Sport in Korea: History, development, management

Korea has become a powerful force in global sport, with South Korea finishing fifth in the medals table at London 2012 and hosting the Winter Olympics in 2018. This book brings together scholars from disciplines including sport history, sociology, journalism, economics, sport development, and sport management to explore the significance of sport in contemporary Korea. Presenting a variety of international perspectives, it plots the dynamic evolution of sport in Korea and envisions the possibilities for its future.

Each chapter focuses on a key topic of current relevance, such as sport in the context of shifting relations between North and South Korea, or the role of sport in the expression of Korean nationalism. Arguing that individuals, institutions, businesses, and governments have actively leveraged or exploited sport to influence developments in various social, economic, cultural, and political arenas, this book sheds new light on the importance of sport as a catalyst for change in Korea.

This is indispensable reading for any student or scholar with an interest in sport, history, and culture in Korea.

Dae Hee Kwak is Associate Professor of Sport Management and Director of the Center for Sport Marketing Research at the University of Michigan, USA

Yong Jae Ko is Associate Professor in the Department of Tourism, Recreation, and Sport Management and Director of Advanced Sport Marketing Research Lab at the University of Florida, USA

Inkyu Kang is Associate Professor of Journalism in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Penn State University, USA

Mark Rosentraub is Professor of Sport Management and Director of the Center for Sport and Policy at the University of Michigan, USA