The Rise of South Korea

1238, Mongolia invades
1592, Japan invades
1910, annexed by Japan
1950, the Korean War broke out
1961, a military coup toppled the civilian government
1980, a military coup seized power
1992, election ushered in a new era of civilian rule




World War II, Japan attempted to exterminate Korea as a nation.
Worshipping at Japanese shrines was made compulsory.
The Korean language was banned and Koreans were forced to adopt Japanese names.
Tens of thousands of men were conscripted into Japan's military.



Today Samsung is the world's largest conglomerate with US$180 billion revenue.



Hyundai has US$110 billion.

LG has US$105 billion.

SK has US$80 billion.


And it was only 50 years ago South Korea became one of the poorest countries in Asia. Its infrastructure and resources were severely depleted during the Japanese occupation and the Korean War. A U.S. Army General who took part in the war said, "This country will never be able to recover from this, even in 100 years."