The Korea Local Administration Review

Various methods may be considered for the reunification of South and North Korea, but the government's official unification method is assuming gradual and stepwise unification. Gradual unification is fundamentally premised on multilateral exchange and cooperation between South and North. Mutual trust through inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation is established, and on the basis of these foundations, the reunification of the South and North can be achieved. In particular, the inter-Korean exchange of local government has the advantage of being able to strengthen cooperation in non-political fields as compared with national unit. The inter-Korean exchange of local government had some ups and downs according to the unification policy of successive governments, but its importance is still being evaluated in instrumental dimension for gradual unification. In order to revitalize the inter-Korean exchange of local government, alternatives that complement the limit of continuity and effectiveness shown in the past process are necessary. In selection of subjects of local governments' inter-Korean exchanges, factors such as urban function, historical culture and economic technology are examined. In the selection of target projects, consideration must be given to the suitability of the exchange entity, the effectiveness of North Korea support, and the characteristics of the exchange area. In addition, comprehensiveness of the system that can systematically promote inter-Korean exchanges of local autonomous groups needs to be provided.
 
□ Keywords: unification of north-south korea, exchange of north-south korea, cooperation of north-south korea,