Eurocentrism and Development in Korea

Under the global hegemony of the West, societies have interpreted the world and defined their identities through the frameworks of Eurocentric discourses. Since the mid-twentieth century, Eurocentrism has tended to be associated with economic developmentalism. The discourse of seonjinguk (developed country) has been a dominant Eurocentric developmental discourse in Korea.

However, in what historical contexts have the Koreans set seonjinguk as their national goal and yardstick to judge nation...