National human resource development revisited in the Republic of Korea

Since 2001, the concept, scope, and policies of National Human Resource Development (NHRD) in the Republic of Korea (South Korea, hereafter, Korea) have been under academic debate and policy experimentation. This article presents an in-depth case study of the evolution of NHRD models, policies, and outcomes in Korea, especially since 1998. Budget, support organizations, outcomes, barriers, and limitations of Korean NHRD were identified and analyzed. Implications provide insights not only for countries that already have NHRD policies, including Korea, but also for countries that may wish to have an NHRD vision and strategies for their national economic and social development.