Korea experiences a traumatic and largely unanticipated economic crisis in 1997-98 from which the country is still recovering. The crisis laid bare numerous structural, economic, and policy weaknesses. The authors chronicle and analyze the key factors behind Korea's economic miracle from 1962-1989 and the causes that contributed to the economic downturn and ensuing crisis of 1997-98. As the country undertakes a series of recovery measures, the authors consider the importance of the ongoing restructuring efforts in the corporate and banking sectors, the development of the 'new economy', and the potential economic advantages to be derived from reunification with the North.