A reflection on South Korea’s broadband success

Abstract

Drawing on the extant literature on information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Korea, this essay identifies and discusses three factors that have contributed to Korea’s broadband achievements. The first factor is the Korean state’s long-term objectives, including policy principles. The second is regulatory decisions, including late privatization. The third factor is unique attributes of Korea, including population density and the aftermath of the Asian Financial Crisis. The essay also discusses Korea’s ICT successes alongside its ‘English Fever’.