Paper short abstract:

This paper introduces Saemaul Undong, Korea's rural development model, which is now exported as an ODA. It is an innovative ODA model which encourages and respects autonomy of ODA recipients by leavng the decision-making up to villages completely.

Paper long abstract:

This research investigates Saemaul Undong, Korea's rural development movement during the mid-late twentieth century. It consists of three parts: firstly, description of Saemaul Undong in Korea; secondly, illustration of Saemaul Undong as an ODA; finally, aligning the key element of Saemaul Undong, respecting autonomy and responsibility of villagers, with the ethical principles from Rawls' social justice and Sen's collective choice.

Korea's central government initiated Saemaul Undong in order to save the rural area from the war-ridden situation. It focused on small scale villages with the minimal involvement of the government. The government's involvement was to provide parcels of cement to each village. Then, it was completely up to villagers for decision-making and implementation. This interaction between the government and villagers is the crucial element for its success, resulting in seeding autonomy and responsibility of villagers for their village's development.

Saemaul Undong has been exported to rural areas in low-income countries and certified as the UNESCO's best practice for rural development. A case of Uganda's Saemaul Undong proves how the decision-making process was up to villagers. Its encouragement and respect for villagers' autonomy is a crucial element that complements the ethical gaps of sustainability by enlarging choices of individuals in low income countries.

In conclusion, this paper establishes that Saemaul Undong is an innovative ODA which breaks the dichotomist separation between recipients and providers of ODA.