Korean Identity: Frequency Table from the 3rd EAI Civic Politics Panel Survey

October 2005 Survey on Korean Identity

The 3rd Civic Politics Panel Survey

The Republic of Korea, celebrating its 60th anniversary of liberation, has not yet escaped turbulent times. The history of Korea, which began with division and poverty, has developed into a developed country, ranking 10th in global trade and achieving a successful democratization myth as of 2005. However, behind the bright side, a dark side also exists. North and South Korea remain divided even after the Cold War, and internally, divisions based on region, generation, and ideology weigh heavily on Korea's progress toward the future.

This dual history appears to have brought both light and shadow to the national identity. On one hand, there seems to be a greater sense of pride in Korea's global standing, fueled by slogans of "Republic of Korea" and the "Taegeukgi" flag. On the other hand, there is a palpable tension stemming from confinement within narrow identities such as "progressive and conservative," "pro-American" and "anti-American," and "ruling party" and "opposition party." It remains to be seen whether the current identity confusion experienced by the public will serve as a positive catalyst for integration into a new identity or lead to the fragmentation and loss of national identity.

With the aim of examining the "past" and "present" of the "Republic of Korea" and exploring a "vision for the future," the EAI Civic Politics Panel and the JoongAng Ilbo have jointly planned the "Survey on Korean Identity." The survey focuses on the questions, "Who are Koreans, and what does the Republic of Korea mean to them?" Korea Research conducted the actual survey as a collaborative partner. The survey was conducted through individual interviews from August 31 to September 16, targeting 1,038 adult men and women nationwide using stratified sampling based on regional, gender, and age quotas. The sampling error is ±3.0% at a 95% confidence level. The results were compiled and published by the JoongAng Ilbo on October 13 and 14.

Survey Methodology

Survey Sponsor: Hyundai, JoongAng Ilbo
Target Population: Adults aged 20 and over
Survey Area: Nationwide
Valid Sample: 1,038 individuals
Survey Method: Face-to-face interviews using a standardized questionnaire
Sampling Method: Quota Sampling based on regional, gender, and age population proportions
Sampling Error: ±3.0% at a 95% confidence level
Survey Dates: August 31 - September 16, 2005

EAI Civic Politics Panel

Chair: Kang Won-taek (Soongsil University)

Members: Kim Byung-kook (Director, EAI; Professor, Korea University, Political Science and International Relations), Kim Min-jeon (Professor, Kyung Hee University, General Education), Kim Jang-soo (Full-time Research Instructor, Korea University, BK Program), Kim Tae-hyun (Graduate School of International Studies, Chung-Ang University), Lee Nae-young (Korea University, Political Science and International Relations), Lee Jae-yeol (Seoul National University, Sociology), Lee Hyun-woo (Kyung Hee Cyber University, English and American Studies), Jung Won-chul (Senior Researcher, EAI), Jung Han-wool (Senior Researcher, EAI)

JoongAng Ilbo: Shin Chang-woon (Polls Specialist Reporter), Jeon Young-ki (Deputy Political Editor)