The fourth edition of the SAIS U.S.-Korea Yearbook chronicles important developments in North and South Korea that characterized their relations in 2009. Each chapter was written by SAIS students in the course, “The Two Koreas: Contemporary Research and Record,” in the fall of 2009. Their insights were based not only on extensive reading and study, but also on numerous interviews conducted with government officials, scholars, NGO workers, academics and private sector experts in both Washington and Seoul.

The Yearbook is divided into four parts: Korea’s Regional Relations, Governance in South Korea, South Korea on the International Stage, and North Korea. Part I delves into South Korea’s evolving relations with China, North Korea and Central Asia, relationships that have not only deepened in recent years, but have grown more complex. Part II then turns inward, taking a closer look at the dynamics of South Korea’s domestic politics as Seoul took on a more prominent international role. Part III looks outward and analyzes the opening of South Korea’s legal market, its relations with the United States, and its role in the G20. Finally, Part IV examines the domestic and international politics surrounding North Korea’s nuclear weapons and the Kaesong Industrial Project.

Download the full report: 2009 SAIS U.S.-Korea Yearbook. Or follow the links below to explore chapters and individual papers.

Student authors include: Tze Chin “Alvin” Wong, Paul Elliott, Sogaku Miyamoto, Ian Howard, Kee Hoon Chung, Jason Park, Momoko Sato, Neil K. Shenai, Nick Borst, Naoko Aoki, Zander Lanfried, Sarah Yun

Part I: Korea's Regional Relations

Part I delves into South Korea's evolving relations with its Asian neighbors. [Read More]

Part II: Governance in South Korea

Part II turns inward, taking a closer look at the dynamics of South Korea's domestic politics as Seoul took on a more prominent international role. [Read More]

Part III: South Korea on the International Stage

Part III looks outward and analyzes the opening of South Korea's legal market, its relations with the United States, and its role in the G20. [Read More]

Part IV: North Korea

Part IV examines the domestic and international politics surrounding North Korea's nuclear weapons and the inter-Korean joint economic ventures. [Read More]