• Korean Journal of Social Welfare
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• v.63 no.2
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• pp.57-79
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• 2011

Universalism has received a considerable amount of attention in recent discussion of Korea welfare state. This paper explores tensions between universal, selective and residual welfare policies in Korea. It argues that selective welfare policies are useful allies for developing the universal welfare state. At the same time, principles of universalism are always formed in particular socioeconomic and historical contexts, and reflect the solidarity of various social stratifications or classes. This implies that the principles must be regarded as open to contestation, reformulation and change. The way to develope universal welfare state in Korea shouldn't follow the path observed in the Western welfare states. Korean society needs to find its own principles and path to develop a universal welfare state.