This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the profound transformations in the cultural and physical landscapes of South Korea, with an interdisciplinary approach that draws from anthropology, sociology, and human geography. The authors delve into the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in a nation that has experienced rapid development, technological innovation, and significant socio-cultural changes.

With contributions from experts across various fields, this book examines how South Korea’s distinctive path of modernisation is reshaping both the tangible and intangible aspects of its society. Organised around four key themes—Gender and the Media Landscape, Religion and Social Movements, the Ethno-racial Landscape, and the Traditional Landscape—it presents diverse perspectives on the interconnected forces driving rapid societal change. Together, these insights offer a nuanced understanding of one of the world’s most dynamic societies. This book is an essential resource for scholars, students, and practitioners in South Korean and East Asian studies, as well as the broader disciplines of cultural geography, anthropology, and sociology.