Memory of the World- Republic of Korea

Archives of Saemaul Undong (New Community Movement)

Archives of Saemaul Undong: 1) Documentary materials produced by the Office of the President 2) Documentary materials produced by central and local administrative agencies 3) Documentary materials on Saemaul Undong from individual villages 4) Documentary materials on success stories of Saemaul leaders and their letters 5) Letters from citizens, organizations and business corporations, and donation certificates 6) Documentary materials produced by Saemaul Undong Training Institute

The Archives of Saemaul Undong (literally, New Community Movement or New Village Movement) includes presidential speeches, government papers, village documents, letters, manuals, photographs and video clips related to Saemaul Undong conducted from 1970 to 1979 in the Republic of Korea..

South Korea today is a benchmarking model for many developing countries and is the only country in the world that has achieved rapid economic growth and democratization in the wake of colonial rule and war. Saemaul Undong marked the first step in this remarkable journey. During 1970-1979, Korea’s average farm household income jumped from $825 to $4,602, setting a milestone in poverty reduction. The spirit of “Diligence, Self-help and Cooperation” spread widely among the rural population. The movement laid the foundation for Korea to grow into a major economy from one of the world’s poorest countries. The experience of the Korean people in this process is a valuable asset for humankind.

Between 1970 and 2011, some 53,000 public officials and village leaders from 129 nations visited Korea to learn about Saemaul Undong. Archival materials included in this nomination have been used to inform programs emulating the movement in 157 villages in 18 countries.