Contents

Ⅰ. INTRODUCTION 2

Ⅱ. KOREAN CULTURE FROM A COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE 3

Ⅲ. CULTURE AND ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL PERFORMANCE 4

Ⅳ. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRADITIONAL AND MODERN VALUES 8

 1. TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY 9

 2. TRUST AND MUTUAL AID ORGANIZATIONS 15

 3. GOVERNMENT FOR THE PEOPLE 15

 4. PUBLIC CONSENSUS AND POLICYMAKING 15

Ⅴ. MERGING OF NEW AND OLD 16

Abstract

This paper explores the relevance of culture for understanding the quality of governance in contemporary Korea. Beginning with definitions and dimensions of national culture, the paper gives a systemic description of the values and attitudes of contemporary Koreans. The effect of contemporary political culture on democratic performance is illustrated with an example of failed economic reforms before the 1997 economic crisis. Although some problems such as lack of pragmatism are or Confucian origin, others, especially the lack of accountability, transparency or trust, cannot be attributed to Confucian tradition. Indeed, the paper argues that Confucian tradition is rich in ideas and practices promoting accountability, transparency and trust. Without fully understanding Confucian tradition, many scholars have been too hasty to associate contemporary Asian political culture with Confucianism. Furthermore, many traditional values and the institutions embodying them can teach us how to improve our governance. By asking what are truly traditional Confucian values and which among them are compatible with democracy, we can go a long way toward designing a system of Confucian governance.