Background Information
South Korea and North Korea have been separated since the 1950’s, which is why South Koreans can’t simply travel to North Korea. After the Korean War, the two sides of the peninsula were divided by a demilitarized zone. As the long-standing division has not been officially resolved, this has created two separate countries, two separate governments, two separate economies and two separate identities. South Koreans cannot visit North Korea without permission from the North Korean government, which is rarely granted. The South Korean government also strictly limits the ability of its citizens to visit the North.
Relevant Data
The US Department of State most recently reported that South Koreans must obtain a special passport authorization from North Korean authorities before attempting to travel to North Korea. Additionally, all travel between the two countries is strongly restricted by the South Korean government. According to the South Korean Ministry of Unification, travel to North Korea is only permitted in two circumstances. Firstly, if the purpose of the travel is for humanitarian assistance activities or support for South Korean businesses, then travel is allowed with prior consent from the South Korean government. Secondly, if the purpose of the travel is to visit the graves of ancestors in North Korea, then travel is allowed but it is still necessary to obtain permission from the South Korean Ministry of Unification.
Perspectives from Experts
The views of experts on the issue of South Korean entry to North Korea vary. Some experts suggest that South Korean tourists should be allowed to visit North Korea as a way to encourage cross-border exchanges and engagement. According to Dr. John Park, a Korea expert from the Harvard Kennedy School, “Promoting tourist exchanges between South and North…is an important confidence-building measure between Pyongyang and Seoul to reduce tensions on the Korean peninsula”.
On the other hand, other experts such as Choo Mi-ae, the leader of the main opposition Democratic United Party believe that the current ban on South Korean entry to North Korea should remain in place until the two countries reach a reconciliation agreement. “Citizens’ exchanges should not be allowed until an inter-Korean peace regime is established. South Koreans should not be allowed to visit North Korea and vice versa.”
Analysis
Despite differing opinion regarding South Korean entry to North Korea, it is difficult to deny the potential benefits of such exchanges for the development of inter-Korean relations. By exchanging people, there is the potential to gain a better understanding of the culture, beliefs and values of your neighbor. In particular, the exchanges could play a role in helping to bridge the gap in understanding between the two sides and lay the foundation for a reconciliation between North and South Korea.
It is clear that more needs to be done if South and North Korea are to become closer. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two states could help to reduce the sense of distrust and animosity that has been present for too long. For example, increased tourism would boost the North Korean economy and increase the flow of information and ideas between the two countries. Furthermore, allowing South Koreans to visit the North would give them a better understanding of the everyday life of their Northern counterparts.
Political Considerations
Despite the potential benefits of allowing South Korean entry into the North, there remain several political considerations to be taken into account. Firstly, the current political climate on the Korean peninsula has only just begun to improve, as demonstrated by the recent agreement to resume family reunions between North and South Koreans. Therefore, it is essential that this consensus between the two countries is not jeopardized by the introduction of new initiatives.
Additionally, the potential for South Koreans to undermine the North Korean government must be taken into consideration. South Korean entry into the North could give people from the South an opportunity to spread their own values and beliefs, and this could be seen as a threat by the North Korean government. Therefore, it is likely that the North Korean government will remain reluctant to allow large numbers of South Koreans to enter the country.
Economic Factors
Better economic ties between North and South Korea could offer a boost to the North Korean economy and provide much-needed capital to the impoverished nation. Cross-border economic engagement could play a key role in reducing poverty and improving the standard of living in the country, which currently lags far behind that of the South.
Increased tourism to North Korea could also bring economic benefits, such as increased foreign exchange earnings and improved infrastructure. Tourism could provide a much-needed economic boost to North Korea, as well as a better understanding of the nation and its people.
Security Implications
The security implications of allowing South Korean entry into the North must also be taken into account. It is possible that South Korean guests could be used as political pawns by the North Korean government. Therefore, South Koreans must be protected from any potential mistreatment and be granted freedom of speech and movement when visiting North Korea.
Security is also an issue for North Koreans when South Koreans visit the North. There are concerns that South Korean tourists may spread North Korean state secrets and technologies. In order for North Korea to remain secure, its government must ensure that South Korean travelers are not able to access sensitive information or take photographs of key sites and facilities.
International Relations
Increased travel between North and South Korea could potentially serve as an important confidence-building measure between the two countries and improve international relations. Increased communication and greater understanding of cultural and social differences could lead to a long-term peace agreement between the two countries.
Additionally, increased tourism in the region could provide a way for the international community to better engage with North Korea, leading to a better appreciation of the North Korean people and culture. Finally, a more open relationship between North and South Korea could also serve as a model for other countries to follow in terms of peaceful co-existence and international compromise.
Current Diplomatic Situation
The current diplomatic situation between South and North Korea has improved significantly over the past few years, as demonstrated by the easing of restrictions on family reunions and the creation of the inter-Korean liaison office.
In spite of these positive developments, the South Korean government remains cautious in its approach to North Korea, citing concerns over nuclear weapons development and human rights abuses. South Korea is also under pressure from the international community to take a more measured approach to its relationship with North Korea and to pursue a peaceful resolution to the tensions on the peninsula.
Domestic Political Environment
South Korea’s domestic political environment is a major factor in determining the future of relations between South and North Korea. On one side, the general public in South Korea is ever more supportive of engagement and dialogue with the North, driven by a sense of duty to protect the human rights of North Koreans and reunite divided families.
On the other hand, the South Korean government is faced with the challenge of responding to the North’s continued nuclear development and suspicions of human rights abuse. It must also balance the interests of the North’s ruling elite with those of the general public and the international community. The South Korean government remains focused on maintaining a stable and secure relationship with North Korea and achieving a lasting peace on the Korean peninsula.
