Understanding Korean Politics

This module provides an overview of Korean Politics including past history, presidents and main historical events from the 1st to the 6th Republic, and the democratic transition in 1987. It aims to develop a fundamental understanding of the historical development of Korean Politics.

This module summarizes the four legacies of South Korea's politics from 1948 to 1987, introduces major concepts and models of democratic transition, and explains South Korea's democratic transition dynamics, determinants, and prospects for consolidation.

This module explains the concept, types, and major issues of political institutions, expounds on South Korea's constitutional foundation and its evolution, and discusses the structure and features of South Korean government, including its presidential system.

This module focuses on political leadership, providing definitions, types, and evaluation criteria. It evaluates Presidents Rhee Syngman, Park Chung-hee, and Kim Dae-jung using these criteria and discusses the unique pattern of South Korean leadership.

This module explains South Korean economic development, including its original conditions, economic take-off, and economic crisis. It also discusses the limits of the developmental state and the future of the South Korean economy.

This module focuses on Korean unification, explaining inter-Korean relationships, evaluating the Sunshine policy, and discussing the future of Inter-Korean relations and unification. It also covers recent developments including the candlelight protests, impeachment of President Park Geun-hye, and the Moon Jae-in government's policies.