Abstract

One aspect of newly emerging global change in the IT era of 21st century is that culture is not merely a set of value concepts in life but a valuable commodity, capital in itself as well as a source of creativity to be winner in gradually more competitive, narrowing global market. As 'creativity' catches more national attention, so does the word of 'culture.' Recently, Korea finds herself in the midst of turmoil, stemming both from inside and outside. She should be more competitive, effective in outside, and more transparent, fair, and trustwsorthy inside. Social solidarity and trust are the engine of national development. The textile of social development is woven by two threads of institution as well as culture. And then, what is the problem, and what should be done in Korea? In this problematique lies the aim of the article: The paper intends to illuminate, analyse in-depth the unprecedented challenge and difficulties Korea is now facing, the way of restructuring and realizing national goals, in the aspect of 'culture,' so as to make possible future development. The article comprises 6 parts: following the introductory part, it overviews newly emerging trends and features of 21st century IT era. And then, examines the reality of changing state role in this changing environment prior to looking at Korean reality. Then, it overviews Korean development tasks as well as her vision for the next two decades up to year 2020. Korean 'cultural inclination'(文化定向) is broadly examined and analysed in-depth as a way to find a solution to Korean problematiques. Finally, the paper concludes by proposing answers to the question of 'what should be done?'