NGOs AND INTER-KOREAN SOCIO-CULTURAL EXCHANGES AND COOPERATION

Abstract

Now we are experiencing a major transition from ‘Big Government’ to ‘Big Society.’ NGOs are the main actors in ‘Big Society.’ If that transition is to be achieved in ways to serve the needs of the people, governments and individuals should assume a responsibility for strengthening institutional underpinnings of civil society. The situation applies to the Korean unification process. Inter-Korean socio-cultural exchanges and cooperation are a very useful method to realize reconciliation between South and North Korea, and its activation through NGOs may contribute to unification process. This research focuses on the point that the activation of private sectors is necessary in inter-Korean relations, which show changes with the Sunshine Policy. Expanding inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation particularly in social and cultural areas will be a realistic way for promoting reconciliation between the two Koreas. Recovering national homogeneity between the two can also be achieved in social and cultural areas. In this vein, inter- Korean socio-cultural exchanges and cooperation should be expanded further. In addition, NGOs’ participation in a field of unification and inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation should also be expanded. NGOs can be a trouble-solving broker which can deal with issues difficult for the government. Exchanges and cooperation are tangible methods for rapprochement between the two Koreas. In particular, active inter-Korean socio-cultural exchanges and cooperation through the activities of NGOs can be conductive to consolidating a foundation for reunification and common social and cultural community in that it is based on a voluntary participation of civil society. This article analyzes inter-Korean socio-cultural exchanges and cooperation and role of NGOs. Recognizing the necessity of improving exchanges in private sectors, this study proposes a plan to encourage inter-Korean socio-cultural exchanges and cooperation.