Regional Disparities in Economic Development of South Korea: Historical Analysis and Modern Challenges

The relevance of the study is determined by the persistent disparities in the socioeconomic development of South Korea: a significant part of resources, population and infrastructure is concentrated in Seoul and its agglomeration, while other regions of the country are facing depopulation, slowing economic growth and declining investment attractiveness. Sustainable reproduction of regional imbalances poses risks to internal stability and limits developmental potential. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the factors that determine territorial differentiation and spatial inequality in the economy of the Republic of Korea. The main substantive aspects of the article include: a description of the historical evolution of the spatial policy of South Korea from the 1960s to the present; analysis of the spatial concentration of human capital, industrial and innovative potential; assessment of regional disparities based on macroeconomic indicators; an overview of state policy in the field of balanced development of territories (including decentralization strategies, development of regional hubs and digital infrastructure); prospects for overcoming inequality, taking into account global and domestic challenges. Conclusion dwells upon the fact that there is a critical need for a comprehensive approach to territorial policy, combining economic, demographic, and infrastructural measures to effectively tackle the persistent regional disparities and promote balanced development throughout South Korea.