역사적 관점에서 본 남북한 철도연결의 국제적 성격

Abstract

The central railroad that runs from north to south through the Korean peninsula was originally constructed and operated by the Japanese in the first half of the 20th century in order to occupy Korea and the mainland. After Korea's liberation in 1945, this railroad was cut off by the division of the peninsula. In the emerging atmosphere of reconciliation between the North and South, however, the reconnection of the railroad was initiated from both sides. The unification of the North-South railway line it to the Trans China-Mongolia-Siberian railroads and raised expectations for the reemergence of an international railway system that traverses the Eurasian continent. When we look at the historical experience of the domination of the Korean railroads under the Japanese colonial rule, we must be consider the following points regarding the reconnection of the North-South railroad. 1) Korea will expand its autonomy by operating the railroad on the peninsula. 2) A railroad on the Korean peninsula will serve as a vehicle for the peace and prosperity of East Asia. 3) The railroad will undeniably bring economic benefit to Korea. 4) It will provide Koreans with technological independence and managerial experience regarding railroads. 5) The obsolete North Korean railroad will be modernized. 6) Legal, systemic, and technological standards must be prepared for the co-management of the North-South Korean railway and Eurasian railway. 7) The Korean railroad will be reborn as a new mode of transportation of the 21st century far superior to existing transportation in terms of comfort and ease.