The Modern Transformation of “Shin-to-Buli”: The Duality of Korean Cultural Identity and Its Exploration of Global Development

Abstract

“Shin-to-Buli” has played multiple roles in Korea’s modernization process. It has not only promoted Korea’s economic development, effectively responded to development crises, and facilitated the overseas dissemination of local culture, but also, due to extreme interpretations of the concept, has given rise to issues such as social discrimination and cultural centrism. In the context of globalization, facing the dual demands of open development and the preservation of locality, Korea needs to promote the modern transformation of “Shin-to-Buli,” realizing a shift in industry from protection to cooperation, in social identity from blood-based connection to the cohesion of shared values, and in culture from exclusivity to the integration of diverse civilizations. While maintaining local cultural characteristics, it should actively integrate into the global multicultural system and explore a balanced development path between locality and openness.