ABSTRACT
Saemaul Undong started in the 1970s in South Korea and is a successful example of national development addressing fundamental problems in rural development and as a means of escaping poverty. Specifically, though Saemaul Undong is called a movement based on the fact that it targeted underdeveloped regions, it can be also be considered a national development policy. Accordingly, the author suggests that the movement can be referred to as the Saemaul Development Model, or SDM. This is a Korean development model that can be shared with other nations. SDM is based on Saemaul Undong’s mindset, methods and mechanisms and can be customized to the circumstances of any nation; the Saemaul Development Network was established for the purpose of disseminating SDM throughout the international community so that people everywhere can enjoy improved standards of living and lead dignified lives. This chapter discusses the basic structures and systems of SDM with consideration towards flexibly adapting for other developing nations, focusing on the concepts, principles, mindset, practices, procedures and projects related to Saemaul Development.
