Armed forces and national development in Korea.

Abstract

During the last thirty years, Korean society has experienced a significant increase in the role, influence, responsibility, and expertise of the military. The role and contribution of the military has been extensive for the nation-building of the newly independent country, the maintenance of national security, economic and social development, and to the cultivation of nationalism and national spirit. Even though the military is composed of all strata of society and contains the same ideology and values as the civilian population, there still exists a communication and understanding gap between the military and civilian population. In order to decrease this gap and enhance mutual understanding, the military must take active effort to improve public relations through an increasing awareness of what the military does in Korea, and how it supports civilian population activities.