A Study on the political culture in provinces of Korea: A case study in Gongju and Seosan of Chungcheongnam-Do

Abstract

As heading forth to the 21st century of the age of localization, the demand for studies in politics, economy, history and culture of local areas has been increasing. At this point of time, this study aims to study the view of the residents in provincial areas in parts of political culture such as national values, awareness and system of conviction, to see how these develop, and to suggest further improvements in such aspects. This paper is focused especially on the citizens of Gongju and Seosan at Chungcheongnam-Do and examines the feature of political culture in these areas.<BR> I analyzed the awareness based on the 8 values of political culture suggested by Lasswell, enquired whether they felt any regional discrimination in the two cities, and examined the thoughts on individualism, group consciousness, and personnel connections. As a result, the two cities have shown difference due to environmental factors including region, culture, politics, and economics. The participation in local administration yet appeared to be low as in a meaning of active participation and they appeared to have a distance from the structure of authorities in provincial governing. I presume that this could be overcome through revitalizing the local parliament. The local parliament should have a firm ownership as the representation of the residents of the regional community and should put positive and active efforts to take in charge of local administration as a main authority, and also should lead the society by promoting public opinion as well as solve regional disputes and troubles. These are the roles of the local parliament. I expect that by performing such duties, the local parliament could renew the local political culture and through the respected culture, we could better promote a great age of localization.