scholarly journals Implication from German Unification for Korean Unification

2015 ◽  
Vol null (50) ◽  
pp. 137-164
Author(s):  
SungJangHwan
Keyword(s):  
German Unification ◽  
Korean Unification

Lessons of German Unification for Korea

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-115
Author(s):  
Chang-Seok Yang
Keyword(s):  
North Korea ◽  
Relationship Building ◽  
German Unification ◽  
Korean People ◽  
South Korean ◽  
The North ◽  
Korean Unification ◽  
Humanitarian Work

Despite differences between Korea and Germany, German unification provides valuable lessons for Korean unification. Maintaining a dialogue channel between the two Koreas is critical for keeping peace and promoting reconciliation. It is also imperative that South Korean humanitarian work resume in the North. With humanitarian projects, South Korean NGOs can increase contact with ordinary North Korean people. “Change through contact” is a crucial method of demonstrating love for those in North Korea, promoting relationship-building and trust that may facilitate in creating a foundation for rebuilding North Korea and ultimately reuniting the Korean people.

German Unification: Lessons for Korea?

2012 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich Blum
Keyword(s):  
World Bank ◽  
Open Economy ◽  
Adjustment Costs ◽  
German Unification ◽  
Medium Term ◽  
South Korean ◽  
The World Bank ◽  
Korean Unification ◽  
International Openness

SummaryWe analyze the similarities and differences in terms of the demographic, social, political and economic situation of the two Germanies and the two Koreas before unification. Based on the German experience, we inquire whether there is room for economic policy unification strategies. An important issue is the degree of international openness which, under “stone-age” type conditions, is much lower in North Korea than it ever was in East Germany. This may create additional adjustment costs, especially if institutions change.We go on by showing how transition and integration interact in a potential unification process based on the World Bank Revised Minimum Standard Model (RMSM) and the Salter-Swan-Meade model. In doing so, we relate the macro and external impacts on an open economy to its micro-sectoral structural dynamics. Theoretical findings and evidence from Germany suggest that limits to accelerating unification from an economic perspective are important factors to take into account.We then consider unification as an “investment” and track down the (by-and-large immediate to medium-term) costs and the (by-and-large long-term) benefits of retooling a retarded communist economy. We conclude that, from a South-Korean perspective, Korean unification will become much more expensive than German unification. This may pose severe political and strategic problems.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document