1. Introduction to the text
Korea’s remarkable economic transformation over the past few decades has been nothing short of extraordinary. Once an agrarian society, South Korea has successfully transitioned into a knowledge-based economy, driven by innovation, technology, and a highly skilled workforce. This shift has not only reshaped the country’s economic landscape but has also had profound implications for its culture and society.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 지식기반경제 | jisik-gibanggyeongje | Knowledge-based economy |
| 혁신 | hyeogsin | Innovation |
| 기술 | gisul | Technology |
| 연구개발 | yeongu-gaebal | Research and development |
| 첨단산업 | cheomdan-saneop | High-tech industry |
| 인적자원 | injegjawonn | Human resources |
| 정보통신기술 | jeongbotongsin-gisul | Information and communication technology |
| 벤처기업 | bencheogibeop | Venture company |
| 지식재산권 | jisikjaesangwon | Intellectual property rights |
| 산학협력 | sanhakhyeopriyog | Industry-academia collaboration |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
한국은 1960년대 이후 급격한 경제성장을 이루었습니다.
Korea achieved rapid economic growth since the 1960s.
이는 주로 노동집약적 제조업에 집중한 결과였지만, 1990년대 후반부터 지식기반경제로의 전환이 본격화되었습니다.
This was mainly due to a focus on labor-intensive manufacturing, but since the late 1990s, the transition to a knowledge-based economy has accelerated.
정부는 연구개발과 첨단산업 육성에 많은 투자를 하였고, 교육 개혁을 통해 인적자원 개발에 힘썼습니다.
The government invested heavily in research and development, as well as the promotion of high-tech industries, while also reforming education to develop human resources.
이러한 노력의 결실로 정보통신기술, 반도체, 자동차, 조선 등의 분야에서 세계적인 기업들이 탄생했습니다.
As a result of these efforts, world-class companies emerged in fields such as information and communication technology, semiconductors, automobiles, and shipbuilding.
또한, 벤처기업 육성 정책과 지식재산권 보호 강화로 혁신적인 아이디어와 기술이 꽃피게 되었습니다.
Additionally, policies to nurture venture companies and strengthen intellectual property rights protection enabled innovative ideas and technologies to flourish.
산학협력 체제 구축을 통해 대학과 기업 간의 지식 교류도 활발해졌습니다.
The establishment of industry-academia collaboration systems also facilitated knowledge exchange between universities and companies.
하지만 이러한 성장에도 불구하고 한국 경제는 새로운 도전에 직면하고 있습니다.
Despite this growth, the Korean economy faces new challenges.
급격한 고령화와 저출산 문제, 그리고 신흥 경제국과의 경쟁 등이 그것입니다.
These include rapid aging and low birth rates, as well as competition from emerging economies.
지속가능한 성장을 위해서는 혁신과 창의성 증진, 미래 산업 육성 등의 노력이 필요할 것입니다.
To achieve sustainable growth, efforts to promote innovation, creativity, and the development of future industries will be necessary.
4. Reading comprehension questions
1) 한국 경제의 성장 동력이 무엇이었는지 설명하시오.
Explain what drove the growth of the Korean economy.
2) 지식기반경제로의 전환을 위해 정부가 취한 정책은 무엇인가?
What policies did the government implement to facilitate the transition to a knowledge-based economy?
3) 한국 경제가 현재 직면한 주요 도전 과제는 무엇인가?
What are the main challenges currently facing the Korean economy?
4) 지속가능한 성장을 위해 필요한 노력은 무엇인가?
What efforts are needed to achieve sustainable growth?
5) 지식기반경제 발전에 있어 산학협력의 역할은 무엇인가?
What is the role of industry-academia collaboration in the development of a knowledge-based economy?
5. Cultural and historical notes
Korea’s transition to a knowledge-based economy is deeply rooted in the country’s cultural emphasis on education and the Confucian values of diligence and perseverance. The government’s strategic investments in human capital development and cutting-edge technologies were instrumental in this transformation.