Readers of this blog know we love a good story about how the world works. Culture drives people, and economics drive culture. Follow the money and you can usually understand how the world is changing, and what the future will look like.

Which is why it’s time to look at South Korea, a country you’ll be hearing about much more. Korea is one of few democratic and capitalist countries and Asia, and while the eyes of international media weren’t watching, it has managed to balloon. Since 2000, South Korea has doubled its per capita GDP and is on target to do it again even quicker, a spurt no other non-oil-striking country can boast. In five years, once you control for purchasing