역대 정부별 통일교육 정책에 관한 연구

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the evolution of South Korea's unification education policies implemented by successive governments from 1948 to 2022. First, the unification education policies of past administrations reflected different educational periods and underwent policy changes. These periods included the anti-communist education era under the governments of Syngman Rhee, Chang Myon, Park Chung-hee, and Chun Doo-hwan, followed by the security education era under Roh Tae-woo and Kim Young-sam. Later, the unification education period emerged during the administrations of Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun, and eventually, the peace and unification education era commenced under the Moon Jae-in government. Second, the Korean War played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of unification education policies. Initially, the post-war policies emphasized a hostile approach towards North Korea, fostering a sense of “security consciousness.” However, over time, these policies evolved to encompass a heightened awareness of security alongside the recognition of the division and potential threats. Third, with the democratization of South Korea, unification education assumed a significant role in emphasizing democratic values and adopting a more open perspective from a government-led standpoint. Nevertheless, it also became a source of conflict and contention among citizens due to diverse political and social perspectives, challenging the formulation and implementation of unification education policies. Fourth, changes in South Korea's unification education policies, influenced by the international situation, can be summarized as follows. Initially, there was engagement with North Korea and economic openness. Then, democracy and the unification movement gained prominence. Later, a balance between security and unification was sought. Currently, clashes of values due to the US-China rivalry and the rise of statist nationalists continue to shape the policies. Consequently, South Korea's unification education policy has adapted to address both the demand for democracy and dissatisfaction with the system, while also prioritizing security measures in response to the North Korean threat. However, this has led to conflicts and tensions, not only between North and South Korea but also within South Korea itself due to differing political and social perspectives. International dynamics, such as the US-China rivalry and clashes of ideological values, have also influenced the unification policy on the Korean Peninsula, resulting in engagement and economic openness with North Korea. The interplay between security and unification remains a significant aspect of South Korea's unification education policy.