Later in history the Korean Peninsula was taken over by the Japanese. This foreign rule led to a strong independence movement and a growing and more narrowly defined culture and identity while gaining an incredible sense of ethnic, and later, national pride. Even today the South Koreans are extremely proud people as they have turned that pride to competition with both themselves and others. It becomes clear rather quickly that they seek to compete while striving for perfection.
This drive towards perfection allows the people to adapt quickly and willingly as they seek any new path to gain a step ahead of their competition and progress beyond others, both on an individual level as well as on a national level. This is always apparent today as the country is extremely modern and technological advancements are a regular and accepted part of daily life in the country.
With the competitiveness also comes hard and constant work, which can at times alter priorities to work first. The people regularly sacrifice relaxation and leisure time at the expense of work and a constant social pressure to succeed in business and sports, which always seems to hang over the heads of the people.