REPUBLIC OF KOREA (South Korea)

Global Divide: Global North

Asian Regionalism: Belongs in the Asian NIE and East Asia Summit + Statistics
Media Culture: Hallyu, High-technology Communication, Movie and Show Production, etc +
Facts
Beliefs and Practices: Major Religions + Statistics
Global Migration: Stats and Facts, Push and Pull Factors

South Korea, officially named as the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country that is situated in the
East Asia and occupies the Korean peninsula’s southern part. It borders the Sea of Japan, the
Yellow Sea, and North Korea. The government system is a republic wherein their chief of state
is the president and the prime minister is their head of the government.

https://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/south-korea
https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Korea

The Republic of Korea is classified as a country that belongs to the Global North. This indicates
that it is a first world or a developed country. ROK possesses the different characteristics of the
Global North such as: established democracy, wealth, technological advancement, political
stability, and dominance of world trade and politics.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265425871_A_comparative_analysis_of_global_north
_and_global_south_economies#:~:text=...-,According%20to%20the%20author%2C%20the
%20global%20North%20refers%20to%20developed,of%20world%20trade%20and%20politics.
https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences/applied-and-social-sciences-magazines/north-
and-south-global

In terms of Asian Regionalism, ROK belongs to the Asian NIEs wherein they are referred to as
the four rising tigers. Their economy was able to have been developed into a high-income by
the 21st century and specializes in competitive advantage. There is a significant influence of
Confucianism on the corporate and political institutions of the Asian Tigers.

South Korea is extremely connected through the use of digital media. The internet has reached
more than 95% of the ROK, the highest rate for any Asian country outside the Middle East.
They also rank first globally in terms of internet connection speed. The media platforms are
already imbedded in their daily life that most Koreans would find it hard without these. The most
used platforms or sites for communication are: KakaoTalk, Daum, Naver, CyWorld, and Melon.

https://www.linkfluence.com/blog/the-unique-case-of-korean-social-media

Hallyu or the Korean Wave refers to the global popularity of South Korea’s cultural economy
exporting pop culture, entertainment, music, series or dramas, and movies. Through various
forms of media, the Korean culture is able to dominate the world while garnering thousands of
fans and followers. It has been pushing the boundaries of its influence since the 2010s. Hallyu
Wave continues to stay on top due to streaming sites, fan communities, and social media.
South Korea highly value these works of art and the forms of media, particularly digital media,
has played a huge role in promoting and preserving them. Korea also imbeds their culture in
these forms of art and continues to share it globally through various kinds of media. They are
also able to produce high quality films and music due to the support of their government and
with the help of global media as well.

--

The Republic of Korea highly supports religious freedom and allows its citizens to have the
freedom to choose their religion and faith. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution
in Korea.

Currently, the main formal religions of the country are Confucianism, Buddhism, and
Christianity.

Until now, most Koreans still believe in the ancestral spirit and continues to observe Confucian
rituals.

Buddhism is the religion with the most followers in South Korea. The Buddhism teachings have
a great impact not only on their faith but as well as on the Korean lifestyle, culture, and art.

Catholicism was introduced to Korea during the late Joseon dynasty period by diplomats who
returned from China and Catholic priests who were invited by the Korean Christians.

https://www.commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/south-korea-guide
https://www.korea.net/AboutKorea/Korean-Life/Religion#:~:text=South%20Korea%20is%20a
%20country,Koreans%20identified%20with%20a%20religion.
https://www.globalizationpartners.com/2017/10/09/south-korea-culture-and-tradition/
https://asiasociety.org/education/historical-and-modern-religions-korea

According to the latest (2021) data, the net migration rate of South Korea is 2.65
migrant(s)/1,000 population.
Most of the migrants to South Korea come from China (with more than 600,00 people) and
followed by Vietnam and lastly, the USA.
Developing countries from Asia also have their migrants to South Korea, particularly the
Philippines and Thailand.
In 2018, Korea received 70,000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis
(including changes of status), 6.3% more than in 2017.
Around 35,000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 125,000 to
temporary and seasonal labor migrants.
The visa rules for specialized workers (E-7) changed in March 2019 in order to attract
international talent and to support small and medium enterprises struggling with labor
shortages.

https://worldmapper.org/maps/migration-to-south-korea-1990-2017/
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
https://www.migrationpolicy.org/country-resource/korea-republic
The major push factors are mostly due to economic reason.
The main motives for migration were low or instable income, the economic downturn and
poverty.
Most students choose to leave from the rigorous education system and competition.

The motivation to migrate to South Korea was driven by high wages, wellbeing, the opportunity
to save and/ or social factors, such as access to quality education, the cultural experience and
joining family members who had already settled in the country.
South Korea’s healthcare system is well-established, easily accessible, and affordable.
There is peace and tranquility in our society with little to no crime.
There is strong economic growth, technological advancement, and very good laws.