Korea: The Impossible Country

South Korea was 'the poorest, most impossible country on the planet' when it was founded, according to an advisor to its third president. Yet, in just fifty years, it has transformed into an economic powerhouse and a democracy that can serve as a model for other countries. How was it able to do this, despite being sapped by colonial rule, war, partition, and lacking a democratic tradition? Who are the Korean people, who achieved this second 'Asian miracle'? And what are their prospects now?

Daniel Tudor is a journalist who has been living in and writing about Korea for almost a decade. He explores Korean history, culture, and society through interviews with experts, from business leaders to politicians, shamans, sports legends, poets, rock musicians, and academics. The book examines Korea's cultural foundations, character, politics, business, family life, leisure activities, and social issues such as North Korea, myths about doing business, and the impact of English learning booms.

South Korea has experienced two miracles: economic development and democratization. The current question is whether it will become a rich yet aging society like Japan or whether its society's dynamism and openness to change will usher in a third miracle, elevating it in human development, democracy, and wealth.