3 ms·
In 1970s when South Korea was still relatively poor, its government undertook national transportation infrastructure project connecting key cities. For years,
by pcurve 13y ago
In 1970s when South Korea was still relatively poor, its government undertook national transportation infrastructure project connecting key cities. For years, there were hardly any cars on these new highways, and they became butt of people's joke. Considering SK's GDP was $300-$400/year back then, it was an understandable reaction. But after 10-15 years, no one was laughing.
- bane 13y agoI'd probably also bring up that building up a car culture in SK caused a domestic demand for product, which the government could then foster with protectionist tariffs. It took a while, but as a consequence, these days nobody laughs at seeing a Hyundai or a Kia on the road. And the entire SK economy got a huge technological boost as well as countless "feeder" industries that provide products to the car companies. But of course, SK also managed to cram in world class subway development, world class bullet train and two world class long haul passenger airlines into the economic development model as well. It's almost Elon Musk audacious.