The Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK), in collaboration with the Overseas Koreans Agency, has launched a Korean-language website titled The Development of Korea in the World to highlight Korea’s political and economic advancements in a way that can be included in global textbooks. This initiative is currently being promoted to seven million overseas Koreans worldwide.
Since the launch of the Korean-language site (ourpride.prkorea.com) in early February 2024, VANK has received continuous requests from Korean language school teachers, leaders of Korean communities, and overseas Koreans to develop an English-language version. The demand stems from the need for English-language materials to introduce Korea’s development to global textbook publishers.
In response, VANK has established an English-language website to support overseas Koreans in their efforts to include Korea’s achievements in educational materials used in their respective countries.
VANK’s decision to create an English version was largely driven by the rising global interest in Korea, as evidenced by the surging popularity of the Korean Wave (Hallyu), which surpassed 200 million global fans in 2024. As international students increasingly learn about Korea through school textbooks and online sources, the need for accurate and comprehensive information has never been greater.
However, many textbooks around the world still present a limited perspective on Korea, often focusing on topics such as the Japanese occupation or the Korean War. Additionally, some contain inaccuracies or incomplete information about Korea. This narrow scope prevents students from gaining a well-rounded understanding of the country.
Given that textbooks and school curricula play a crucial role in shaping students’ perceptions, it is essential to correct misinformation and introduce new narratives that accurately reflect Korea’s progress and contributions.
Among the many significant aspects of Korea’s history, VANK has placed special emphasis on Korea’s development.
In the aftermath of the Korean War, Korea had a per capita GDP of just $67 and was heavily reliant on foreign aid. However, within just a few decades, it transformed into one of the world’s top ten economies, joining the OECD. As of 2022, Korea’s GDP reached $1.673 trillion, ranking 13th globally. Remarkably, Korea became the first country to transition from an aid recipient to an aid donor.
In addition to its economic achievements, Korea rapidly established a strong democratic system, a process that took Western societies centuries to accomplish. Notably, Korea has been recognized as a “full democracy” by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), achieving a level of democracy comparable to the European Union average.
The Overseas Koreans Agency, under Commissioner Lee Key-cheol, has prioritized promoting Korea’s development in global textbooks as a key policy initiative. This effort is particularly significant as it simultaneously strengthens the identity of overseas Koreans and supports the younger generation’s integration into mainstream society in their host countries.
Recognizing the impact of Korea’s development as a compelling subject, VANK aims to actively promote its inclusion in international educational materials through its new English website.
The website, The Development of Korea in the World, is structured into three key sections:
▶ Textbooks and Korea’s Development
▶ Examples of Korea’s Development in Foreign Textbooks
▶ Overseas Koreans in Korea’s Development
VANK plans to widely promote the site to Korean language school teachers, Korean community organizations, and young overseas Koreans. The ultimate goal is to empower the global Korean diaspora to advocate for the inclusion of Korea’s development in textbooks published in their respective countries.
🔗 English Website for The Development of Korea in the World
https://ourpride.prkorea.com/english
Meanwhile, VANK signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Overseas Koreans Agency on September 11, 2023. Since then, both organizations have been collaborating with overseas Korean communities to promote Korea’s history, culture, and development, aiming to strengthen their national identity and connections with their homeland.