남북한 관광교류 활성화 대비 법제 검토 연구

Abstract

This article examines current status and trend of tourism development of North Korea and reviews related legislations in both Koreas to suggest measures to activate inter-Korean tourism exchange. North Korea’s outbound tourists amounted to 0.2 million in 2018, almost equivalent to an average annual South Korean tourists to the North from 1998 to 2008. Geographically, tourism areas are divided into the west region (Pyongyang-Gaesong), the east region (Wonsan-Mt.Geumgang), and the northern region (Sino-North borders). The themes of tourism products have been recently diversified. The designation and legislation of Economic Development Zones (EDZ) imply that development of tourism and EDZ could be a policy package sharing a common purpose. As a result of analysis on general laws of both Koreas such as Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act of South Korea and Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation Act of North Korea, and special laws of North Korea related to Special Economic Zones that regulate tourism development and operation, personal safety of South Korean tourists and property protection of South Korean investors are found to be not fully guaranteed. Therefore, suggestions for activating future inter-Korean tourism exchange are as follows. First, further regulations or agreements on entrance, sojourn, and residence of South Korean tourists in the whole region of North Korea is required. Second, legislative improvement should be added regarding properties, interests, and rights of South Korean investors, especially articulating more specific conditions and methods of expropriation on the existing agreement. Third, another agreement or legislation between both Koreas fully dedicated to the activation of inter-Korean exchange would be beneficial. Fourth, further legislative review should be conducted for entrance, sojourn, residence, and customs dedicated to the foreigners who participate in inter-Korean tourism in the future. Lastly, Tourism Regulation of Geumgang International Tourism Special Zone Act of North Korea is noteworthy for the legislative preparation of inter-Korean tourism exchange.