One of the richest countries today was once one of the poorest.
- This country is oppressed by foreign leaders.
- This country was devastated by war, and the war almost destroyed this country.
- The country has experienced two coups in the last 60 years, and has only been a democracy for 30 years.
- The country has just hosted the Olympic Games for the second time.
What country am I talking about?
People are used to greeting each other with the phrase "Have you eaten today?"
I'm talking about South Korea. The picture above depicts the conditions in Korea after the Korean War ended. Life expectancy was just over fifty years, major cities were in ruins, and people were struggling to support their families.
In the decades following the war, South Korea's economy skyrocketed, during an era commonly referred to as the "Miracle on the Han River."
Today, South Korea is one of the richest countries in the world, ranking 11th in terms of nominal GDP. Seoul is the world's largest and most prosperous city.
Seoul is a metropolitan city with the 4th largest economy in the world, behind Tokyo, New York, and LA.
South Korea is now one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and Kia are among the most successful Korean companies. Korea also boasts some of the fastest and most efficient train and rapid transit systems in the world.
KTX, Korea's modern train system, can reach speeds of 305km/h, or the equivalent of 190mph!
I'm from America, but I live in South Korea, and in many ways I feel that South Korea is more sophisticated than the richest countries in the world.
Korea ranks above the US in life expectancy, education, and significantly cheaper medical care. South Korea boasts the world's fastest internet speeds, and its rapid transit system is one of the most efficient. And it makes Washington's transit system seem like a bad joke.
Korea's rapid economic growth helped transform the country from one of the poorest to one with the strongest economy today.
Bright lights in Seoul.