SEOUL, Nov 26- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim invited the people to observe how South Korea, which was once backward, is now rising as a world economic power.

He explained that South Korea, which had gone through a civil war, never gave up on its people and instead climbed up with a high spirit to advance in all aspects of life.

The Prime Minister added that Malaysia, which is a close ally of South Korea, had also extended assistance to the republic in the past.

"A group from Korea came to learn about Malaysia’s development and discover this truth.

"For that reason, the President of Korea was quite pleased to say that he will not forget Malaysia's assistance during the early stages of the country’s dire times, when it retreated after a long civil war," said Datuk Seri Anwar.

The Prime Minister was speaking at a Meet-and-Greet event with the Malaysian Diaspora in South Korea held at a hotel here, on Monday.

At the dinner engagement attended by about 300 Malaysians, Datuk Seri Anwar also emphasised how the South Korean culture such as wanting to learn about science, technology and developmental education should be emulated by Malaysians.

He reinforced the idea that Malaysia must learn a lot from South Korea in order to become a developed country, by rejecting corruption and practicing good governance in all aspects of life.