The New Korea:An Inside Look At South Korea's Economic Rise

In 1953, South Korea was rated by the U.N. as the poorest country in the world. Five decades later, it is the fifteenth largest economy. Now, South Korea's decisions on how to manage its society and its role as a modern democracy while also establishing its policy regarding reunification with North Korea will determine where the country will go in the next fifty years. "The New Korea" examines the political, economic, industrial, and societal aspects of Korea today. Will it continue to enjoy an economic boom through new industries while competing against low-wage countries like China and India? Will it return to its role as a stomping ground for other powers? And what should Westerners pay attention to in terms of investment and business opportunities? As South Korea enters the most critical phase of its journey, it is crucial that we understand the factors involving its decisions and evolution. "The New Korea" is a fascinating account of what is and may become the state of this important region.

MYUNG OAK KIM (Evergreen, CO) was born in Seoul, South Korea. She worked for 15 years as a journalist, including as an investigative reporter for the Rocky Mountain News and Philadelphia Daily. She’s currently a communications manager for Governor Bill Ritter, Jr.

SAM JAFFE (Evergreen, CO) is a senior research analyst with IDC Energy Insights and a former journalist whose work has appeared in the New Republic, BusinessWeek, and Scientific American.