Conservatism in South Korea

Conservatism in South Korea is a political and social philosophy under the influences from Korean culture, from Confucianism, as well as from the Western culture due to the intense Westernisation of the country. South Korean conservative parties largely believe in stances such as a developmental state, economic liberalism, strong national defence, anti-communism, pro-communitarianism, pro-Western and pro-United States, giving assistance to anti-communist North Korean defectors, supporting international sanctions and opposing human rights abuses in North Korea.

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 modernisation 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 and Han Dong-hoon are notable examples 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 anarchism, communism, socialism and liberalism and refer to themselves as anti-socialists. They are distinct from the general liberals in South Korea.