This document provides an overview of the Saemaul Undong movement in Korea. It discusses: 1. The historical background and social environment in Korea in the post-WWII period that led to the development of Saemaul Undong, including political instability, poverty, and economic challenges. 2. The goals of Saemaul Undong, which included developing modern, comfortable communities, establishing proud companies, building a healthy society, and creating a stronger nation through citizen participation and economic development grounded in social values. 3. The origins and early precursors to Saemaul Undong in prior community development programs, and how it aimed to create national energy and competitiveness by improving living standards and motivation

3. The National Council of Saemaul Undong Movement in Korea

4. Table of Contents
Ⅰ. Modernization through Saemaul Undong
1. Saemaul Undong’ Ideals
s 6
2. Saemaul Undong’ Guiding Spirit
s 7
3. Goals of Saemaul Undong 8
Ⅱ. Evolution of Saemaul Undong
1. Historical Background and Social Environment 9
2. Stages in the Development of Saemaul Undong 13
Ⅲ. Saemaul Undong’ Main Objectives
s
1. Saemaul Undong in Rural Areas 21
2. Saemaul Undong in Urban Areas 25
3. Corporation, Factory, and Library Saemaul Undong 28

5. Ⅳ. Saemaul Leaders and Saemaul Education: Roles and Functions
1. Saemaul Leaders 31
2. Implementation Process and Results of Saemaul Education 32
Ⅴ. Saemaul Undong: Systems and Methods of Implementation
1. Systems of Implementation 37
2. Methods of Implementation 47
Ⅵ. Achievements of Saemaul Undong and the Factors behind its Success
1. Achievements 50
2. Factors behind Saemaul Undong’ Success
s 55
3. Reflection on Saemaul Undong 63
Ⅶ. Implementing Saemaul Undong in the 21st Century
1. Challenging the Future 65
2. Directions of the New Saemaul Undong in the 21st Century 67
3. Strategies to Revitalize the New Saemaul Undong 73

6. I. Modernization through Saemaul Undong
4
We Koreans have always perceived modern- 1. Saemaul Undong’ Ideals
s
ization as a macro-trend in world history and
have naturally striven to modernize our nation. In Saemaul Undong primarily seeks to facilitate
the early 1970s, modernization efforts implement- community development and modernization.
ed by the incumbent administration included This ideal is not confined to efforts to improve
Saemaul Undong, or the Rural Reconstruction individual lifestyles and living conditions, but
Campaign. This government program, however, encompasses the whole community. The ultimate
elicited criticisms from some Koreans who argued goal of the campaign is to develop villages where
that the government at that time appeared to be people can enjoy both physical and spiritual
willing to sacrifice social values, including free- wealth.
dom, for the sake of maintaining high efficiency The term“Saemaul”was coined by combin-
and rapid economic growth. As the movement ing Sae, which means ‘progressive renewal based
was initiated and implemented by the govern- on past experiences,’and Maul, which refers to
ment, Saemaul Undong was criticized as being ‘regional and social communities.’ Thus, Saemaul
nothing more than a tool to prolong the rule, and Undong represents a continuous effort towards
improve the legitimacy of the regime. community renewal and modernization for a bet-
Saemaul Undong’primary objective was to
s ter future.
respond to the basic daily needs of the Korean The development of Saemaul Undong is
people. The ideal and spirit of Saemaul Undong, characterized as follows:
which steered the campaign, were explicitly stated Saemaul Undong emphasizes growth by
in the following statements of then President Park manifesting and enacting the people’desire to be
s
Chung-Hee:“Saemaul Undong embodies our free from the shackles of poverty and to join the
efforts to improve and modernize our villages by ranks of well-to-do societies. Such an emphasis
ourselves in the spirit of self-help and indepen- was natural at a time when all developing coun-
dence. The government has launched the national tries were supposed to follow, and were actually
campaign in the firm belief that it would turn following, the western model of modernization.
every village in Korea into a prosperous and com- Against this backdrop, Saemaul Undong surfaced
fortable place to live in.” as the primary driving force of the nation’mod-
s
ernization.

7. 5
Saemaul Undong stresses societal welfare mentality of its people. Although different civiliza-
and signifies the nation’commitment to egalitari-
s tions have developed different mentalities, the will
an economic development. As a developing coun- to independently pursue one’future is universal
s
try, Korea was no stranger to regional, industrial to all cultures.
and social disparities that accompany the blind Diligence is the result of activating this will
pursuit of economic growth. The raison-d’ of
etre and entails the realization of efforts to make the
Saemaul Undong is a balanced pursuit of overall most of what is available. Diligence leads to sincer-
economic growth and an egalitarian distribution ity, a value that does not allow for falseness,
process. hypocrisy, vanity, or indulgence in luxury. A soci-
ety whose members sincerely work hard is
Saemaul Undong tries to harmonize two con- enabled to develop a sound community propped
flicting values. While accepting the need for mod- up by trust and social justice, and without corrup-
ernization, Saemaul Undong also values traditions tion or irregularities.
that have endured the test of time. Interpreting Sae On the individual level, the will to indepen-
as referring to the pursuit of change and Maul as dently define one’fate based on personal efforts is
s
signifying traditional communities, it can be manifested in the spirit of self-help, figuratively
inferred that Saemaul Undong stands for the con- illustrated in the time-honored proverb“Heaven
tinuation of old values. Common wisdom often helps those who help themselves.”The first step
criticizes such an approach as unrealistic and towards self-help is to understand oneself and
ambiguous, but in fact it creates a balance between one’place in the society, live up to one’role, and
s s
the two extremes, and opens up the possibility of fulfill ones responsibilities. Such self-understand-
combining them. ing means that one neither depends upon others
nor transfers one’ responsibilities to others, and
s
Saemaul Undong employs a holistic approach. instead, tackles any adversities on one’own, tak-
s
It never exclusively stresses the enhancement of ing full responsibility for decisions.
agricultural productivity in developing remote agri- It should be noted that diligence and self-help
cultural sectors, though this is a top priority. are necessary but insufficient conditions in life.
Instead, it also develops physical and social infra- Cooperation is necessary to maximize the results
structure such as roads and education. Saemaul of diligence and self-help, and to maximize the
Undong believes that economic growth in rural social validity of such efforts. Genuine coopera-
communities should be compatible with efforts to tion, or pursuit of community growth based on
preserve conventional cultural traditions and a mutual trust, results only when the members of a
healthy natural environment. society share a common sense of destiny. The suc-
cessful realization of cooperation not only gives
rise to a tradition of mutual help but also assists
2. Saemaul Undong’ Guiding
s individual members of the society to improve their
Spirit lives by promoting competition and the desire to
participate.
Saemaul Undong is guided by three central These three values of Saemaul Undong, each
social values in Korean society: the spirit of dili- an independent criterion for judging an
gence, self-help, and cooperation: individual’life worth, exert much more influence
s
History has illustrated, in East and West, past and have more value when combined and harmo-
and present, that a nation’ fate hinges upon the
s nized.

8. 6
One who can help oneself and is diligent can As human beings are destined to live togeth-
function actively and autonomously through cre- er, society formation and individual integrity can-
ative thinking and independent judgment. Clear not be separated from the realization of the integri-
understanding of one’social role and its entailing
s ty of the whole society. Simply putting individuals
duties and responsibilities enhances one’autono-
s together does not create a modern and prosperous
my. One who is diligent and cooperative can sym- society. New social demands constantly emerge,
pathize with others and appreciate the true mean- requiring harmonized collective approaches. This
ing of sacrifice, and can therefore do one’part in
s is the rationale behind Saemaul Undong’empha-
s
pursuing overall prosperity by serving others and sis on common virtues or goals. This focus helps
respecting law and order. One who is diligent, members of society develop a collective identity
cooperative and can help oneself can help con- and sharpen their sense of mutual relative signifi-
struct a mature and moral society characterized by cance. As a result, the community itself can serve
national harmony and social integration. These as a cultivating ground for an indigenous culture
three working principles for social justice - self- pursuing environmental preservation.
help, diligence, and cooperation - help our society Within this framework, the basic goals of
move closer to a rational system based on honesty, Saemaul Undong are: (1) to develop a modern,
honor, and justice. comfortable and convenient social community;
(2) to establish companies that workers can be
proud of and where sustained growth is
3. Goals of Saemaul Undong achieved in a cooperative and trusting working
environment; (3) to develop and maintain a
Saemaul Undong strives to guarantee integri- sound and healthy society whose members are
ty on both individual and social levels, and able to enjoy pleasant and intimate relationships;
believes that integrity can begin only when mini- and (4) to build a continuously improving nation
mum physical demands are met. Based on this that everyone will be proud of. Such a society is
belief, the campaign puts improvement of physi- sustained by a mature citizenry, substantial eco-
cal living conditions at the top of its list of objec- nomic development, and a culture strengthened
tives. by order and morality.

9. II. Evolution of Saemaul Undong
7
1. Historical Background and With the wounds incurred by the nation’ s
forced division and the fratricidal Korean War still
Social Environment unhealed, politics in South Korea remained
marred by confrontation and chaos, alternating
A. Political Background between dictatorship and almost irresponsible
The 25 years between 1945, when Korea freedom. The limited experience of party-based
regained her independence from the Imperial politics, lack of political leadership, lack of mod-
Japanese Rule, and the end of the 1960s were ern citizenship, lack of trust in democracy, and
marked by unprecedented turbulence and chaos. unsound socio-political system, among other
This period was highlighted by major events problems, combined to lead to unhealthy gover-
including the resumption of independence, the nance, non-productive political activities, and
consequent division of Korea, the temporary occu- widespread corruption, irregularities and bureau-
pation by the US military forces, the establishment cracy.
of the Korean government, the Korean War (1950- The Military Coup in 1961 marked a histori-
53), the dictatorship of first President Rhee Seung- cal turning point for Korea in almost every aspect.
Man, the April 19th Student Revolution (1960), the A new group surfaced on the political front, and a
launching of the Chang Myon government (1960), new governing system changed the administra-
the May 16th Military Coup, and assumption of tive framework. A drive to eradicate old societal
power by coup leader General Park Chung-Hee patterns and attitudes and establish a new order
(1961). and code of ethics was launched and gained firm

10. 8
ing stabilizing the national government, promot-
ing new leadership, identifying sources of nation-
al competitiveness, enhancing national productiv-
ity, offering inspiring visions, and stimulating
efforts for self-helpnecessitated a national drive
anchored to a new idea or philosophy that could
earn the general public’ support and mobilize
s
their participation. The political needs as well as
the demands of the time combined to give rise to
Saemaul Undong.
Saemaul Undong’ precursors can be found
s
in the 4-H Movement or Community Develop-
ment (CD) Campaign in the 1950s and the 1960s.
These movements, however, were limited to cer-
tain areas and targeted mainly rural societies.
ground. The revolution of the system offered an Saemaul Undong, on the other hand, deepened
opportunity to bring about changes in the mindset efforts along this line, and implemented diverse
of the general public. projects and events for the general public in all
Despite these positive developments, howev- corners of Korea. The burgeoning stage of Saem-
er, the Third Republic that emerged from the Coup aul Undong can be summarized as an effort to
did not enjoy enthusiastic political support from create national energy to raise national competi-
the Korean people. Saemaul Undong, which was tiveness. Specifically, the campaign sought to
initiated in the early 1970s, was closely embedded improve the general public’awareness and stan-
s
in its historical context and had far-reaching socio- dards of living by offering new and progressive
political implications. One cannot understand the motivations.
multiple facets of the campaign without associat-
ing one facet with all the others, as these aspects
produce spiraling effects while interacting with
B. Economic Background
one another. Extreme poverty and chaos also character-
The political origin of Saemaul Undong is ized the period between resumed independence
rooted in an attempt by the administration to con- and the end of the 1960s. The per capita GNP,
verge and funnel public energy into productive which stood at a meager US$ 50 at the time of the
fields. There existed a formidable need to provide independence, recorded a tediously slow increase,
the general public with hopes and dreams so that amounting to $65 in the 1950s and $85 in 1960.
they could move beyond disparity, frustration, The majority of citizens were unable to support
under-motivation, and irresponsibility. There was themselves because the persistent effects of both
also a need to draw out courage and further wis- Japanese plundering during the occupation and
dom from the pessimistic public in order for them the Korean War drove them to the brink of starva-
to help themselves and cooperate on a daily basis. tion. A substantial portion of the populace lived
It was suggested that awakening the citizens to on flour granted by US grain aid programs, since
face reality and unite is conducive to enhancing the land was devastated and frequent attacks by
national competitiveness and stabilizing the alternating floods and droughts meant bad har-
national foundation. The necessary tasks - includ- vests year after year. These economic difficulties

11. 9
left deep and direct marks on the Korean people The Five-Year Economic Development Plan series,
and the society as a whole, giving rise to unsound first implemented in 1962, featured export-driven
social practices and distorted attitudes. The economic growth and development of heavy
prospect of democracy blooming in Korea seemed industries. Its effect began to be felt slowly in 1967,
just about as likely as“a flower blooming in a during the second Plan, and consequently, per
waste basket.”Social order was threatened by capita GNP jumped to US$ 257 by 1970. Social
widespread corruption and irregularities, orga- order also began to stabilize, albeit only through
nized crime, legal offences, and other illegal activi- regulations and external forces.
ties. On the other hand, city-building and manu-
Acutely aware of these problems, the general facturing-oriented policies began to take their toll
public welcomed the ideas of economic develop- by creating wide disparities in living conditions
ment and the establishment of order, two of the poli- between urban and rural communities, and
cy goals proclaimed by the military government. between those employed in manufacturing and

12. 10
the ever-growing disparity between urban and
rural sectors would trigger mass migration, cre-
ating over-crowded cities and deserted rural vil-
lages. The economic gap among the different
regions would also lead citizens to lose their
community awareness, blocking not only the
enhancement of social harmony but also the con-
struction of an effective system of national secu-
rity. In order to prevent such problems from
becoming realities, the growing need for eco-
nomic development of rural communities was
recognized. Against this backdrop, Saemaul
Undong was launched as a nationwide modern-
agricultural sectors. People from agricultural com- ization campaign.
munities increasingly moved to urban areas,
resulting in a disproportionally large urban popu-
lace. This tendency was most visible in the metro-
C. Social Background
politan area surrounding Seoul, the nation’capi-
s The coarse living environments represented
tal. by inferior housing, undeveloped roads, and poor
The most direct and essential cause for drinking water supply and sewage systems, fell
Saemaul Undong involves economic concerns. short of meeting the basic requirements for a com-
The strong commitment of late President Park fortable life. Better living conditions were vital to
Chung-Hee, then head of state, to eradicate pover- curbing the exodus from rural areas as well as
ty was met by the general public’yearning for a
s enhancing the living conditions of those staying
life free from poverty. This in turn lent energy to on. Since such a project required enormous
the launching of Saemaul Undong, the primary human, financial, and other resources, the govern-
goal of which was to increase income. Saemaul ment could not fund it independently. Fortuna-
Undong was accepted as a breakthrough based on tely, a consensus emerged between the govern-
confidence and optimism in the campaign to ment and rural residents that improving living
escape from despair and frustration. conditions was in the interest of both public and
Due to the successful Five-Year Economic private sectors, and that the needed funds should
Plans, which was started in 1962, the nation’ s be shouldered jointly by the government and
economy expanded and the average per capita affected residents. Saemaul Undong was imple-
GNP rose. The economic gap between urban and mented based on this consensus.
agricultural areas, however, widened further as Another social factor that prompted the
agricultural areas remained neglected. Chances implementation of Saemaul Undong was the
of overcoming such regional disparities became need for new mindsets and attitudes among the
increasingly slim as experts judged that it would general public. The lives of most Koreans in the
take a long time for metropolitan and industrial 1960s were dictated by irrationality, low produc-
prosperity to spread to rural areas and rural resi- tivity, and disorder. Few people prepared them-
dents. Until then, rural areas would become even selves for the future, out of pessimism or uncer-
more remote, creating serious obstacles to com- tainty regarding the future. Many were accus-
pleting national development. People feared that tomed to living in despair, frustration and idle-

13. 11
ness. It was only natural to try to awaken the Saemaul Undong evolved continuously for
general public to face its unhealthy attitudes and almost one generation after its official launch by
lifestyles, and help people develop mindsets and late President Park Chung-Hee on April 22, 1970.
attitudes that could contribute to the building of The campaign underwent a number of changes in
a healthy, strong, and stable society. Such a revo- the course of its development. These changes,
lution in attitudes could not be achieved without both positive and negative, contributed to making
dedication and effort from each and every citi- Saemaul Undong a source of the Korean people’ s
zen. Thus Saemaul Undong was born as a pride and self-confidence.
nationwide drive, responding to the need for a With the passage of time, Saemaul Undong
revolutionary change in citizens’attitudes and has gone through different stages emphasizing
mindsets. This very need, an essential factor in different developmental criteria. The main repre-
the campaign’implementation, became Saemaul
s sentative criteria included ideals, supporting
Undong’basic goal as well.
s philosophies and goals; main agents of implemen-
tation and their functions and roles; overall orga-
nization, functions and human power; prioritized
2. Stages in the Development activities and projects, and their funding; and
of Saemaul Undong strategies and tactics employed and effects
achieved. The sub-criteria of these five categories
varied, reflecting the demands of the time. It is
A. Stages of Saemaul Undong’
s
therefore possible to classify the overall develop-
Implementation ment of the initiative into several stages based on

14. 12
the scope and content of such changes in the government issued working guidelines for“Ten
developmental criteria. Admittedly, however, Projects for Constructing Better Villages” a pilot
as
evaluation results vary depending on which crite- program. To improve living conditions, 335 bags
ria are used and how they are weighted. This of cement were allotted to each of over 33,000 vil-
necessitates a single powerful model to examine lages. One man and one woman were elected to
the various aspects of the movement. One possi- lead each village in planning and implementing
ble response to this challenge is to classify the projects needed by the village.
developmental stages based on the relationships Projects to improve living environments
between the different developmental criteria received the greatest emphasis, followed by pro-
employed and their varying significance. The fol- jects to increase household income, and projects to
lowing division of the initiative into five develop- reform attitudes. Projects to improve living condi-
mental stages is based on such an approach. The tions were focused on expanding road networks
first stage, the foundation and groundwork stage inside the village, opening common outdoor laun-
(1970-1973), strove to create a foundation for the dry facilities, and replacing traditional roofs,
program. In the second, the proliferation stage fences, kitchen facilities and toilets with more
(1974-1976), the organization and activities gradu- durable or modern ones. Projects designed to
ally grew. The third stage was the energetic imple- increase household income concentrated mainly
mentation stage (1977-1979), during which the on raising agricultural income by implementing
effects of the program were felt most. The fourth agricultural roads expansion, agricultural land
stage is designated as the overhauling stage (1980- amelioration, seed improvement, and labor shar-
1989) when the movement redefined its organiza- ing among farmers. Attitude-reform projects were
tional structure and activities as a private-sector geared towards improving undesirable mentality
movement. The final autonomous growth stage and attitudes. Specifically, emphasis was placed
(1990-1998) was characterized by strengthened on removing decadent social trends, promoting a
self-reliance and autonomy (See Table 1). diligent and frugal lifestyle, and forming a cooper-
ative environment. Separate organizations and
support systems were established on both central
B. Development, by Stage and local government levels to actively and effec-
tively assist Saemaul Undong, and coordinate and
(1) Stage 1: Foundation and Groundwork
encourage the implementation of related projects.
(1970-1973)
The Training Institute for Saemaul Leaders was
The launching of Saemaul Undong on April opened to promote qualified and able manpower.
22, 1970 signaled the beginning of the nationwide Saemaul Undong began to spread rapidly
“Constructing Better Villages”campaign. The across the country as people became enthusiastic
<Table 1> Stages of Saemaul Undong
Stage Characteristics Period
Stage 1 Foundation and Groundwork 1970 ~ 1973
Stage 2 Proliferation 1974 ~ 1976
Stage 3 Energetic Implementation 1977 ~ 1979
Stage 4 Overhaul 1980 ~ 1989
Stage 5 Autonomous Growth 1990 ~ 1998

15. 13
about the campaign’tangible results. Rural living
s include corporations and factories, and the scope
conditions changed radically, almost beyond and target of projects gradually enlarged.
recognition, and poverty in agricultural communi- Accordingly, more organizations and greater man-
ties became less grinding. Some signs of attitudi- power were engaged in the governmental, regional,
nal changes on the part of the citizens also and corporation units of the campaign, and more
emerged. Most of all, per capita GNP rose sharply financial assistance and loans were provided.
from US$ 257 in 1970 to US$ 375 in 1973. Saemaul Education was strongly reinforced
The first four years of Saemaul Undong have to help campaign leaders develop their capabili-
some noticeable characteristics: rapid establishment ties. Related educational opportunities were
with almost simultaneous laying of the ground- opened up to public employees, opinion leaders
work for the campaign and promulgating it; pow- and general citizens, in order to proliferate a cor-
erful government involvement and initiation; and rect understanding of the campaign and promote
prioritizing of projects to improve immediate living attitudinal changes. In short, the effect of Saemaul
conditions. The first phase of Saemaul Undong Undong in strengthening public order, and ratio-
achieved greater success than expected owing to nalizing and modernizing the living modes of the
the government’ strong commitment, citizens’
s general public, is almost beyond description.
active participation, and the social necessity for Various public events, including National
such a program. Saemaul Leaders’ Conventions, were also instru-
mental in encouraging the leaders and promoting
(2) Stage II: Proliferation (1974-1976) the campaign.
The three years from 1974 bore witness to the Priority of projects during Stage II was
establishment of Saemaul Undong as a national assessed in the following order: income-raising
campaign. Saemaul Undong began expanding to projects, attitude reform projects, and living envi-

16. 14
ronment improvement projects. Strategies Impressed by the achievements in the agricultural
employed to increase income included straighten- sector, urban citizens began to pay greater atten-
ing raised footpaths between rice fields, streamlin- tion to the campaign. An increasing number of cit-
ing small rivers, pursuing combined farming, izens participated in a drive to help their native
operating common workplaces, and identifying towns, and Saemaul Undong was launched in
extra income sources other than farming, etc. As a urban areas as well.
result, per capita GNP more than doubled during The combined pursuit of increased income and
the 1974-1976 period, standing at US$ 765 by the changed attitudes was another characteristic of
end of 1976. Stage II. This combination aimed at achieving a syn-
Much effort went into rationalizing public ergistic effect by seeking physical wealth and men-
thinking and attitudes through public education tal health concurrently. Another characteristic of
and public relations activities. Projects to improve Stage II was its successful establishment as a nation-
living conditions, which received the greatest al drive. It began to penetrate the daily lives of the
attention in Stage I, also received continued atten- general public by gaining their understanding and
tion in the second stage: efforts to replace roofs, sympathy, and the campaign’success story began
s
improve house structures, install basic water sup- to reach other countries.
ply facilities, and construct village centers.
Traditional thatched-roof houses almost vanished, (3) Stage III: Energetic Implementation
kitchens and toilets were modernized, and overall (1977-1979)
The three years of the third stage of Saemaul
Undong were marked by efforts to enhance the
achievements of the campaign. Using villages as its
basic unit of implementation had placed limitations
on the program. Realizing this, the campaign
began to focus more on improving economic gains
by expanding the basic unit of implementation
and scope of projects. It also sought to link the
urban and rural areas more closely so that it could
cover larger areas and create a closely linked com-
munity encompassing both.
Saemaul Undong reflected regional characte-
ristics in its devising and implementing of plans.
Emphasis was placed on raising income and
expanding cultural and welfare-related facilities
sanitation improved considerably. It should be for rural areas. Raising livestock and growing spe-
noted that agricultural household income was cial purpose plants were encouraged, and indus-
higher than urban household income in 1976. trial parks that combined agriculture and manu-
Stage II of Saemaul Undong featured spatial facturing were constructed, along with Saemaul
and functional expansion. The positive experi- factories, in an attempt to augment household
ences of Stage I fueled the expansion of the drive income with non-agricultural sources of income.
to encompass cities and various vocational organi- Village arrangements were also improved and
zations, bringing some aspect of the campaign to refined, and convenient types of housing were
citizens living in every corner of the country. introduced to improve living conditions in rural

17. 15
sectors. The government guided the suppliers of movement’identity. In the earlier stages, individ-
s
construction materials to produce goods with ual villages were the campaign’basic implemen-
s
standardized dimensions, and this greatly con- tation unit. This changed as villages developed
tributed to the improvement of housing facilities. links with one another, thus expanding the basic
On the other hand, material conservation, project unit to cover a region. This guaranteed
productivity enhancement, and healthier labor enhanced efficiency and economic gains by allow-
relations were considered as the top priorities in ing several villages to develop and pool their
urban areas. Paving alleys, sweeping roads and respective natural resources. Consequently, project
alleys in front of one’house, and respecting pub-
s volumes gradually enlarged, achieving greater
lic order were among the projects implemented in economies of scale. More village citizens were able
urban areas. Saemaul Undong was also expanded to use more and better facilities over a larger
to include corporations and factories, where it region, and this in turn raised such facilities’uti-
focused on raising productivity, conserving mate- lization rates. This trend accelerated as people
rials, and building positive labor-management developed the capability to manage larger pro-
relations, among other objectives. As a result, pro- jects, thanks to increased income and accumulated
ductivity and incomes grew markedly. per capita funds raised jointly by linked villages. Different
GNP doubled again during the 1976-79 period to Saemaul Undong entities, namely, rural and
US$ 1,394. Most of all, living conditions were urban communities, and corporations and facto-
improved while regional disparities were less- ries, identified and conducted projects and activi-
ened. ties tailored to their respective organizational
Stage III can be generally characterized as the functions and demands. These combined to raise
quantitative expansion and establishment of the the practical effectiveness of the campaign.

18. 16
(4) Stage IV: Overhaul (1980-1989) national scandal involving fund mismanagement
The demise of President Park Chung-Hee sparked heated public denunciation, which in
threw the whole country into political and social turn lowered the morale of Saemaul Leaders, and
chaos. The subsequent Fifth and Sixth Republics left lingering negative impacts on the campaign as
represented a period of unprecedented turbulence a whole.
and adverse history for Saemaul Undong. Led by The campaign, however, survived this adver-
the government in the 1970s, it was taken over by sity and continued to implement projects such as
the private sector in the early 1980s. The Korea paving roads, giving education on combined
Saemaul Undong Center was registered as a legal farming, improving distribution, operating
corporation on December 1, 1980. On December Saemaul Credit Union, and developing parks
13, 1980, Saemaul Undong Organization Fostering throughout the country. During the 1988 Summer
Act (Act No. 2369) took effect, a policy aimed at Olympiad held in Seoul, the campaign was a key
assisting and fostering Saemaul Undong organiza- to the success of the global event, organizing a
tions voluntarily formed by the private sector. The large-scale Olympics Saemaul Undong with the
goal of the act was to guarantee the continued working themes of order, kindness, and cleanli-
implementation and promotion of the drive, and ness. Per capita GNP more than tripled from 1979
help it contribute to the development of the nation to 1989, reaching US$ 4,934.
and the society. With this act, the non-governmen- In short, Saemaul Undong in Stage IV fea-
tal Saemaul Undong organization emerged as a tured efforts to get the campaign back on the right
national entity that reached every corner of the track. It was changed from a government-initiated
nation. to a private sector organization, enhancing the
Saemaul Undong’ member associations
s division of roles between the governmental and
include Saemaul Undong Headquarters, which is non-governmental sectors. Although some dys-
the umbrella organization for the Central Council function and slackened performance were
of Saemaul Leaders, the Central Council of observed in the process, the drive spared no effort
Saemaul Women’Clubs, the Central Council of
s to move beyond such negative side-effects and
Saemaul Undong at Corporations, Factory resume its intended role. Backed up by these
Headquarters of Saemaul Undong, and the attempts, the campaign entered the new decade
Central Council of Vocational Saemaul Undong with renewed commitment and a positive atti-
Entities, among many others. Regional offices are tude.
located in major shi (cities) and do (provinces), and
branch offices operate in shi, kun (rural counties),
and ku (urban district). Saemaul leaders direct
lower administrative units: up, myon, dong, and
maul. Saemaul Undong Headquarters was later
reborn as the Korea Saemaul Undong Center, and
the Saemaul Youth Association, Saemaul Sports
Association, and School Saemaul Undong became
new members.
Unilateral mismanagement and insolvent
operations by some self-righteous central leaders
deprived the organization of public support, and
even led the body to be widely criticized. A
June 1999

19. 17
(5) Stage V: Autonomous Growth (1990-1998) needs of its field offices rather than those of the
Saemaul Undong began to seek new changes desk-bound central organization. Part of this effort
as it entered the last decade of the 21st century. It included tailoring projects and activities to reflect
identified the following tasks as imposed by the regional characteristics. Much attention was
times: devoted to encouraging citizens to put their love
■ effectively responding to the heightening of their neighbors into practice and serve for oth-
waves of liberalization on the international ers, promoting the sense of shared destiny, and
front and localization on the domestic restoring moral ethics in the community. Priority
front; projects in this stage included cultivating better
■ reversing the nation’economic downt-
s living environments in individual communities,
urn, which was beginning to be felt; and, transmitting and advancing traditional culture,
■ rectifying the degenerating public order revitalizing the economy, promoting direct trade
that was showing increasing disorder and between urban and rural citizens, enhancing the
non-ethical practices. atmosphere of hard work, campaigning for sound
The launch of the World Trade Organization, and healthy life styles, restoring moral ethics, and
resumption of the local autonomous government galvanizing volunteer services. Education stood at
system, and the onset of the foreign exchange cri- the core of the campaign. Through various casual
sis in 1997, all imposed formidable challenges and events and gatherings, as well as formal education
difficulties on Koreans. Squarely meeting these and training opportunities, education for public
national difficulties, Saemaul Undong launched servants, high-ranking officers of firms, students
an active drive. and general citizens was provided to transform
Specifically, the organization continued to their attitudes into those of Saemaul Leaders.
overhaul and downsize in order to strengthen its Per capita GNP, which amounted to US$
foundation of autonomy and self-reliance, and 4,934 in 1989, finally surpassed the ten-thousand-
enhance its capabilities. It tried to achieve concrete dollar mark in 1996. This landmark achievement,
results by being more responsive to the practical however, proved short-lived. The foreign curren-

20. 18
cy crisis that emerged toward the end of 1997 ducive to overcoming the economic crisis.
handed a severe blow to the nation’economy.
s
The situation remains, but Saemaul Undong has
accepted this difficulty as a challenge of the times,
C. Summary of Saemaul Undong’
s
one that requires immediate attention and utiliza- Evolution
tion of its accumulated capabilities. Born in 1970, the 29-year-old Saemaul
Saemaul Undong in Stage V is characterized Undong has gone through five stages character-
by several initiatives. First, it attempted to develop ized by different ideals, guiding spirits, goals, pro-
autonomous and independent capabilities to pur- jects, organizations, and activities. Admittedly, it
sue its goals by reinforcing its basis of autonomy sometimes faced harsh criticisms from the general
and self-support. Second, it sought to enhance its public and suffered from a lack of public support.
competitiveness as an organization on the global However, the overall evaluation of the movement
stage by coping with the global liberalization and remains positive, since the public can appreciate
domestic localization trends. Third, it tried to Saemaul Undong’undeniable role and influence
s
reform the attitudes of citizens and bring about a on the nation’modernization and growth (See
s
sound and healthy social atmosphere, one con- Table 2).
<Table 2> Development of Saemaul Undong
GNP per capita
Stage Priority Projects Characteristics (in US dollars)
∙Improving living environments: Expanding roads inside
villages, constructing common laundry facilities, ∙Launching and igniting the campaign
1.Foundation and improving roofs, kitchens, and fences ∙257 in 1970
Groundwork ∙Increasing income: Expanding agricultural roads, ∙Government-initiated activities
(1970~73) improving farmland and seeds, division of labor ∙375 in 1973
∙Attitude reform: Fostering diligence and frugality, and a ∙Top priority on improving living environment
cooperative atmosphere
∙Increasing income: Straightening rice field ridges, con-
solidating creeks , encouraging combined farming,
operating common working places, identifying non-agri- ∙Expanding program scope and functions ∙402 in 1974
2. Proliferation cultural income sources ∙Increasing income and changing attitudes
(1974~76) ∙Attitude reform: Attitude changes through Saemaul edu-
cation and public relations activities ∙765 in 1976
∙Earning national understanding and consensus
∙mproving living conditions: Improving housing and water
supply systems, operating village centers
∙Rural areas: Encouraging the construction of more
modern housing, encouraging growth of special-pur- ∙Larger units of implementation by developing linkages
3. Energetic pose plants, running industrial facilities to combine agri- among villages in the same region
∙966 in 1977
culture and manufacturing
Implementation ∙Urban areas: Paving alleys, cleaning, establishing order ∙Economies of scale
(1977~79) ∙1,394 in 1979
∙Corporations and factories: Enhancing productivity, con-
serving materials, promoting sound labor-management ∙Appearance of distinct unit characteristics
relations
∙Social atmosphere: Kindness, order, selflessness, ∙Reborn as a private sector-organization
cooperation ∙1,507 in 1980
4. Overhaul ∙Economic development: Combined farming, distribution ∙Enhancing the role division between government and
(1980~89) improvement, credit union activities private sectors
∙Environmental activities: Cleanliness, developing parks ∙4,934 in 1989
throughout the country, building better access roads ∙Escape from inactivity and contraction
∙Sound atmosphere: Developing traditional culture,
emphasizing hard work, sound lifestyles, recovery of ∙Reinforcing the basis of autonomy and self-reliance
5. Autonomous moral ethics ∙5,503 in 1990
Growth ∙Economic stability: Economic recovery, urban-rural ∙Meeting the need for liberalization and localization
(1990~98) direct trade, diligence and frugality ∙10,548 in 1996
∙Living environment: Cultivating better community envi- ∙Efforts to overcome economic crisis
ronments, emphasizing autonomous living

21. III. Saemaul Undong’Main Objectives
s
19
1. Saemaul Undong in Rural dated production facilities and living conditions,
making the most of what they had and cooperat-
Areas ing with one another.
Saemaul Undong was the product of the
When Saemaul Undong was established in then-president’dedication to the development of
s
1970, the government was unable to provide the rural sectors, combined with the agricultural
financial support towards improving the standard population’desire for a better future, and was
s
of living in rural territories. However, rural vil- launched with the momentum taken from this
lages were eager to use whatever governmental encounter.
assistance was available to modernize their out- Confirming his belief that a community suc-

22. 20
ceeds because of excellent leadership, indepen- developed self-confidence, as seen in slogans such
dence and self-reliance among citizens, former as“We Too Can Do,” “A Better Future Awaits
or
President Park reiterated that diligence, self-sup- Us.” Saemaul Undong had successfully planted its
port and cooperation were the principles behind seed in rural areas.
Saemaul Undong. Saemaul Undong was rapidly The conventional formula for regional com-
adopted across the country, beginning in rural munity development had been “education of resi-
sectors by exploiting the combination of govern- dents → adoption of implementation skills by res-
mental support, active guidance from public idents → development of regional commun-ity.”
employees, and the awareness and will of the The new development model of Saemaul
agricultural populace. The program spurred Undong, however, was to conduct projects that
enthusiasm and energy across the country, with “meet residents’ visible needs → encourage self-
rural villages as its basic implementation units. In confidence among residents, → and achieve vil-
just a few years, rural villages managed to exhibit lage development.”
an entirely new profile. The rural population As the campaign to cultivate better villages

23. 21
presented impressive results, the government saw improving housing. Projects to increase income
the need for a more systematic approach to the were also implemented, including the encourage-
drive. To guarantee effective rural advancement, ment of combined farming, operation of joint
the government set the general course for related workplaces, and identification of non-agricultural
projects and limited its assistance by providing the income sources. Saemaul Undong changed course
minimum basic materials needed for the projects. from a campaign to improve rural living environ-
The focus of the initial stage was on improv- ments with government-supplied resources to a
ing rural living environments, which was certain drive to increase agricultural income. The govern-
to produce tangible results. Projects included ment provided a significant boost to the program
expanding and paving local roads inside villages, by mandating all government organizations to
opening common laundry facilities, and improv- provide loans for income-increase projects.
ing roofs, kitchens, and fences. Positive recogni- Saemaul Training Camps taught high-ranking
tion justified the emphasis on this field, proving public servants and opinion leaders about the
that it was most urgent for rural residents to rationale of the movement, and moved them with
bridge the gap between their income level and success stories from agricultural leaders. The
that of their urban counterparts. As governmental experiences in the camps were decisive in expand-
assistance in providing essential supplies for the ing assistance to the drive.
related projects was inadequate, rural residents Towards the end of the 1970s, the rapid
had to tackle the problems arising from limited urbanization of Korea gave rise to an urgent need
resources with diligence, self-reliance, and cooper- for balanced development between urban and
ation. Village councils composed of both village rural areas. Responding to this need, Saemaul
leaders and residents decided how to best use Undong moved beyond its rural focus and
materials allotted for village development. This
experience contributed to the growth of opinion-
sharing and grass-roots democracy that reached
the smallest administrative unit of Korea, the
maul. The government was able to maximize its
limited resources by giving priority to villages
with excellent Saemaul Undong records. A special
bureau in charge of organizing and assisting the
campaign and coordinating related projects was
appended to the central government, and the
Saemaul Leaders Training Institute was opened to
advance the qualifications and capabilities of the
trainees.
As Saemaul Undong spread nationwide and
recorded an increasing number of major achieve-
ments, the campaign earned the recognition of the
Korean people as a national tool for bringing
about national prosperity. During this period,
Saemaul projects came to encompass collective
objectives that included opening village centers,
installing basic water supply systems, and

24. 22
sought to identify strategies to pursue the cam- to regional characteristics. The organization and the
paign on a broader basis. It began to pay more implementation system were streamlined, and pro-
attention to the balanced development of both jects that developed urban-rural trade links, culti-
urban and rural areas. Priority was placed on vated communities, developed rural traditional cul-
improving the layout of rural villages and con- tures, and revitalized the overall economy, were
structing more comfortable housing facilities emphasized.
called mun-hwa-ju-t’ Different project areas
aek. Overall, Saemaul Undong brought about
were promoted to pursue different income-earn- revolutionary changes in the agricultural base of
ing projects, reflecting respective regional charac- Korea by expanding agricultural roads, restruc-
teristics. The government also expanded opportu- turing arable lands, building bridges, and devel-
nities to earn non-agricultural income, for exam- oping agricultural water supply systems. It also
ple, by constructing Saemaul factories and form- contributed to the continued increase in farming
ing agriculture-manufacturing industrial facili- household income by raising agricultural income
ties. and expanding nonagricultural income sources.
Projects to improve rural living conditions Improved housing and kitchen facilities in agri-
were carried out with a focus on widening and cultural and fishing communities helped con-
paving entry roads to rural villages, and income- struct a more pleasant living environment.
increasing projects that encouraged combined Wider entry roads, streamlined local roads,
farming and improved related distribution sys- newly opened farming convenience facilities,
tems. In the 1990s, the full-fledged local and the increased opportunities to use public
autonomous governmental system led the cam- facilities allowed rural residents to enjoy more
paign to identify and implement projects tailored convenient lives (See Tables 3 and 4).
<Table 3> Major Saemaul Projects
(1971~1980)
Project name Unit Objective Performance Growth rate (in %)
Expanding village roads Km 26,266 43,558 166
Constructing new agricultural roads Km 49,167 61,797 126
Installing small bridges Unit 76,749 79,516 104
Constructing village centers Unit 35,608 37,012 104
Building warehouses Unit 34,665 22,143 64
Housing improvements Unit 544,000 225,000 42
Improving village layout Village 2,747
Constructing sewage systems Km 8,654 15,559 179
Supplying electricity to rural and fishing commu-
Household 2,834,000 2,777,500 98
nities
Operating Saemaul factories Unit 950 717 75

25. 23
<Table 4> Farming Household Income, by Year
(in Korean won)
Agricultural income Non-agricultural income
Year Household income
Amount Ratio (%) Amount Ratio (%)
70 255.800 194,000 75.9% 61.800 24.1%
73 480,700 390,300 81.2 90,400 18.8
76 1,156,300 921,200 79.7 235,100 20.3
79 2,227,500 1,531,300 68.7 696,200 31.3
It is generally agreed that the most significant not only to construct a better country, but also lay
result of Saemaul Undong in the rural sector was the groundwork for a reunified nation.
the attitudinal changes by the rural populace,
developing self-trust, as reflected in the slogans
“We can do,”or“Everything is possible.”Rural 2. Saemaul Undong in Urban
residents came to embrace new traditions of dili- Areas
gence, self-help, and cooperation through their
enthusiastic participation in the process of devel- The urban Saemaul Undong refers to the
oping their own communities, and they simulta- drive to develop cleaner and more comfortable
neously developed a community awareness with urban areas by eradicating irrational practices and
which to overcome common difficulties amidst establishing a sound social atmosphere.
unfavorable conditions. Many factors contributed to the rise of the
Future rural Saemaul Undong projects urban Saemaul Undong initiative. First, the oil cri-
should focus on enhancing the overall competi- sis and subsequent sluggish economic perfor-
tiveness of the rural sector in the new world order mance in 1973 led to the increasing importance of
of the Uruguay Round and the World Trade conserving energy and raw materials. Urban citi-
Organization, and in an adverse domestic situa- zens began to note and acknowledge the signifi-
tion represented by the International Monetary cance of the rural Saemaul Undong. An increasing
Fund (IMF) bail-out. The critical task in this com- number of opinion leaders who represented vari-
petitiveness-enhancing drive should be to create ous segments of the society and had participated
or identify jobs that kindle pride, a sense of in Saemaul Education recognized the need to
achievement, and hope. Emphasis should be spread the Saemaul spirit. In addition, the atmos-
placed on advancing agriculture as an industry, phere for attitude reform ripened as a means to
developing organic links to connect the farming, contain unhealthy urban problems. As industrial-
commerce, and manufacturing aspects of rural ization advanced, the urban populace grew in
communities, enhancing cultural opportunities, terms of both size and economic influence, emerg-
and improving the welfare system for the agricul- ing as a powerful group that assumed major func-
tural populace. tions in the nation’ development. All of the
s
Needless to say, the energy of Saemaul above-mentioned factors combined to promote
Undong lies in the maul, or villages, as the actual the significance of the urban Saemaul Undong
field of life and work. The program must now program to the level of its rural counterpart.
aggressively pursue the New Saemaul Undong, The urban Saemaul Undong, first launched in

26. 24
1973, continued to expand its territory until the functions in separate and independent corpora-
end of the 1970s. Since the 1980s, it has changed in tions specializing in the respective functions.
nature from a government-led drive to a private Leading figures of the respective bodies who had
sector-initiated program. Projects to improve the received Saemaul education led this streamlining
urban living environment began in 1973 in certain process. While respecting the unique functions of
urban areas and corporations. In 1974, one hour each branch, the independent corporation
on the first day of each month was designated as Saemaul Undong organizations collaborated and
Saemaul time, during which households, schools, launched, in 35 cities across the country, non-gov-
corporations and organizations cleaned up their ernmental associations to implement urban
neighborhoods. This clean-up event later became Saemaul Undong Movement, i.e., Saemaul
established as a leading urban Saemaul project. Execution Committees.
In 1975, Saemaul Undong implementation Representative urban Saemaul Undong pro-
system was overhauled to distribute different jects in the 1970s comprised the“three-pronged

27. 25
campaign”and ten core projects. The‘three- Undong, then reborn as a non-governmental cam-
pronged campaign’referred to mental, behav- paign, re-charted its direction by setting a self-
ioral, and environmental initiatives. The mental imposed goal of advancing and preparing
campaign centered around practicing Saemaul citizens’ mindsets for an advanced industrial soci-
values on a daily basis, including promoting bet- ety. Representative projects in this period includ-
ter ties with neighbors or those from different ed the three civil campaigns and the guest-wel-
walks of society, inheriting and advancing tradi- coming campaign.
tional ethics propped up by filial piety, loyalty, The three civil campaigns referred to the
and reverence for senior citizens, and strengthen- daily practices of consumption reduction, respect-
ing community awareness. ing the law, assisting and protecting the disadvan-
The behavioral campaign emphasized public taged, and mutual cooperation. Activities includ-
order on the street, positive interactions, public ed in this category were: collecting recyclable
manners, punctuality, prohibiting drunken mis- waste; trading used goods; simplifying diverse
conduct, and deterring physical assaults on the ceremonies; reducing the national budget; identi-
street. The environmental order campaign fying and circulating ideas for consumption
stressed cleanliness of the area around an individ- reduction; expanding facilities conductive to
ual’ home or business, controlling the street envi-
s maintaining public order; outlawing littering;
ronment, including street vendors, improving overhauling markets and shopping malls; control-
immediate living environments, and developing ling street environments; increasing penalties for
‘greener’ cities and streams. petty offences; energizing small-scale unofficial
The ten core projects were aimed at promot- village councils called Pansanghoe; and expanding
ing active participation by urban residents. Such sports and hobby clubs.
efforts included Saemaul clean-up, market The guest-welcoming campaign was carried
Saemaul Undong, making cities greener, fostering out in preparation for the 1986 Asian Games and
Saemaul credit unions, reducing petty street the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympiad, emphasizing
crime, creating a safe atmosphere emphasizing the daily practices of order, kindness, and cleanli-
law and order, running unofficial small-scale vil- ness. As a result, traffic and transactional orders
lage councils called Pansanghoe, reducing con- were established, stores offered a wider variety of
sumption, creating a supportive environment for services, and foreigners were greeted with much
Saemaul Undong, and other projects reflecting more hospitality and kindness than ever before.
regional characteristics. Efforts were also made to improve living environ-
A look at the contents of the projects reveals ments by focusing on a positive street environ-
the change in the nature of the campaign from a ment, including controlling street vendors, and
government-initiated drive to one run by the pri- devising plans for the harmonized use of colors in
vate sector. The projects chosen were directly cities. All these efforts combined to contribute
related to the lives of urban citizens, and could greatly to the success of both events.
easily fulfill common needs of urban residents. To In the 1990s, the urban Saemaul Undong pro-
raise enthusiasm and morale, efforts were made to gram shifted its focus to public order, a cleaner
identify urban Saemaul Leaders, remove deca- and more pleasant environment, social services,
dence, allow social leaders to set the standards, and citizens’ reconciliation and harmony. Projects
and strengthen the function of the Saemaul were implemented to promote the following
Execution Committees. objectives: abiding by traffic regulations, systemat-
In the early 1980s, the urban Saemaul ic management of signboards, bills and posters,

28. 26
voluntary services to reduce theft and vandalism,
garbage collection, purifying streams, beautifying
streets, guiding teenagers, helping the socially dis-
advantaged, participating in regional festivities,
and extending opportunities for life-time educa-
tion.
3. Corporation, Factory, and
Library Saemaul Undong
A. Corporation Saemaul Undong
Corporation Saemaul Undong entities began
to emerge as one of the important aspects of
Saemaul Undong with the launching of Saemaul
Undong Seoul Council in August 1975, as a non-
governmental entity. The body’incorporation in
s
September 1979 offered an opportunity for
Saemaul Undong to energize its functions.
The early corporation Saemaul Undong, well
aware of its nature as a non-governmental cam-
paign, focused on constructing a sound, produc-
tive workplace, and overhauling its corporation
environment and social service activities. The
aforementioned three-pronged campaign was
implemented simultaneously. In the early 1980s,
corporation Saemaul Undong tried to re-define
itself as a tool for realizing three goals: national
development, corporate advancement, and indi-
vidual growth. Saemaul Training Institutes, followed by top man-
Such shifts in the campaign’goals reflected
s agement officials and employees. Most corpora-
various factors. More and more attention was tions and vocational associations held a weekly or
given to the successful government-driven Five- bi-monthly morning meeting to conduct events
Year Socio-Economic Plans and the rationalization such as hoisting the national flag, singing the
of corporate management by revamping individ- national anthem, doing stretching exercises, and
ual corporations and raising their competitive- publicizing events observed in commemoration of
ness. Citizens were also encouraged to take on Saemaul Week. These activities were designed to
their proper role in a society moving toward a promote urban workers’mental fortitude and
democratic, welfare-oriented state. patriotism, and ultimately, their sense of responsi-
Following the launch of Corporation Saemaul bility for the nation’development.
s
Undong, heads of corporations were the first to The mental order campaign dealt mainly
receive Saemaul Education in the Corporate with Saemaul Education and helping and protect-

29. 27
ing the disadvantaged. Specifically, efforts to B. Factory Saemaul Undong
assist and protect the disadvantaged entailed
helping during the busy farming season, collect- The Factory Saemaul Undong directed its
ing recyclable waste, and comforting institutional- energy to restoring the trust and affection of con-
ized children and elderly citizens. The behavioral sumers and the general public as a whole. To this
order campaign involved establishing public end, emphasis was placed on consolidating the
order on the street, car-pooling, and standing in foundation for industrial peace and coexistence by
queues and waiting for one’turn. The environ-
s bridging the gap in value systems between labor
mental order campaign made significant contribu- and management, and establishing sound corpo-
tions to building a better urban environment by rate ethics.
encouraging changes in corporate environments Separate Saemaul Undong Execution
and participation in city- or province-level cam- Committees were organized in major offices and
paigns to plant and grow trees. factories, and independent departments or sec-
The corporation Saemaul Undong initiative tions in charge of Saemaul Undong were operated
also directed its energy toward fostering a sense of to conduct the planning, implementation, evalua-
unity within the corporation to create a sound tion and improvement of related projects.
working environment. The movement further One minor defect was observed in relation to
encouraged projects that ranged from eradicating the Factory Saemaul Undong. Recognizing the
social distrust and containing abuse of work-relat- significance of quality control (QC) and monitor-
ed authority, to ensuring fair personnel manage- ing QC in tandem with Saemaul projects, Saemaul
ment and improving the penalty and reward sys- departments or sections renamed themselves as
tem. The campaign sought to foster mutual
respect and trust between labor and management.
The launching of the Corporation Saemaul
Undong initiative brought about significant
changes in labor-management relations. The
atmosphere became more mature, propped up by
Saemaul values. Both labor and management took
more flexible positions in their dialogue, expand-
ing their agenda to include systematic improve-
ments and more futuristic orientation. The labor
sector was granted greater opportunities to be
involved in management.
The corporation drive to assist and protect
the poor and the disadvantaged was noteworthy
in the diversity and scale of its projects. Attention
was given to helping colleagues who were experi-
encing unfavorable conditions, and various exter-
nal activities were implemented such as lending
helping hands and supplying farm machinery
during the busy farming season, and visiting sol-
diers, orphanages, and senior citizens’homes,
among many.

30. 28
Saemaul-QC departments or sections, resulting in
confusion as to their primary task.
Currently, the drive continues to be imple-
mented by encouraging the use of pleasant words,
respecting others’opinions, and complementing
others’merits and achievements, to name a few
examples. Efforts are being undertaken for sys-
tematic improvements in corporations, including
eradicating distrust, ending authoritative manage-
ment, and containing abuse of job-related authori-
ty. The increasing need to transform a workplace
to resemble a home encourages management to
treat employees as family members. Joint birthday
parties and wedding ceremonies are being
arranged in addition to Saemaul Education, and
family members are given the opportunity to visit
the factories. Financial assistance is given to
employees and their parents for sightseeing trips,
and various outings or athletic activities are held
for employees and their families. All these activi-
ties prove helpful in promoting the sense of unity
and harmony among employees.
integral part of Saemaul programs.
C. Saemaul Mini-Library Undong
The Saemaul Mini-Library campaign is a cul-
The Saemaul Mini-Library campaign began tural drive unique to Korea. It aims to promote
with the launching of the Association to vocation-related skills, cultural refinements, and
Proliferate Mini Village Libraries in 1961. The even the social significance of the reading adult
Korean Ministry of Education endorsed the drive population by providing new information and
to spread mini village libraries by designating it in cultural and emotional enrichment. Projects to this
1962 as a policy project for the life-time education- end include maximizing access to books and cul-
al needs of agricultural and fishing villages. Since tural events, organizing small-scale libraries and
1975, when Saemaul Undong embarked on the reading clubs, operating mobile libraries, and
project in earnest, the movement has become an holding reading contests (See Table 5).
<Table 5> Current Status of Saemaul Mini-Libraries
(as of December, 1998)
Saemaul Mini-Libraries Reading Colleges Mobile Libraries
Places Members Books Places Members Units Books
(thousand) (thousand)
2,811 90,461 5,256 39 2,420 72 1,128

31. Ⅳ. Saemaul Leaders and Saemaul Education: Roles and
Functions
29
1. Saemaul Leaders appointee. In order to differentiate Saemaul
Leaders from these government appointees and to
The enthusiasm and creativity of Saemaul emphasize the fact that they represented the citi-
Leaders played a primary role in determining the zenry, they were not paid for their services. Young
success of the campaign. These leaders consisted candidates in their thirties were preferred and
of regional representatives who were chosen for compulsory elections for new leaders were held
their decisiveness and leadership ability when the after several years. Such guidelines were intended
campaign was launched. The Saemaul Leaders to secure energetic and more liberal candidates,
were expected to complement or even surpass the and to preclude habitual and automatic handling
performance and contribution of existing regional of matters. Separate leadership positions were
leaders. It should be noted that Saemaul Leaders given to female Saemaul members who took
were not appointed by the Korean Ministry of charge of organizing female members and their
Home Affairs; rather, they were elected by resi- tasks. They also helped male leaders earn the sup-
dents of the corresponding regional community. port of the communities for the campaign.
Hence, in the course of conducting their responsi- Rural Saemaul Undong was implemented
bilities, those elected were forced to depend great- with villages as its unit, led by a Saemaul leader
ly on the authority of the government officials. and a female leader. In this regard, it can be
At the initial stage of the campaign, each vil- inferred that the success of rural Saemaul Undong
lage had a ri-jang, or head of a ri, an administra- has hinged on the competence of the Saemaul
tive unit smaller than a rural county, as a paid Leaders in the individual villages. Since the

32. 30
Saemaul Leaders played a crucial role in the suc- who wanted to engage in farming received
cess of Saemaul Undong, their education and Saemaul education during their high school years,
training was of equal importance. and promoted their capabilities as potential
Leaders completed one or two-week educa- Saemaul Leaders through field training during
tion programs conducted in independent training vacations and during certain periods designated
institutes. The programs were designed to culti- for training conducted by other exemplary
vate devotion to Saemaul Undong, and to empha- Saemaul Leaders.
size the significance of self-sacrifice and of setting In the urban areas, elected Saemaul Leaders
a positive example as leaders for others to follow. worked witht’ ong as the campaign’key unit.
s
Rather than teaching technical matters, the pro- However, they were not able to function as active-
gram spent more time inspiring employees with ly as did the rural leaders in leading the residents
enthusiasm about the campaign and fostering and aggressively implementing the campaign.
trust in the campaign’mission. One noteworthy
s Although this situation somewhat reflected the
characteristic of the program was the opportunity characteristics of urban life, the qualifications and
it provided for ordinary citizens to work with competence of the urban leaders were also less
some of society’leading figures in the efforts to
s than satisfactory.
achieve Saemaul Undong’objectives. This oppor-
s The essence of Corporation and Factory
tunity proved to be a source of pride and extra Saemaul Undong is to develop better ties between
motivation for ordinary participants in the pro- corporate owners and employees. Such ties
gram. This was manifested in the finding that over encourage owners to maximize worker welfare
40% of the young rural population who opted to and consequently inspire workers to do their best
stay in their local communities participated in and cooperate in efforts to cut down costs and
Saemaul activities, despite the strong trend of relo- raise productivity. Currently, corporation and fac-
cation among young farmers to urban areas. tory Saemaul Leaders are elected among executive
The project to recruit prospective farmers and officers, managers or heads of small production
fishermen, which coincided with the launching of units of firms, and those elected are given oppor-
the Fifth Republic (1980-1987), achieved satisfacto- tunities to broaden their understanding of the
ry results. Realizing the potential of this labor sec- campaign while developing their leadership com-
tor, measures were devised to enhance the compe- petence through a variety of Saemaul educational
tency of this manpower in leading the rural programs.
Saemaul Undong. Related systems were imple-
mented to maximize the opportunities for the
young rural populace to respond to the farmers 2. Implementation Process and
and fishermen recruitment project. At that time, Results of Saemaul
the policy focus on the heavy industry benefited Education
industrial high schools more than agricultural
high schools. Agricultural high schools that were A training institute for farmers was opened
not closed were absorbed by integrated high in January 1972 in the Agricultural Cooperative
schools. In order to cope with such problems, it College run by the National Agricultural Co-oper-
became necessary for the government to strength- ative Federation and began to educate farmers.
en its policy support to agricultural high schools Education for Saemaul Leaders started in July of
and to students who planned to stay in rural com- the same year, and in 1973, the institute moved to
munities after graduation. High school students the Farmers’ Center in Suwon-shi, Kyonggi-do.

33. 31
The institute adopted a new name, Training and offering continued guidance and
Institute for Saemaul Leaders, set the standards assistance after the trainee’graduation
s
for other institutes in Saemaul Undong, and from the program.
played a pivotal role in establishing Saemaul edu- After the Training Institute for Saemaul
cation as a unique form of social education. The Leaders opened in 1973, the Ministry of Home
institute moved in 1983 to an exclusive building Affairs named the following educational organi-
constructed with government subsidy in zations as Saemaul training institutes:
(Songnam-shi, Kyonggi-do). The following year, it ■ all public employee education institutes
became Saemaul Undong Headquarters’ Training run by different central government orga-
Institute. nizations,
The Institute selected three goals: recruiting ■ farmers’ education institutes, and
and training top-quality Saemaul Undong leaders, ■ various training institutes, either public or
encouraging these leaders to engage in self-help private.
programs, and contributing to the establishment These institutes reached a record of 85 loca-
of a beneficial system through diligence, self-help tions in 1980. Currently, the Central Training
and cooperation. To realize these goals, the insti- Institute in (Songnam-shi (city), Kyonggi-do)
tute finalized the following four guidelines: (province), and the Southern Training Institute in
■ education at a communal camp where (Changsong-gun, Chollanam-do), both run by the
trainees lived and worked alongside their National Council of Saemaul Undong Movement,
trainers; serve as exclusive centers of Saemaul Education.
■ education of trainees on the Saemaul phi- The Saemaul Undong Headquarters have
losophy focusing on putting spiritual ideas operated a total of 11 Saemaul training institutes
into practice; listed as follows:
■ interactive education by sharing success (1) Seoul Factory Saemaul Training Institute
stories during small-group discussions, launched in 1974 by the Seoul Industrial
Park for Export Industries
(2) Pusan Factory Saemaul Training Institute
opened in 1977 by the Pusan Chamber of
Commerce and Industry
(3) (Anyang) Saemaul Training Institute for
the Central Council of Private-Sector
Saemaul Undong Organizations, former
Farmers’Educational Institute opened in
1968 by the Korea Association to Study
Rural Cultures
(4) Seoul Educational Institute for Saemaul
Credit Union Associations, formerly kno-
wn as the Educational Training Institute
for Village Credit Unions, which was
opened in 1963 by the Korea National
Reconstruction Headquarters
(5) (Canaan) Farmers’ School No. 1 in (Kwang
-ju-shi, Kyonggi-do), which started as a

34. 32
small farm and became a home for agri- trainee program provides extra momentum to
cultural leaders during the 1960s Saemaul Undong by having citizens participate,
(6) (Canaan) Farmers’School No.2 in Won- directly or indirectly, in the campaign, and by serv-
song-gun, Kangwon-do ing as an instrument to promote nationwide par-
(7) Farmers’Welfare Training Institute in ticipation in the campaign. Numerous leaders are
’
Taejon-shi, Ch ungch’ ongnam-do, which reported to have been touched and inspired by
began educating agricultural leaders in their Saemaul education, and have guided their
the region in 1968 respective regions to successful growth and devel-
(8) Taegu Saemaul Training Institute, which opment by leading or actively participating in
started as Saemaul Farmers’School in Saemaul projects.
1973 The next section looks at the positive factors
(9) Korea Industrial Academy in Kanghwa- that contributed to the success of Saemaul educa-
gun, Kyonggi-do tion.
(10) Seoul Korea Credit Training Institute,
and
(11) Industrial Promotion Training Institute
A. Intra-Group Cooperation and
in Yang-p’ yong-gun, Kyonggi-do and Inter-Group Competition
Ch’ angwon-shi, Kyongsangnam-do Divided into many small groups, trainees
These Saemaul training institutes have posted engaged in small-group discussions, outdoor
an impressive educational performance record, training, and night self-denial exercises, perform-
having contributed to the education of the entire ing the tasks given to each team. They experi-
Korean population. It is widely accepted that the enced strong emotions as a result of undergoing

35. 33
such tasks. These powerful experiences helped the C. Trainers’Kindness, Commitment
trainees realize the significance and power of and Excellence of Leadership
cooperation to accomplish tasks that would have
been impossible to do otherwise. The discussion- Trainers and other employees at the training
and teamwork-focused small group activities institutes sacrificed a part of their family lives
were also successful in enhancing a sense of by staying at the camps together with the
responsibility in each participant. trainees. They did not receive better treatment
than the trainees themselves, and since they
set the standard with their exemplary atti-
B. Field Trips and Inspection of tudes, the trainees respected them and fol-
Advanced Technology Centers lowed their example. These exemplary train-
Field trips, and the first-hand opportunity to ers and other employees have contributed sig-
watch and learn advanced technologies in particu- nificantly to the resultant appreciation of
lar, were more successful in factory Saemaul train- Saemaul education.
ing programs than in Saemaul Leaders’training
programs. One of the factors contributing to the
program’success was its approach permitting
s
D. Participation by Trainees
changes in trainees’ attitudes through the increase The training program has operated on the
of first-hand experience, rather than from reliance basis of a participant-centered training process.
on instruction. Recitation of the principles underlying the train-