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🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

Saemaul Undong Evolves into a 'Korean-Style Development Cooperation Model' Aiding Global Self-Reliance

From Hankyoreh · (5m ago) Korean Positive tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) celebrated its 56th anniversary, declaring a new era with 2 million members and expanding its role internationally.
  • The movement is now a global cooperation model, assisting developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America with community-driven development projects.
  • Through training programs and the Saemaul Globalization Foundation, South Korea shares its rural development experience, fostering self-reliance and global prosperity.

The Saemaul Undong, a movement that once spearheaded South Korea's modernization, is now evolving into a beacon of hope for developing nations. As we celebrate the 56th anniversary and the milestone of 2 million members, it's clear that the spirit of diligence, self-help, and cooperation is resonating globally.

Our 'Global Saemaul Undong Pilot Village Project' is actively transforming communities in 11 countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Residents are empowered to identify and solve their own development challenges, embodying the core values of Saemaul. The praise from Zambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango, who noted the movement's inspirational impact, underscores its effectiveness.

The 'Saemaul Training' program is a cornerstone of this global endeavor. Since 1973, we have trained over 68,000 leaders from 150 countries, building a robust international network. The success story of a Zimbabwean villager who doubled their income using advanced farming techniques learned during training exemplifies the tangible results of this practical, hands-on education.

The expansion of the Saemaul Globalization League (SGL) to 51 countries and the launch of the 'Saemaul Diplomacy Group' highlight South Korea's commitment to leveraging this movement as a key public diplomacy asset. By fostering intergovernmental cooperation and sharing policy insights, we aim to integrate the Saemaul model into national rural development strategies worldwide.

Crucially, we are engaging the younger generation through university Saemaul clubs and youth initiatives. These young Koreans are not just volunteers; they are catalysts for sustainable globalization, bringing fresh energy and a deep understanding of the Saemaul spirit to pilot villages. This movement is more than just aid; it's a practical approach to tackling global poverty and climate challenges, empowering communities to become agents of their own change and solidifying South Korea's experience as a model for a new era of global prosperity.

Saemaul Undong is giving inspiration and hope to Zambia.

— Mutale NalumangoZambian Vice President Mutale Nalumango praised the Saemaul Undong movement during a visit to a pilot village in Kapue, Zambia.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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