Evolution Korea
South Korea's democratic system is vulnerable to populist tendencies. It's still more stable than was expected.
The country is searching for an innovative development paradigm. A Confucian culture that stresses respect for ancestors as well as gendered family relations continues influence the society. But there are signs that a secularist culture is beginning to emerge.
Origins
During prehistoric times the ancestors of modern Koreans survived by hunting and gathering wild food. Then around 10,000 years ago, they began to grow crops such as millet and beans. They also raised livestock, and even made furs. They formed tribal states in Manchuria, and then on the Korean peninsula. They also created a metallurgy business, making iron tools, including bronze. They traded with other states and introduced Celadon, paper making block printing art styles, and a written language to Japan.
Gojoseon was established in 2333 BCE on the southern peninsula. This state embraced Buddhism and adopted Chinese culture, including Confucian philosophy. During this period the people of Buyeo joined Gojoseon. Gojoseon was a hierarchical society that included a monarch as well as top officials were drawn from the landed aristocracy while the rest of the population was peasants. The state imposed taxes on these citizens and often required them to serve in the army or take part in government projects such as building fortifications.
Onjo Prince Onjo, a prince from Goguryeo who was also the son of Jumong who was the founder of Goguryeo, founded the state of Baekje towards the end of the time. This new kingdom expanded its territory into the southwest of the peninsula and clashed with Goguryeo and China's commanderies in the region. Baekje accepted Confucian ideas into its state beliefs system in 1390 CE and introduced the male-centric concept of filiopiety into a doctrine. Under the cover of filiopiety fathers were accountable to their families. They must be obeyed by everyone and respected even by their grandchildren and children.
Goryeo, 무료 에볼루션 that was ruled from 918 to 1392 CE in the year 1392 CE, introduced to the world the Hangul Alphabet, based on the patterns created by the mouth when pronouncing. This significantly improved communication between people, and led to an explosion in the writing of Buddhist texts. Additionally, movable metal type printing was introduced, and woodblock printing was improved. It was during this period that the Samguk sagi, or 'History Of the Three Kingdoms' first appeared in 1145 CE.
The evolution of Korea
The Korean peninsula was inhabited from Neolithic times to. Early evidence of human settlements can be seen in the form of cist graves that were lined with stone, with precious items such as amazonite jewelry being buried alongside the dead. Megalithic structures, referred to as dolmens, built from enormous single stones, are also common throughout the country.
Gojoseon was the first state to be recognized during the first half of 1st millennium BCE. After that, the peninsula was ruled by various states during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC- 635 CE) including Baekje, Goguryeo, and Silla. In addition, the northern region of the peninsula was ruled by the Balhae kingdom, which many historians do not consider to be a legitimate Korean state.
Following the Three Kingdoms arose the Proto-Three Kingdoms Period, also known as the Several States Period. Of them, Baekje was the most powerful state, but its dynasty ended with the fall of Goguryeo in 676 CE, leaving the southern provinces of Manchuria and the western region surrounding the Hwanghae Bay, while eastern Buyeo and the Gaya confederacy thrived for some time.
The Unified Silla Kingdom then emerged and the three kingdoms began to work together to expand their territories. In the final, Silla, with significant Chinese assistance, defeated all other states and unified the peninsula in 935 CE.
As Korea enters the post-crisis era the development paradigm of the country appears to be changing. Those who are horrified by the cost of the old system support a comprehensive program of liberalization of labor, capital and markets for products. On the other hand the supporters of the old system attempt to keep it alive through nationalist sentiments, and by stoking fears of job loss.
Academics and analysts are divided on the extent to which Korea's development is being driven by these two trends. This article focuses on the five phases of Korea's development in terms of its political development including democratic democracies that are not liberal (1945-60) democratic autoritarianism (1961-72) authoritarian exceptionalism (1972-1877) democratic paternalism (2001-2002) and participatory democracy (2002). This article also identifies significant factors that may be shaping these processes.
Creationism in Korea
In South Korea, 26 percent of the population is Christian. Creationists have had success in promoting their beliefs to this population. A survey conducted in 2009 revealed that nearly one third of respondents do not believe in evolution. Of those, 41% claimed that there was not enough scientific evidence to support evolution 39% claimed that the theory did not align with their beliefs and 17% said it was difficult to comprehend. The level of doubt is similar to that of the United States where a similar percentage of people do not believe that humans evolved from earlier species of life.
In the past, the anti-evolution movement in Korea was focused on the education of students and the introduction of Christ to them. In 1980 the year 1980, a four-day creation science seminar was held in Seoul during the World Evangelization Crusade. Drs. Henry Morris and Duane Gish of ICR as the keynote speakers. This event drew a large audience of scientists, professors, and church leaders.
The success of the event led to the formation of the Korea Association of Creation Research on January 31 of 1980. The inaugural meeting was widely covered in the national press, including The Korea Times and Chosun Ilbo and was well-received by the public.
KACR began publishing a monthly newsletter called CREATION, where it covered its activities and also published articles on scientific evidence for creationism. It also translated a number of film strips and slides from ICR as well as a few books on creationism that were published outside of Korea. KACR members gave lectures in churches and universities throughout the country.
One example of a KACR success story took place at the KAIST university in Seoul. There, there were enough students fascinated by the concept of creationism that they raised enough money and support to construct an on-campus museum featuring creationist fossil models and other exhibits.
In addition to its activities, KACR has published a bimonthly publication called CREATION. This magazine covers topics in the creation science. It also sponsored a series lectures by ICR staff. It also has branches in local offices that host talks and seminars to schoolchildren and community groups.
The evolution of South Korea
In the latter half of the nineteenth century and early twentieth century, Korea began to adopt a more Westernized style of life. The hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, was replaced to miniskirts and other fashion elements from overseas. Similarly, traditional Korean music styles were replaced by modern jazz and rock and roll. In the period of this transition, the famous samulnori or masked dancing-dramas were very popular. These dramatic pieces were performed to the accompaniment of shaman drummers as well as other instruments of music.
The economic crisis has shaped Korea's new model of development. The biggest challenge facing the new regime is to strike a balance between market-oriented and state-led policies. It also requires altering incentives, monitoring, or disciplining schemes which have created the system prior to the crisis. These issues are examined in Chapters 3 and 4.
Baekje was founded by Onjo Prince and third son of Jumong of Goguryeo, was founded by people from the Hangang River area, Buyeo, and other areas, as well as migrants from northern China. In the early 4th century, Baekje was a major regional power, and expanded its territory to Mahan in the north and Jeollanam-do in the south. This meant that it was constantly in conflict with Goguryeo and the Chinese commanders at the border.
The decline of Silla in the late 8th and early 9th centuries saw powerful local factions to emerge. Gungye was a nobleman from Later Baekje who established a kingdom in Songak with Songak as its capital. He ruled a portion of the present-day Jeolla province and Chungcheong. Then, he moved the capital to Wansanju. He became a rival to Goguryeo.
However, his rule was short-lived. Wang Geon, a powerful local leader who defeated Gungye in 935 and unified Goryeo, Baekje, and Silla Later, he incorporated Baekje into Goryeo and acted as a peaceful successor. In addition, Wang Geon introduced fundamental reforms and strengthened a central ruling system. This was the end of the Three Kingdoms Period. The Korean peninsula was then ruled by the Goryeo Dynasty. In the Three Kingdoms Period, Goguryeo Baekje Silla slowly grew into powerful states on the peninsula, and in Manchuria.