The development of the rule of law in Korea occurred with much turmoil and uncertainty, much like the path towards democracy in other parts of the world. However, Korean rule of law and its intricate link to Korea’s own rapid economic development offer a unique perspective that demonstrates the variety of ways and forms in which the rule of law may be established. This paper will first describe in more detail various aspects of the development of the rule of law in Korea and the major influences that facilitated it. The lessons drawn from Korea’s experience demonstrate that while development of rule of law in a democratic society is adapted to the unique history and needs of each nation, the same general elements of the rule of law are shared across various cultures and have remained consistent over time. Moreover, the Korean case illustrates that even when a society makes remarkable progress in establishing the rule of law, deeply entrenched distrust of government and legal processes may be a legacy that takes time to overcome.