Conservatism in South Korea

Conservatism in South Korea is a political and social philosophy characterized by Korean culture and from Confucianism, as well as from the Western culture due to the intense Westernization of the country. South Korean conservative parties largely believe in stances such as a developmental state, pro-business, opposition to trade unions, strong national defence, anti-communism, pro-communitarianism, pro-Western (consisting of pro-United States, pro-Japanese, pro-European, pro-NATO, pro-United Kingdom and pro-CANZUK views) in foreign relations, giving assistance to anti-communist North Korean defectors, pro-sanctions and opposing the human rights abuses in North Korea, and recently free trade, economic liberalism, and neoliberalism.

Starting from the dictatorship of Syngman Rhee, South Korean conservatism has been influenced from the military dictatorships of Park Chung-hee and Chun Doo-hwan. In domestic policy, South Korean conservatism has a strong elitist streak and promotes rapid modernization and social stability.

Since the mid-to-late 2010s, conservatives with right-wing populist tendencies have become more prominent in the public sphere. Hong Joon-pyo is a notable example of a right-wing populist in Korea.

Unlike conservatives in the Anglosphere, conservatives in South Korea often define themselves as liberals. Both groups fervently denounce socialism and refer to themselves as anti-socialists. They are distinct from the general liberals in South Korea.