Republic of Korea Road to Our Future: Green Growth - National Strategy and the Five-Year Plan (2009-2013).

The core of the South Korea’s transformative national vision, announced in 2008 by President Lee Myung-bak, is: "Low Carbon, Green Growth". This vision aims to shift the current development paradigm of quantity-oriented, fossil-fuel dependent growth to quality oriented growth. To implement the national vision of green growth effectively, the National Strategy for Green Growth was adopted along with the first Five-Year Plan for Green Growth (2009-2013).
The National Strategy for Green Growth, with a mid- to long-term (2009-2050) perspective, aims to shift from fossil-fuel-dependent growth to a low-carbon, green growth paradigm, focusing on three main objectives: Mitigation of climate change & energy independence; Creating new engines for economic growth; and Improvement in quality of life and enhanced international standing. The Strategy includes ten policy directions: effective mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, reduction of fossil fuel use, strengthening climate change adaptation, development of green technologies, greening existing industries and promoting green industries, advancement of industrial structure, engineering a structural basis for the green economy, greening land and transportation infrastructure, promoting green lifestyles, and becoming a global green growth leader.
The first Five-Year Plan (2009-2013) details specific actions and budget allocations, with the government investing about 2% of annual GDP in green growth initiatives. Key actions include establishing a greenhouse gas inventory reporting system, increasing energy efficiency, expanding renewable energy use, promoting nuclear energy, developing green technologies, and fostering green industries. The Plan also emphasizes the importance of public awareness campaigns, education, and international cooperation.
Expected benefits of the green growth strategy include significant economic spill-over effects, such as increased production, value addition, and job creation.