World Notes SOUTH KOREA

In the 40 often turbulent years since it was founded, South Korea has survived a war with Communist North Korea, two coups and the assassination of a President. Last week South Koreans experienced something new: a peaceful transfer of power. Declaring that an era of democracy was about to begin, Roh Tae Woo, a former general, became his country's President in a solemn 45- minute ceremony.

Elected with 37% of the vote last December, when opposition leaders split 55% of the ballot, Roh promised to heed the views of his opponents. He vowed not to be "one who is pushed around by mobs either." At week's end, in its first major postinaugural act, the new government announced an amnesty for 1,712 people who had been arrested on political charges.