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Exploring the Economics, Politics, and Identities of Korean Spatial Formation

William Golding

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Published in Koreatowns: Exploring The Economics Politics And Identities Of Korean Spatial Formation (Korean Communities Across The World)

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Economic Factors

Economic factors have played a major role in shaping the spatial formation of Korea. The country's rapid economic growth in the postwar period has led to a significant increase in urbanization, as people have moved from rural areas to cities in search of work. This has resulted in the development of large metropolitan areas, such as Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, which are now home to a majority of the country's population.

Koreatowns: Exploring the Economics, Politics, and Identities of Korean Spatial Formation (Korean Communities across the World)

by Chelle Bliss

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The distribution of economic activity in Korea has also been shaped by the country's geography. The mountainous terrain of the Korean Peninsula has made it difficult to develop transportation infrastructure, which has hindered the development of rural areas. As a result, economic activity has been concentrated in the coastal regions of the country, where it is easier to transport goods and people.

Political Factors

Political factors have also played a role in shaping the spatial formation of Korea. The division of the country into North and South Korea after World War II has had a major impact on the development of the two countries. North Korea has pursued a policy of self-reliance, which has led to the development of a relatively closed economy. South Korea, on the other hand, has pursued a policy of export-led growth, which has led to the development of a more open economy. This difference in economic policies has resulted in different patterns of spatial development in the two countries.

The political system of South Korea has also influenced the spatial formation of the country. The country's strong central government has played a major role in directing economic development and urban planning. This has resulted in the development of a highly centralized spatial structure, with most economic activity concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area.

Social Factors

Social factors have also played a role in shaping the spatial formation of Korea. The country's Confucian culture has placed a high value on education and social status. This has led to the development of a highly competitive educational system, which has resulted in a high concentration of educational institutions in urban areas. This has, in turn, led to the development of a highly educated workforce in urban areas, which has attracted businesses and investment.

The Korean family system has also influenced the spatial formation of the country. The traditional Korean family is a patrilineal extended family, which means that married sons live with their parents and younger siblings. This has led to the development of a dense network of social relationships in rural areas, which has made it difficult for people to move away from their hometowns. As a result, rural areas have tended to be more stable and less dynamic than urban areas.

Identities

The economic, political, and social factors that have shaped the spatial formation of Korea have also played a role in shaping the identities of Koreans. The development of large metropolitan areas has led to the emergence of a new urban identity, which is characterized by a sense of individualism and a desire for material success. This urban identity is in contrast to the more traditional rural identity, which is characterized by a sense of community and a respect for tradition.

The division of Korea into North and South has also had a major impact on the identities of Koreans. North Koreans have developed a strong sense of national pride and a belief in the superiority of their socialist system. South Koreans, on the other hand, have developed a more open and cosmopolitan identity, which is characterized by a desire for economic success and a willingness to engage with the outside world.

The spatial formation of Korea is a complex and dynamic process that has been shaped by a variety of economic, political, and social factors. These factors have influenced the development of Korea's urban and rural landscapes, and have also played a role in shaping the identities of Koreans. As Korea continues to develop, it is likely that the spatial formation of the country will continue to evolve, reflecting the changing economic, political, and social conditions of the country.

Koreatowns: Exploring the Economics, Politics, and Identities of Korean Spatial Formation (Korean Communities across the World)

by Chelle Bliss

5 out of 5