Course Title
South Korea’s Journey from Agriculture to Industrial Giant
Faculty
Laurens Debo, Professor of Operations Management
Date
December 2024
Destination Cities
Seoul and Busan
Course Description
Since the 1960s, South Korea has undergone a phenomenal transformation, transitioning from an agricultural economy to a global player in the industrial and tech sector. Known as “The Miracle on the Han River,” Korea now boasts the 12th largest GDP in the world and the 4th largest in Asia. In recent years, Korea has also started to successfully export its cultural sector, including films and tv shows such as Parasite and Squid Game as well as famous K-pop bands such as BTS, to global audiences. This course will study the key drivers for Korea’s successes, including the role of the chaebol structure and the role both the government and the international community have played in it. The course will visit a variety of plant tours, such as LG, Hyundai, and various other smart manufacturing plants, prominent, family-owned companies, and governmental leaders. Students will also have an opportunity to visit important cultural sites in Seoul, with possible opportunity to visit another city in Korea.