The role and contribution of academic science to national development in the Republic of Korea is discussed. After an overview on the development of the Korean system of higher education, attention is directed to the national research system and its articulation with the academic system. Consideration is given to: factors that contributed to the expansion of higher education in Korea; the predominant role of private higher education institutions; the curriculum of four-year colleges and universities; government involvement in academic administration; the planned change of emphasis in undergraduate education from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences and engineering; strategies for faculty development; and characteristics of graduate education. It is planned that research in the academic system be expanded to promote science and technology idea creation and assessment and validation of these ideas. The following changes are needed: increased allocations of research funds to university and college scientists; integration of developmental research into the traditionally basic research-oriented community; and improvement in the quality of research. (SW)