During the deadlock period of inter-Korean relations, we evaluate the structural atmosphere of our government's past inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation, identify the role and achievements of local governments' inter-Korean exchanges, and seek response measures for improving inter-Korean relations in the future. By improving inter-Korean relations, we identify problems in the internal issues of North and South Korea, inter-Korean relations, and international relations in the region, and set a direction for easing military tensions and inter-Korean cooperation for the next decade.
Gyeonggi Province sets the goals of inter-Korean exchanges in three stages: (1) reconciliation and cooperation between the South and the North, (2) restoration of national homogeneity and balanced development between the South and the North, and (3) creation of an environment for unification. And the principles of inter-Korean exchanges of the local government of Gyeonggi Province are set as gradual and step-by-step promotion, securing the continuity of exchange and cooperation, promoting mutual benefits, complying with legality and transparency, supporting and participating in the local community, leading and promoting changes in North Korean society, and creating a foundation for inter-Korean unification.
Specific inter-Korean exchange and cooperation projects of Gyeonggi Province are as follows; (1) establishing a “new comprehensive development plan” for northern Gyeonggi Province in preparation for the unification of the Korean Peninsula, (2) increasing acceptance through cooperation in healthcare in the northern border region of Gyeonggi Province, (3) reinforcing joint quarantine, control, and disaster prevention in the border region, including joint malaria prevention, (4) resuming the “North Korean rural modernization project,” (5) expanding socio-cultural exchanges at the local government level, (6) resuming joint use of the Han River estuary between the two Koreas, and joint management of the Imjin River system, and (7) promoting an integrated development strategy by establishing a peace economic special zone, (8) the “Korean Peninsula International Cooperation Zone,” and the establishment of a “Korean Peninsula Mega-region.”