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Kimchi and IT: Tradition and Transformation in Korea

「Kimchi and IT: Tradition and Transformation in Korea」 provides a comprehensive overview of the past and present of Korea, along with making a persuasive argument that the driving force of the Korean people can be found in their collective sense of “we-ness.”

Korea is indeed a mysterious country to foreign eyes. Although squeezed between China and Japan, it maintains a unique culture as well a language of its own: Hangeul. From the ruins of the Korean War, it has steadily developed its manufacturing industries, while emerging today as an IT powerhouse of the digital information and communication sectors.
Foreigners often wonder about: “What makes Korea tick?” ‘Tick’ in fact can mean the sound made by the movement of a clock’s hands. Moreover, ‘tick’ implies curiosity and wonder about a clock’s internal mechanisms that enables its hands to move so precisely and automatically. Similarly, to understand Korea and its people, it is necessary to delve into the historical and cultural factors that lie beneath the surface.
「Kimchi and IT: Tradition and Transformation in Korea」 presents such a glimpse beneath the surface with a comprehensive overview of the past and present of Korea, along with making a persuasive argument that the driving force of the Korean people can be found in their collective sense of “we-ness.” A noteworthy strength of this book is that the author maintains a perspective of both an insider and an outsider, thanks to his familiarity with the cultures of the East and the West, which results in a balanced evaluation of Korea. Dr. Choong Soon Kim, the author, was raised in Korea and educated in the U.S., where he studied cultural anthropology. After spending some 30 years in the U.S., including serving as a professor at the University of Tennessee, he returned to Korea in 2001, and was appointed president of Korea Digital University. He writes about his personal experiences and analysis of Korea as a Korean and at times from the viewpoint of a foreigner, crossing between the boundaries of Korea and the U.S.
「Kimchi and IT」 does not rely on stereotypical descriptions to explain the uniqueness of the Korean people and the country’s notable development process. The author might have often been asked to describe why Korea and its people seem to be so driven. But apparently he has also asked himself this very question, while observing Korea from the U.S., which enables his references to be more honest and insightful in the eyes of readers.
In addition, the accounts about his personal life add vividness and familiarity to the modern history of Korea. The author, however, does not offer an unconditional endorsement or impractical interpretation of Korea’s rapid economic development. While recalling his experiences as a participant in the development of Choctaw Native-American community policy, he notes that he expressed his thoughts to a tribal chief of how practical assistance, such development plans, could contribute to the welfare of Native Americans. In his conclusion, the author makes note of socio-cultural matters, such as environment issues and acceptance of multiculturalism, that Korea must now address.
Foreigners residing in Korea and abroad, as well as university students, will find 「Kimchi and IT」 especially useful. With an introduction to Korea’s ancient and modern history, the book offers a delightful portrayal of the emergence of modern-day Korea. The superbly organized and detailed bibliography of references includes recent resources that are indispensable for any readers with an interest in further research.
It is noteworthy that a Korean scholar wrote this introductory book on Korea in English, and that its publication was made possible with systematic support from the Korea Foundation. All of this is evidence of the vastness of Korea’s future potential. What makes Korea tick is the capability that makes possible the publication of a book like 「Kimchi and IT: Tradition and Transformation in Korea」. Indeed, this book, as well as its IT industries and kimchi, symbolizes the inner strength of Korea and its people.

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