Majority of Koreans Feel Proud of Their History

The majority of Koreans say they are proud of the 60-year history of the Republic of Korea.

The results of a poll released yesterday found that 64.9 percent say they are proud of their country’s history and 59.6 percent express satisfaction being citizens.

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Republic of Korea and the 63rd Liberation Day, The Dong-A Ilbo surveyed 1,000 Korean adults Wednesday.

The study showed 21.3 percent expressing shame over the country’s 60-year history and 6.4 percent saying they are unsatisfied with the nation’s modern history.

On the political leader who made the biggest contribution to national development, 56 percent chose President Park Chung-hee. Hyundai Group founder Chung Ju-yung (49.6 percent) was named the country’s biggest contributor to economic growth.

The biggest conflict cited in the country was that between rich and poor (48.1 percent), followed by ideological clash (22.1 percent), regional conflict (18.1 percent) and generational conflict (6.4 percent).

On which country South Korea should maintain the closest ties with, 49.8 percent chose the United States, 22.9 percent China and 9.3 percent North Korea.

On power structure, 37.7 percent supported a two-term presidency of four years each and 21.2 percent backed the five-year single-term presidency. Only 11.5 percent wanted to introduce a parliamentary system of government.

On the performance of President Lee Myung-bak, 25.4 percent answered "good" and 67.3 percent "bad."

About a third of the respondents said the president should put the highest priority on inflation stability, 30 percent said economic revival and 12.5 percent social integration.

yongari@donga.com