, such as education, excellent brain, family culture, IT (information technology), shipbuilding, and steel company, Because of these fact, we have lots of possibility to become one of the most powerful country. 9. Overall, do you think President Park developed our country? He altered Korea from the status of an agricultural nation to the status of an industrial nation. He also foresaw the future of the nation through the establishment of POSCO, GyeongBu Expressway, and many companies. 10. Is it true that President Park helped to develop some companies, such as Samsung, Hyundai, and POSCO? All those companies began with the hope and capitals of the wealthy entrepreneurs; however, without President Parks aid, their plans and companies would die out quickly due to the poor economic status.

11. Lastly, if you know anyone who can help our website project, please tell me. Such as expert in Korean history, economic expert, professor or author of Saemaul movement, person who works in Samsung, Hyundai or POSCO, or one who knows President Park Chung Hee. Thank you so much. Since long time had passed, the people, who were directly involved in the topic that you are having project on, are possibly passed away, so it will be better to search among the books about that topic. I hope my interview will help you with little bit of information. shindeajong@hanmail.net