← Home
Planet Money · August 19, 2026 · 40m

Getting entrepreneurial in Korea (Summer School)

Planet Money Summer School explores entrepreneurship in Korea. The first half tells the story of how South Korea's textile industry and a partnership with Bangladesh lifted the country out of post-war poverty and sparked rapid economic growth. The second half crosses the 38th parallel to North Korea, where a woman started her own small business selling goods, part of a growing affluent entrepreneurial class called the Donju. The episode examines how capitalism can emerge even in a heavily restrictive socialist society.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Preview

South Korea's textile-led economic transformation
South Korea went from poverty to a global economic powerhouse, partly thanks to a partnership with Bangladesh that kickstarted its textile industry.
The Donju: North Korea's emerging capitalist class
In North Korea, a class of affluent entrepreneurs called the Donju are running small businesses despite the country's restrictive socialist system.

1 more ideas & all timestamps

This episode is in its early-access window. The full breakdown unlocks free in about 68 hours — Pro members read everything the moment it lands.

Read it now with Pro$10/mo · founding $96/yr
Was this useful?