Digital Development In Korea

Digital Development in Korea

This book explores the role of digital information and communications technology in South Korea’s development, starting with and building upon the crucial developments of the 1980s. Its perspective draws on the information society concept and on a conceptual model of strategic restructuring of telecommunications. It also draws on firsthand experience in formulating and implementing policies. The analysis identifies aspects of the Korean experience from which developing countries around the world might benefit. Oh and Larson describe the revolutionary developments of the 1980s including the TDX electronic switching system, a major surge forward in semiconductors, the start of privatization and color television and the thoroughgoing restructuring of Korea’s telecommunications sector. They further explore government leadership, the growing private sector and international trade pressures in the diffusion of broadband, mobile communication, and convergence toward a ubiquitous network society. The role of education in these developments is explored in detail, along with both the positive and negative aspects of Korea’s vibrant new digital media. The book also looks at Korea’s growing international involvement, its role in efforts to build a world information society, and finally, its future place in cyberspace. This book will be of interest to students, scholars and policy makers interested in communications technologies, Asian/Korean Studies and development studies.

Digital Development in Korea

Digital Development in Korea explores the central role of digital information and communication technology in South Korea. Analyzing the role of ICT in green growth and sustainability, this new edition also demonstrates how concerns over public safety and the Olympic Games are shaping next generation digital networks. Presenting a network-centric perspective to contextualize digital development politically, economically and socially, as well as in relation to globalization, urbanization and sustainability, this book builds on fi rsthand experience to explain the formulation and implementation of key policy decisions. It describes the revolutionary changes of the 1980s, including privatization and color television and the thorough restructuring that created a telecommunications sector. It then goes on to explore the roles of government leadership, international development and education in affecting the diffusion of broadband mobile communication, before weighing up the positive and negative aspects of Korea’s vibrant new digital media. Seeking to identify aspects of the Korean experience from which developing countries around the world could benefi t, this book will be of interest to students, scholars and policymakers interested in communications technologies, Korean studies and developmental studies.

Achieving Sustainable Development in the Republic of Korea and Globally