In the 1960s, the world's political landscape swayed violently under the influence of the Cold War. The two camps of the United States and the Soviet Union competed for influence on a global scale, and small countries became pawns in the game of great powers. Especially in Southeast Asia, the outbreak of the Vietnam War became an important battlefield of the Cold War. In order to curb the spread of communism, the United States invested huge resources to support the South Vietnamese government, while also mobilizing its allies to participate in the war. Among these allies, South Korea's role is particularly special. After the Korean War, South Korea's economy was weak and politically unstable, and it urgently needed external support to maintain the country's operation and development.
On a cool morning in 1964, in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, the atmosphere at the presidential palace was extremely tense. President Park Chung-hee and his top military adviser have an urgent discussion in a secret room.
"We have to make a choice, do we continue to rely on foreign aid, or do we find a new path?" said Park Chung-hee, who was firm and powerful.
"Participation in the Vietnam War could be an opportunity. The military adviser replied, with a complicated glint in his eyes.
Park Chung-hee nodded, he knew that this was not only a military operation, but also a big gamble on economics and politics. Once a decision is made, it will change the fate of the entire country.
The South Korean government quickly moved into close consultation with the United States. The U.S. government, out of strategic considerations for the fight against communism in Asia, gladly accepted South Korea's request to enter the war and promised strong economic and military support.
From 1965 to 1973, South Korea sent more than 300,000 troops to Vietnam. These young South Korean soldiers, many of whom knew little about the war, were told it was for the future of the country.
"We are fighting for freedom, for our homeland. These are the words of a South Korean company commander to the recruits before leaving for Vietnam.
The brutality of war was soon experienced by these soldiers. Guerrilla warfare, mines and ambushes in the rainforest became their daily routine. In addition to fighting, the South Korean government sees other opportunities — economic opportunities.
U.S. support for South Korea is not only military, but also includes a lot of economic aid. These funds and resources are used to build infrastructure, develop heavy industry, and upgrade education and technology. Some South Korean companies have also begun to undertake the logistical supply tasks of the US military in Vietnam, gaining valuable income and experience from them.
As a result, the government's domestic policy has also changed. In 1965, the Park Chung-hee government adopted a series of economic development programs that were not only supported by the United States, but also attracted international investment. South Korea began to gradually transform from an agricultural country to an industrial country.
With the official end of the Vietnam War in 1973, the structure of South Korea's economy has changed dramatically. Although the war took a heavy toll on the war, with tens of thousands of soldiers killed and families torn apart, the economic benefits of the war also laid the foundation for South Korea's modernization. By the end of the 70s of the 20th century, South Korea had become one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and was known as the "Asian Tigers" along with Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.
For South Korea, the Vietnam War was both a painful pain and a catalyst for a leap forward in modernization. When we look back at those journeys that have crossed thousands of mountains and rivers, we can't help but sigh: the wheel of history is cruel, and it will not stop because of the will of any individual. The example of South Korea shows us that the development of a country often needs to find its own way in the wind and rain.