In the first part, we examined why the United States misjudged Iran. The U.S. focused on military power, while Iran emphasized its civilization. The U.S. calculated the present, whereas Iran considered its history. The second part explored the spiritual foundations supporting Iran through Zoroastrianism, Shia Islam, the Khomeini Revolution, and 30 years of nuclear development. Now, one question remains: What comes next after the war has ended?
History has repeatedly shown that post-war order is more significant than the war itself. The Marshall Plan, not World War II, transformed the world after the conflict. Similarly, it was not the armistice that changed South Korea after the Korean War, but industrialization and economic development. The revival of Germany and Japan was achieved not through military might but through factories, schools, ports, and railroads. In this sense, the true narrative of the recent 106-day war in Iran begins now. The war has ended, but reconstruction has started, and while destruction has ceased, the monumental task of redesigning the future lies ahead.
Current projections suggest that the scale of post-war reconstruction in Iran could exceed $300 billion. Including oil and gas facilities, refineries, power plants, roads, railways, ports, airports, communication networks, industrial complexes, data centers, and smart cities, the actual figure could be much higher. More importantly, Iran is likely to aim for more than just restoring its past. Just as Saudi Arabia is pursuing NEOM City and the United Arab Emirates is accelerating its AI national strategy, Iran is expected to focus on building a future-oriented state after the war. This is not an era for 20th-century reconstruction but for 21st-century rebuilding.
In this context, South Korea holds significant importance. It is a rare success story globally, having risen from the ruins of colonialism and war to become one of the world's top ten economies. Transitioning from a recipient of aid to a donor nation, South Korea is now challenging the digital and AI revolutions. Middle Eastern countries are paying attention to South Korea not just for its technological prowess but to learn from its experiences in overcoming poverty, nurturing talent through education, achieving industrialization, and realizing democratization.
In fact, the ties between South Korea and Iran run deeper than one might think. Artifacts from the Silla period found in Gyeongju and traces of Persian culture indicate that East and West have exchanged influences for centuries. Merchants, scholars, and artisans traveling along the Silk Road impacted regions from China and Central Asia to the Korean Peninsula. In modern times, the two countries have maintained a special relationship. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1962, South Korea and Iran have built one of the most successful economic partnerships in the Middle East. Iran supplied the energy necessary for South Korea's industrialization, while South Korea provided automobiles, electronics, construction technology, and industrial infrastructure. Companies like Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, and LG Electronics once enjoyed high trust in the Iranian market. Although relations have contracted due to U.S. sanctions, the goodwill and trust between the two peoples remain intact.
The symbol of this connection is Tehran Road in Gangnam, Seoul. It is rare for a foreign capital's name to be associated with a major economic artery in any country. Named in 1977 to commemorate the friendship between Seoul and Tehran, Tehran Road has become the heart of South Korea's IT industry, venture ecosystem, AI sector, and financial industry. Often referred to as the heart of South Korea's digital revolution, this road is more than just a thoroughfare; it symbolizes the friendship between Seoul and Tehran and the potential for future cooperation.
Looking back, this is a remarkable symbol. The name of the Persian capital, which once connected East and West during the Silk Road era, is now inscribed in the heart of South Korea's AI revolution. While the Silk Road transported silk, spices, paper, and ceramics in the past, the new Silk Road will carry data, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and content. Where camels once traversed deserts, fiber optic cables and satellite networks now connect continents. While caravans once linked civilizations, AI and digital technology now connect nations. In this regard, South Korea and Iran have the potential to transform the historical Silk Road into a future AI road.
South Korea's role in the Middle East extends beyond mere economic cooperation. It has never been a colonial power nor a party to Middle Eastern conflicts, and it has no history of siding with one side of religious disputes. As a result, South Korea is viewed as a relatively trustworthy nation. While the U.S. wields military influence and China expands its economic power, South Korea possesses development experience, technological expertise, and cultural soft power. This is a crucial asset, as the Middle East needs a reliable partner rather than another hegemonic power.
This brings to mind the Korean principle of Hongik Ingan, which emphasizes benefiting humanity broadly. This principle is not merely a founding ideology; it is a fundamental value of Korean civilization. It seeks paths to prosperity through collaboration rather than domination and aims for mutual growth instead of conquest. Interestingly, Persian civilization shares a similar tradition. Cyrus the Great valued tolerance over conquest, and Zoroastrianism ultimately sought a world where good triumphs over evil and justice prevails. Though expressed differently, Zoroastrianism's focus on 'good thoughts, good words, and good deeds' aligns with the Hongik Ingan spirit of Dangun.
Although geographically distant, South Korea and Iran share many historical similarities. The Korean people have survived for thousands of years between the powerful nations of China and Japan. Similarly, Persia has endured between Rome and Arabia, Mongolia and the Ottoman Empire, Britain and Russia. Korea has maintained its identity despite foreign invasions, and Iran has preserved the name Persia through numerous invasions and wars. While Korea speaks of Dangun and the Hongik Ingan spirit, Iran speaks of Cyrus the Great and Zoroastrianism. Both civilizations, though different, share common experiences of survival, coexistence, and cultural pride.
Therefore, South Korea can become a partner for peace and prosperity in the Middle East, moving beyond being merely an investor or exporter. In the post-war reconstruction of Iran, there are opportunities for collaboration in construction, plants, railways, ports, nuclear power, energy networks, smart cities, data centers, AI, and physical AI. Notably, South Korea's AI revolution and manufacturing innovation experiences could serve as important reference models for Iran as it designs its future state. Furthermore, South Korea can play a bridging role in alleviating conflicts in the Middle East and promoting dialogue between civilizations.
The 250-year history of the United States may not fully comprehend the 5,000-year history of Persia. However, the 5,000-year history of the Korean people can understand Persia. We have shared the experience of war's devastation, survived among great powers, and strived to preserve our civilizations.
The 106-day war has ended. Yet, history is now opening a new chapter. The sounds of gunfire and bombing have ceased, but civilization continues. Wars may eventually end, but the paths connecting people, nations, and civilizations endure. Just as the Silk Road once linked East and West, AI, data, culture, and technology will forge a new Silk Road.
At one end of that road lies Tehran, and at the other end, Seoul. And the light illuminating that path will be the ancient wisdom of Persia and the Korean spirit of Hongik Ingan.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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