Connected Yet Distinct: The Evolution and Role of Korean Public Administration in Bridging Theory and Practice

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Park, Jinsol; Hur, Hyungjo; Kim, Sangmook; Lee, Keon-Hyung; Choi, Donwe
• 署名单位: Inha University; Konkuk University; Seoul National University of Science & Technology; State University System of Florida; Florida State University; Hanyang University
• 刊物名称: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REVIEW
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0033-3352; 1540-6210
• DOI: 10.1111/puar.70110
• 发表日期: 2026-07
• 页码: 1141-1159
• 关键词: government-academia relations; South Korea; the state of Korean public administration; education; state

摘要

Over the past seven decades, South Korea has developed a distinctive trajectory in its public administration (PA) through balancing the domains of research, education, and engagement with government. Our analysis shows that it embodies a connected yet distinct character, closely linked to Western administrative science and global PA scholarship, yet continually reshaped by Korea's bureaucratic culture, Confucian legacies, and pragmatic governance needs. To map this evolution systematically, we examine the entire Korean PA ecosystem by (1) analyzing 4447 scholarly articles published in four leading domestic and international journals over the past two decades, (2) reviewing PA curricula across Korean universities, and (3) tracing government-funded research projects and faculty appointments to senior public positions over the same period. The findings suggest that the strong institutional linkages between research, education, and government have enhanced Korea's administrative capacity and responsiveness, while also highlighting the need for greater intellectual independence and theoretical inquiry.