National Informatization Policy in Korea: A Historical Reflection and Policy Implications

This study examines, from a historical and macro perspective, the national informatization strategy that Korea has pursued over the past 40 years which laid the foundation for the rise of Korea as one of the leading countries in the digital revolution today. In particular, the informatization process is divided into five phases from the 1980s to the present, and analyzed in three aspects – main policies and plans, policy implementation system and structure, and major laws. And based on the previous research results, the success factors of informatization in Korea are discussed in terms of policy actors and institutions, policy implementation process, and policy environment. After examining the limitations of Korea’s informatization policy, policy implications for developing countries are drawn in terms of policy process, policy design, and policy instruments.