Jan Ward finds South Korea hugely impressive

I have been to South Korea four or five times now, and it is astounding how go-ahead they are as a nation. When you consider the global brand names of Hyundai, LG, Samsung, Daewoo; all are South Korean yet this is not a highly populated country – how do they do it?

There is an excellent infrastructure and a fantastic education system. The youngsters I have met are phenomenal; the education programme they put them through seems amazing. They have world class EPC* contractors; I met with a lady in her 20’s who is already a senior procurement manager, so careers are really dynamic. 

The age structure in South Korea is interesting – close to 75% of the population is between 15 and 64**, so a strong workforce, with nearly 30% between 0-24 years, so a high proportion of young people. They are hardworking, dedicated, ambitious and highly educated – the work culture is to die for.

Everyone is using the latest technology, the latest IT, and driving efficiencies across the board including in their transport systems.

They really love technology and I think they have it right – unlike our own Government where Michael Gove seems to want us all to go back to the 1950’s and learn Latin.

We are very proud to employ our own South Korean team to help build the Corrotherm business there.

*Engineering, procurement and construction.

**13.6% of the population is aged 15-24 years and 47.8% is aged 25-54 years11.7% aged 55-64 – source index mundi