Has South Korea achieved smart power? : an analysis on South Korea’s development and its impact on its foreign policy.

Abstract

Corea del Sur ha experimentado un desarrollo económico sin precedentes, seguido de la "ola coreana" que permitió al país entrar en la escena popular, haciéndose más presente en la comunidad internacional. La imagen percibida de Corea del Sur ha pasado de ser la de un país dictatorial devastado por la guerra a la de un motor económico, tecnológico y turístico. Este análisis trata de demostrar si Corea del Sur intenta alcanzar un poder inteligente o si más bien depende del poder blando. Para ello, se va a realizar un estudio sobre la historia, la política, la economía, la cultura y la política exterior de Corea del Sur.

South Korea has experienced an unprecedented economic development followed by the “hallyu wave” that allowed the country to enter the popular scene, becoming more present in the international community. South Korea’s perceived image has changed from that of a war-torn dictatorship country, to that of an economic, technology and tourist hub. This analysis tries to prove if South Korea is trying to achieve smart power or if it rather is dependent on soft power. In order to do that, a study regarding South Korea’s history, politics, economics, culture and foreign policy is going to be made.