지방자치단체의 대북 교류협력: 현황과 과제

Abstract

This study is to review a current status and issues on inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation projects under the local government, and examine its future directions and policy tasks. Inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation projects in the level of the local government level should further need to activate in the coming years for the purpose of narrowing differences between South and North Koreans. To activate the local governmental exchanges and cooperation with the North, the followings should be done. First, an advanced systematic preparation is essential. Second, the local self-governing groups should raise its self-financing capability for the exchanges and cooperation projects to be more effective. Third, a basis to expand South and North Koreans’ substantial participations toward the local governmental exchanges and cooperation projects is needed. Fourth, a legal and institutional apparatus to activate the projects should follow. Fifth, a close cooperative system between the central and local government maintain. Finally, the South Korean central government should urge the North to establish a direct contacting point for the projects in the level of North Korean local government groups, and concurrently ask to open a channel for continuing dialogue to push ahead with the projects with the North.