Hm no.. I have to disagree. South Korea is definitely not "like poland". Poland is very much still a poor country incomparable to Germany. SK is an advanced economy, with a standard of living similar to the one of Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore. It's also Japan's main competitor at the highest level of technology (high-speed trains, electronics, cars, ships). Some japanese companies are particularly worried (sony for instance is stuggling with samsung).
With respect to China: SK is to China a bit what France is to Russia. Not as strong militarily but much more advanced politically/economically.
Just my two yens!