Significance of the Archvies
Success Story of Rural Modernization
The Archives of Saemaul Undong are historical records of rural development that took place in all 33,267 villages in Korea caught up in a vicious cycle of poverty due to colonization, the Korean War, the oil shock, the South-North confrontation and extreme food shortage. It includes success stories of farm villages that overcame poverty and other hardships, as well as the passion and sacrifice of Saemaul leaders, national leaders and public officials.
Proof of Voluntary Participation of Villagers
The success of the SU movement was possible only because of the voluntary participation and the self-help spirit of villagers. The Archives of Saemaul Undong is a record of mindset change and revolution, arousing a sense of ownership and a frontier spirit among farmers, women and Saemaul Leaders by providing them with various educational opportunities. At the same time, it is a record of rural development accomplished by the voluntary participation of villagers.
Materials for International Social Development
Korea’s ultra-high-speed development and its SU movement are unprecedented worldwide. The Archives of Saemaul Undong are extremely valuable not only as a means for retracing past glory but more importantly as a tool for achieving future growth. Visitors from developing countries in Asia, Africa and other parts of the world coming to Korea to learn about the SU movement refer to the Archives of Saemaul Undong to accomplish their own goals – whether it be eradicating poverty, achieving rural development or increasing women’s social status.