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Review Article Volume 12 Issue 1
South Korea’s economic development model and its contributions to emerging economies
Cristiane Vanessa Alves de Oliveira
Received: October 01, 2026 | Published: February 25, 2026
Citation: Oliveira CVA. South Korea’s economic development model and its contributions to emerging economies. Int Rob Auto J. 2026;12(1):42-46. DOI: 10.15406/iratj.2026.12.00315
Abstract
South Korea is widely recognized as a paradigmatic case of economic transformation in recent decades, having evolved from a war-torn country into an industrial and technological powerhouse. This article aims to analyze the main pillars of the South Korean development model and to discuss its applicability to emerging economies. Using a narrative and integrative literature review, the study examines the role of the state, the formation of large business conglomerates (chaebols), investments in education, science, and technology, and the country’s strategic integration into the global economy. The findings indicate that the Korean development model combines state coordination, technological innovation, exportoriented industrial policy, and economic diplomacy in a synergistic manner. However, while this model offers valuable lessons for late-developing economies, its replication is constrained by institutional capacity, geopolitical conditions, and persistent challenges related to social inequality.
Keywords: economic development, South Korea, emerging economies, developmental state, technological innovation
©2026 Oliveira. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.