Third Republic of Korea
The South Korean constitutional government established in 1963 under President Park Chung Hee and replaced by the Fourth Republic in 1972.
Constitution of South Korea: South Korea’s supreme law, establishing the structure and powers of government and protecting fundamental rights. The 1962 constitution established the institutional framework that began with the Third Republic.
May 16 coup: The 1961 South Korean military coup that overthrew the government of Chang Myon. Park’s seizure of power began the military-led political order preceding the republic.
First Five-Year Economic Development Plan: South Korea’s 1962–1966 state-led plan to expand industrial production, infrastructure, and exports. Its implementation continued under the Third Republic and shaped the government’s economic direction.
Miracle on the Han River: South Korea’s rapid economic growth and industrial transformation from the 1960s through the late twentieth century. The Third Republic helped establish the export-led policies associated with this transformation.
Presidential system: A system of government in which a separately elected president serves as head of state and head of government. The republic’s constitution restored a powerful, directly elected presidency.
Park Chung Hee: South Korean military officer and politician who ruled as president from 1963 to 1979. He led the transition from military rule and governed throughout the Third Republic.
Second Five-Year Economic Development Plan: South Korea’s 1967–1971 development plan, emphasizing industrialization, exports, and infrastructure. It advanced the republic’s strategy of rapid, state-directed economic growth.
South Korean democracy movement: The civic and political struggle to establish democratic government in South Korea. Opposition to Park’s rule contributed to the conflicts that outlasted the republic.
National Assembly of South Korea: South Korea’s unicameral legislature, responsible for lawmaking, budgets, and oversight of government. The Assembly operated under the republic’s constitution, though executive dominance constrained its influence.
Supreme Council for National Reconstruction: The military junta that governed South Korea after the 1961 coup until the 1963 transfer to civilian rule. The council prepared the constitutional and political transition that established the republic.