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South Korea has had a rich history of independent thinking and self-reliance since the Korean Conflict. The war left the country the need for infrastructures in a variety of fields. Instead of relying on aid from foreign nations, however, key figures within South Korea's borders fathered the nation's first government-funded scientific and engineering institute, the Korea Institute of Science & Technology (KIST). Even though KIST encountered numerous obstacles, its commitment to research and development (R&D) would ultimately allow it play a crucial role in the rebuilding of the country. As a result of the institute's success, South Korea was able to move forward economically to become a beacon of hope for developing nations around the world.