Following national division, the two halves of the peninsula became increasingly heterogeneous. Consequently, the South Korean government has striven to rebuild a national community through inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation rather than rush to achieve unification.

Inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation have centered on three economic projects: reconnection of inter-Korean railways and roads, construction of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex and Mt. Geumgang (Diamond Mountain) tourism. The scope of these projects has expanded during the Roh Moo-hyun Administration (2003-2008).



In 2005, inter-Korean exchanges of people reached 88,341 and inter-Korean trade was valued at US$1,055 million. More than 1,000 South Koreans visit North Korea every day across the Demilitarized Zone by newly opened overland routes. These exchanges and trade have continued to increase in 2006.

The South Korean government has endeavored to set up measures to activate and guarantee inter-Korean exchanges of personnel and goods. These include easing transit and customs procedures and an agreement on guaranteeing safe passage between the two Koreas. Finally, the construction of transit facilities on the Gyeongui (Seoul-Sinuiju) and Donghae (East Coast) Rail Lines was completed on March 15, 2006, so that they can accommodate up to 12,000 persons daily.

In December 2007, the first regular cross-border freight train service began to operate. The cargo train will make round trips daily Monday to Friday, linking two Koreas with raw materials for the Gaeseong Industrial Complex.

The Office of Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation was opened in Gaeseong. Staffed by South Korean civil servants residing in North Korea, the office consults directly with the North Koreans on inter-Korean economic cooperation.

According to the statistics, the two Koreas met on average 12.3 times per year from 1971-2000. From 2000 to 2007, they met 27.8 times per year on average since the first summit in 2000. The second summit cemented the trend toward more frequent encounters. Inter-Korean talks contributed to solidifying the foundation for inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation on the basis of mutual understanding and trust.