Page 6 - Memory of the World filled with Color_revised Edition_online

8 There are certain necessities that must be fulfilled to sustain the basic quality of life.
9
Out of all, nourishments would go as a top priority to run a healthy body and mind.
As such, ending hunger and maintaining a stable nutrition supply would be a crucial
starting point for secured social development. The Republic of Korea's 'Archives of
Saemaul Undong' is a documentary heritage conveying a significant leap in improving
poverty, food security, and agricultural development.
The first half of the 20th century was a very difficult time for Korea. After undergoing
◆
colonization and the subsequent Korean War , the country was left as one of the
poorest countries in the world. More than half of the population were exposed to
poverty and malnourishment alongside poor food security rates despite its high
farming population of 70%. This devastating situation was not the best condition
for the nations' betterment, giving the floor to Saemaul Undong ◆◆ , a government-
based movement initiated for
Japanese Colonial Rule of Korea (1910-1945), Korean War (1950-1953)
◆
When directly translated, ‘New Village (Saemaul) Movement (Undong)’.
◆◆ poverty extermination and rural
The term now refers to a community development movement aimed to development.
develop communities’ quality of life through a proactive manner
Saemaul Undong was conducted from 1970 to 1979, with its main catchphrase set
as "Diligence, Self-help, and Cooperation." The active participation of every villager,
community, and government was required for the movements' implementation and
progress. While central and local government bodies provided endless guidelines,
textbooks, training sessions, and leadership, citizens played their role through communal
participation. It started with tidying the social environment by taking care of the village
to deciding what facilities are necessary and what projects should be implemented for
the town's development.
It was a social-joint action enabling all participants, including the young, women,
and elderly, to gain a sense of ownership and responsibility for their community.
Through this process, they could overcome difficult situations with their self-capacity.
This national campaign reduced rural poverty rates and enhanced farming technology
and agricultural science. Not only did Saemaul Undong led in eradicating poverty and
malnourishment, but brought comprehensive changes such as improving women's
social status and the development of rural regions within the country.
Archives of Saemaul Undong provide insight on the systematic policies/guidelines and
the entire process of a national-scale movement. It has created numerous documents
of diverse formats, delivering the moments of carefully planned projects, transparent
use of budget, and spirit of the cooperative movement to overcome poverty and gain
a developmental basis. Today Saemaul Undong continues as a model case for many
developing states, used as an example and tool for overseas development assistance.
Archives of Saemaul Undong