1. Introduction to the text
South Korea’s transformation from an impoverished nation in the aftermath of the Korean War to an economic powerhouse is nothing short of remarkable. At the heart of this economic miracle lies the country’s manufacturing sector, particularly its dominance in industries such as electronics, automobiles, and shipbuilding. This reading material delves into the rise of Korea’s manufacturing prowess, exploring its historical roots, key industries, and the factors that have propelled its success on the global stage.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 제조업 | jegobeob | manufacturing industry |
| 수출 | suchul | export |
| 경제개발 | gyeongjeगaedal | economic development |
| 기업 | gibeob | company |
| 기술혁신 | gisulhyeogsin | technological innovation |
| 경쟁력 | gyeongjeengnyeok | competitiveness |
| 자동차 | jadongcha | automobile |
| 전자제품 | jeonjajepum | electronic product |
| 조선업 | joseoneob | shipbuilding industry |
| 세계시장 | segyesijang | global market |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
한국의 제조업은 1960년대 초반 경제개발 5개년 계획을 통해 본격적으로 성장하기 시작했습니다.
Korea’s manufacturing industry began its rapid growth in the early 1960s through the implementation of the Five-Year Economic Development Plan.
정부는 노동집약적 산업에 초점을 맞춰 수출을 촉진했고, 대기업들은 이를 주도했습니다.
The government focused on promoting labor-intensive industries for export, with large conglomerates leading the way.
1970년대에 접어들면서 한국은 중화학공업 육성에 박차를 가했고, 자동차와 조선업이 성장했습니다.
In the 1970s, Korea shifted its focus to the development of heavy and chemical industries, leading to the growth of the automotive and shipbuilding sectors.
1980년대에는 전자제품 수출이 급증했으며, 삼성과 LG 등의 기업들이 세계시장에서 입지를 굳혔습니다.
The 1980s witnessed a surge in electronics exports, with companies like Samsung and LG solidifying their global presence.
1990년대 이후 한국 제조업은 기술혁신과 품질 향상에 주력하며 경쟁력을 높였습니다.
From the 1990s onward, Korean manufacturers focused on technological innovation and quality improvement to enhance their competitiveness.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1. What was the key government initiative that kickstarted Korea’s manufacturing growth in the 1960s?
2. Which industries were the focus of Korea’s economic development in the 1970s?
3. How did the electronics industry contribute to Korea’s manufacturing success in the 1980s?
4. What strategies did Korean manufacturers adopt from the 1990s to maintain their competitive edge?
5. Identify one major Korean company that has achieved global success in the manufacturing sector.
5. Cultural and historical notes
The rise of Korea’s manufacturing prowess is deeply intertwined with the country’s cultural values and historical context. Following the Korean War, which left the nation in ruins, the government and people embraced a strong work ethic and determination to rebuild the economy. This collective effort, coupled with a focus on education and technological advancement, laid the foundation for Korea’s manufacturing success.