Understanding Korea materials - Hangeul: Foreword

 Hangeul: Foreword

Korea achieved extraordinary economic development today by overcoming historical crises and hardships with wisdom and intelligence. The foundation for such development is the result of South Korea’s harmonious integration of various characteristics like traditional culture, social structure, emphasis on education and politics. Accordingly, widening the understanding on Korea by re-examining the engine of Korea’s miraculous development including its rich cultural heritage and economic achievements and sharing the findings with the world is a timely requested task.

Since its establishment in 1978, the Academy of Korean Studies strived to develop and creatively preserve Korean culture. In doing so, the Academy of Korean Studies not only published many academic books specialized in Korean studies but also provided overseas scholastic support and trained and produced Korean studies experts. Today, the Academy of Korean Studies faces a new opportunity to step forward in elevating the importance of Korean studies in the world on the occasion of the rise of the Korean wave and professionalism in the field.

In this regard, I am delighted to see the publication of Hangeul, the first book in the Understanding Korea Series. I hope that this book will contribute to the deepening of the understanding on Korea and stimulate interest in creativity and authenticity of Korean culture. Finally, I would like to thank the Director of the Center for International Affairs and others who made this publication possible.