1. South Korea (Republic Of Korea)
Politics, History and Economy

2. Randy Cosby:
This period marks a contentious period in which various Korean states were in contention with each other and the Han Chinese for control of East Asia.
Ancient History
Generally Accepted History begins in 2333 BC under the rule of Tan'gun Wanggom
Three Kingdoms Era from 57 b.c. to 676 a.d.
681 a.d. – 935 a.d. North-South Kingdom Period
a.d – Koryo Dynasty
– Choson Dynasty
Randy Cosby:
This era marked a unified Korea, but many very bloody takeovers of the royal throne.

3. – Colonial Period
1903
Japan forces Korea to sign agreement allowing Japan to oppose any foreign threats to Korea, but Korea is to remain independent.
Russia invades in China and Inchon Korea.
Japanese troops fight off Russians in Korea.
Russia recognizes Japanese control over Korea
Korean dissidents meet with Roosevelt to plead for help against Japanese oppressors

4. Japanese Moves 1905 Japan makes Korea a “voluntary” protectorate.
King Opposes agreement, is ignored.
William Howard Taft acknowledges Japanese supremacy in Korea, Japan recognizes US supremacy in Philippines
Randy Cosby:
W. H. Taft: US Secretary of War

5. Japanese Control 1910 1919 Japan annexes Korea
March 1st Movement - 45,000 jailed, 4000 killed
First Korean Congress meets in Philadelphia
Korean Communists get financial aid from Russia

6. Japanese Oppression 1937 – 1942 – Japan tightens grip on Korea
Forbidden to speak Korean
Koreans must adopt Japanese names
800,000 Japanese live in Korea
Koreans drafted into Japanese military

7. The Korean “Independence”
1945
Russia attacks Japanese troops in Korea
Japanese surrender – Korea gains “independence”
US Troops arrive – temporary occupation
38th Parallel set as occupational boundary between US and Russia.

8. Korean War 1949 - US Troops leave Korea
1950 – Korea declared outside US defense perimeter – UN’s responsibility
June 25, 1950 North Korea attacks South Korea – Supported by Chinese
Source:

9. Korean War July 27 1953 - US, North Korea and China sign armistice
War ends, but without permanent peace.
We are technically still at war.
To date, the Republic of Korea (South) and Democratic Peoples' Republic of Korea (North) have not signed a peace treaty.
Source:

10. US Involvement in War
A total of 33,651 US service members died in battle during the Korean War
7,140 US service members became prisoners of war.
Source:

11. Recent Political History
7 Presidents Since 1948
All but one forced out of office or assassinated
1980 – Kwangju Massacre – Up to 1,000 dead, 14,000 wounded
Some blame US for “looking the other way” and possibly even authorizing lethal force.
First peaceful transfer of power 1998
Kim Dae Jung - but presidency ended in scandal

12. Current Political Situation
Roh Moo Hyun took office February 25, 2003
Currently only 40% approval rating

13. Political System Type: Republic Chief of State: Pres. Roh Moo Hyun
Elected by popular vote
Head of Govt: Prime Minister Ko Kun
Appointed by President
National Assembly
273 Seats – 227 by direct vote
In 2004, all will be elected by pop. Vote
Supreme Court
Appointed by President under with consent of National Assembly

14. Economy Per Capita GDP Approximately 20X larger than North Korea.
Strong growth in the 1990’s supported by close government / business ties
Current economic conditions
Economy slowing in the short term.
Housing prices up 14% in 2002.
Consumer credit problems
Recently lowered interest rates to encourage spending

15. Exchange Rate
Currently $1 = 1199 won

16. Exchange Rate Swings

17. Comparing to United States

18. Other Economic Comparisons
GINI Coefficient
                                                                           
In a nutshell, the higher the GINI coefficient, the greater the inequality of income distribution (rich richer, poor poorer).
0 = perfect equality
1 = perfect inequality.

19. Household Income Since 1990
Source: Korean National Statistics Office

20. GDP and Military Spending
The US currently has 45,000 troops in South Korea.

21. Recent Military Moves
“$US11 billion ($A16.7 billion) upgrade of the capabilities of US forces in South Korea would give them the ability to ‘take down’ North Korea's heavy presence on the border within an hour of war breaking out.”
Paraphrasing US Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz.
As reported by “The Age” – 6/3/03

22. International Trade
Exports: electronic products, machinery and equipment, motor vehicles, steel, ships; textiles, clothing, footwear; fish
Imports: machinery, electronics and electronic equipment, oil, steel, transport equipment, textiles, organic chemicals, grains
Source: CIA World Factbook

23. International Trade Continued
Import Partners: Japan 18.9%, US 15.9%, China 9.4%, Saudi Arabia 5.7%, Australia 3.9% (2001)
Export Partners: US 20.7%, China 12.1%, Japan 11.0%, Hong Kong 6.3%, Taiwan 3.9% (2001)
Source: CIA World Factbook