Transformation process

The giant iconic fish installation made of coloured wood chips, at the entrance of Gamcheon Cultural Village in Busan. Photos: Hoo Ban Khee

Officially, South Korea is still at war with North Korea. But this has not deterred the over 50 million hardworking and strong-willed South Koreans from growing their country into one of Asia’s powerhouses through innovation, artistic talents, and strong marketing skills.

An economic miracle transformed South Korea into one of the four Asian dragons in the 1980’s. But it was almost slain by the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990’s, only to rise swiftly to become one of Asia’s best. It is quite an amazing story.