Park Geun-hye was born during the Korean War in 1952. Her father, Park Chung-hee would later become President of the country and lead the Miracle on the Han River. Her mother, Yuk Young-soo, was a beloved and respected First Lady.

From the example set by her father, Park Geun-hye learned a love for the country and mental fortitude. From her mother, she learned a warm regard for others and a lifestyle of diligence and frugality.

That practice of diligence and frugality continued even when Park Geun-hye became the First Daughter, her father held the Presidential Office between 1963 and 1979. Her mother was concerned that Geun-hye and her siblings would develop a false sense of entitlement in the Presidential Residence, Cheong Wa Dae, and so left them with her relatives until they were able to commute to school by themselves.

In 1970, Park Geun-hye decided to major in electronic engineering at Sogang University, Seoul, in order to meet the needs of the time, which was to focus on the developing electronics industry as a new source of exports: she graduated top of her class.

In 1974, Park Geun-hye left Korea to study at the University of Grenoble, France, in preparation for her dream job: teaching.