| "Rural
Saemaul Undong is a movement of loving our country and people,
sacrificing private interest and devoting ourselves to the welfare
of the nation", said President Park Chung Hee, when he launched
the programme in the early 1970s. The aim of the programme was to
achieve stability and prosperity through hard work and cooperation.
Rural Saemaul Undong was dedicated to rural development and matched
the desire of the rural population for a better future.
The
model had five principal components: ignition and stimulation
through material supply, project selection by village assembly,
community participation in planning and execution, and the
development of community confidence, pride and empowerment. The
effort has visibly contributed to progressive changes as well as
sound lifestyles in society.
Each
village elected its own men and women as leaders to motivate and aid
the community. Construction of village roads, small reservoirs,
channels, communication networks and village halls in 18,633
villages exceeded all targets. Gross investment totalled won 2.8
billion between 1971 and 1979; community contributions accounted for
49 per cent.
Saemaul
Undong is one of the most significant achievements in modern
history, attesting to the people's unswerving belief in the
movement. As a behavioural philosophy, it practices diligence,
self-help and cooperation. Its ultimate goal is to establish social
welfare through the development of friendly and cooperative
neighbourhoods, pleasant surroundings, a healthy society and a proud
country |
