[hackerboos]

Hierarchy similar to Japan although as you say, more socially and economically conservative.

Korea is a young democracy though - it's only had free and fair elections since 1987. Pretty much under military rule and dictatorships since 1945.

[kiba]

Liberalism in this case refer to a cluster of ideas that usually made up a democratic society like South Korea.

Freedom of speech, free and fair elections, the freedom of religion, and all the traditions that make democracies workable.

It does not refer to how "conservative" or "liberal" you are.

[hackerboos]

Actually the OP refers to Korean culture. Not the state.

Korea lacks 'freedom of speech' and 'free and fair elections' whilst the National Security Act is still on the law books.

It's not right therefore to refer to Korea as liberal democracy. It isn't.