Planning issues in the territorial integration of the Korean peninsula

The historic summit between the leaders of the two Koreas in June 2000 provided a new opportunity for inter-Korean dialogue. Despite many uncertainties regarding the form and substance of inter-Korean economic cooperation, Korean people believe that inter-Korean economic cooperation will expand and eventually lead to economic and territorial integration of the two Koreas. This essay discusses the progress and issues of inter-Korean economic cooperation including infrastructure development. In particular, the essay examines long-term planning issues surrounding the territorial integration of the Korean peninsula and their implications for balanced development. With the German case of economic integration as a point of reference, the essay points out a few strategic problems involved in inter-Korean economic cooperation and suggests an alternative strategy to achieve balanced development.