ABSTRACT
The Seoul Olympics, which took place over 30 years ago, had a significant impact on South Korean society, which is best explained by reference to theories of globalisation and mega-events. This chapter uses qualitative methods and a variety of data sources to evaluate the domestic impact of the Games in relation to culture, politics, sport and economics. Having addressed the evidence within the context of wider sociological debates concerning globalisation, it is suggested that hosting a mega-event on this scale helped to accelerate South Korea’s modernisation process and its emergence on the global stage.
