IROKS Volume 3, 2006

The International Review of Korean Studies (IROKS)

The International Review of Korean Studies (IROKS) is the official publication of Korea Australasia Research Centre (KAREC), The University of New South Wales. The IROKS solicits and welcomes research in all topics related to Korean Studies. The journal’s scope includes Language and Language Education, Literature, History, Anthropology, Political Science, Business and Management, Economics and other Humanities and Social Sciences.

Volume 3, Number 1, 2006

[Articles]

Spillover Effects of Foreign Direct Investment: The Perspectives of Korean Local Manufacturing
Pages: 1–22
Youngok Kim

Abstract: The present study explores the nature and extent of spillovers generated by FDI to the South Korean manufacturing industry, as perceived by indigenous Korean firms. The overall results show that foreign firms in Korea are perceived to create positive spillovers, especially through advancement of the management techniques and technological standards of the country’s domestic firms. Furthermore, significantly higher levels of spillovers are found in low-technology industries where Korean firms are competitive. This appears to support the assertion that domestic firms’ absorptive capacity is critical in utilising superior technology and knowledge transmitted by foreign multinational enterprises (MNEs). However, the findings of this study need to be interpreted with caution, given certain methodological limitations, e.g. a simplistic measurement of spillover effects and the failure to account for differences in the level of foreign share in each industry.

The Evolution and Policy Context of Youth Policy in the Republic of Korea
Pages: 23–38
Bambang Shergi Laksmono

Abstract: This article explores the nature of youth policy in the Republic of Korea, looking broadly into its essential elements, the way it has evolved, and the institutions established for its implementation. It also identifies the various forms of international treaties that impinge on the national social development agenda relating to youth affairs in the country. In essence youth policy comprises youth protection and youth development, together with a recognition of the structures important to the policy’s national implementation. A well-conceived youth policy is critical to the sustainability of Korea’s economy and is considered to be a major factor contributing to the nation’s capacity to compete and prosper in world markets.

Non-Verbal Communication between Korean Administrators and Thai Employees
Pages: 39–58
Tassanee Thantawanit, Ratchanee Vongsumitr and Chanchala Sivamard

Abstract: Non-verbal communication among Korean administrators and Thai employees could be divided into seven categories: body language, eye contact, voice, appearance, touch, space and place, and time. Korean administrators comprehended that Thai employees were too slow. Though they are seen as polite, considerate and optimistic, they did not make significant eye contact and spoke promptly. They were well groomed and dressed neatly but did not see the significance in using safety gear. Thai employees congregated only among people of their comfort zone and of the same sex and sat isolated from the Korean party. Thai employees, on the other hand, felt that Koreans were observing them, due to the fact that they located their desks at the back row. Punctuality and time utilization were factors not important for Thai employees. Thai employees realized that Korean administrators were prompt, serious looking, quick tempered and self-confident. Koreans made straight eye contact, spoke loudly and solidly like they were in a disputation, and they dressed neatly. They pat the Thai employees’ head, shoulder, and back for encouragement and to cheer them on. Korean administrators honored the Thai foreman by calling them independently to their office when there were some mistakes and some orders. Punctuality and time utilization were very important factors for Korean administrators. There were three major factors behind their differentiation of non-verbal communication: 1) geographic factors, 2) historical events, and 3) religions, beliefs and values. Furthermore, the result of this research aligns with studies by Geert Stede on cultural values and how they are reflected in work practices.

Substitution Errors by English L1-KFL Learners: Nominative -by-Accusative
Pages: 59–90
Seong-Chul Shin

Abstract: This study aims to examine the grammatical constructions associated with the frequent substitution of the nominative particle (-i/-ka) by the accusative particle (-ul/-lul) made by English L1-KFL learners and provide a strategy for the facilitation of Korean language learning and pedagogical improvement. The study explores the sentential constructions that ‘trigger’ such substitutions and attempts to give linguistic and pedagogical explanations. As a pedagogical strategy, the study proposes to use Korean-oriented English sentence constructions such as ‘As for X+Top/Nom, Y+Nom Z-Predicate’.

On the Choice of a Romanisation System
Pages: 91–106
Jae-young Han and Gi-Hyun Shin

Abstract: Romanisation is a matter of choice, not something that leads to a question of whether it is right or wrong. This paper reviews major features of the three most widely used romanisation systems in Korean Studies: the McCune-Reischauer system, the Yale system, and the Revised Romanization of Korean system, and argues that each of them serves its purpose.

[Korean Studies Updates]

The Undergraduate Korean Studies Program in the University of Indonesia and the Continuity of Korean Studies in Indonesia
Pages: 107–118
Ida Sundari Husen and Christine T. Bachrun

Perspectives on Korean-Vietnamese Co-operation and Korean Studies
Pages: 119–134
Do Thu Ha

Abstract: In 1992 diplomatic relations were established between Vietnam and Korea. Since then, political, economic and cultural ties between the two countries have grown in a spirit of friendship and mutual cooperation, and will continue to do so into the future. This paper is in two parts. A: discussion of the reasons why the process of cultural integration has been to Vietnam’s benefit over its long history: Vietnam has the advantage of being situated on a peninsular. Vietnam is well-placed to play a significant social and political role in Indochina and Southeast Asia. Due to regional cultural conditions, Vietnam can relate to both Southeast Asian –Australian cultures and East-Asian ones. As a country that identifies more with an East Asian than a Southeast Asian culture, Vietnam is in a favorable position to enjoy fruitful and fast-growing relations with Korea. B: A review and analysis of relations between Vietnam and Korea since 1992 and the role of Korean Studies. In its conclusion, the paper looks at future prospects for relations between the two countries.

Korean Studies in Southeast Asia: Networks for Today and Tomorrow
Pages: 135–144
Choi Kim Yok and Chung-Sok Suh

[Book Review]

Review of The Global Korean Motor Industry: The Hyundai Motor Company’s Global Strategy by Russell D. Lansbury, Chung-Sok Suh and Seung-Ho Kwon.
Pages: 145–146
Christopher Leggett

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The International Journal of Korean Studies (IROKS)

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