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South Korean government ministry From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Ministry of Unification (Korean: 통일부; Hanja: 統一部) is an executive department of the South Korean government aimed at promoting Korean reunification. It was first established in 1969[1] as the National Unification Board, under the rule of Park Chung Hee. It gained its current status in 1998 and has played a major role in promoting inter-Korean dialogues, exchanges and cooperation. Its headquarters are on the third and fourth floors of the Seoul Government Complex in Jongno District, Seoul.[2]
This article needs additional citations for verification. (May 2016) |
통일부 統一部 Tongilbu | |
MOU headquarters in Seoul | |
Agency overview | |
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Formed | March 1, 1969 |
Preceding agency |
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Jurisdiction | Government of South Korea |
Headquarters | Jongno-gu, Seoul 37°34′29.586″N 126°58′32.632″E |
Minister responsible |
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Deputy Minister responsible |
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Website |
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Map | |
The Ministry of Unification takes charge of overall unification matters, including formulating policies on unification, inter-Korean dialogue, exchanges, cooperation, and humanitarian assistance; analyzing North Korea’s situation; providing unification education; and promoting unification.[3]
Under previous minister Yu Woo-ik, the ministry consisted of one office for planning and coordination; three bureaus for unification policy, inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation, and humanitarian cooperation; one special bureau for the Gaeseong Industrial Complex project; and five affiliated agencies on unification education, inter-Korean dialogue, transit between the South and the North, settlement support for dislocated North Koreans and inter-Korean consultations on exchanges and cooperation. However, in 2008, the ministry was significantly downsized as part of an efficiency restructuring of government.[4]
During Park Geun-hye administration, the MOU has assigned nine core tasks and three cooperative tasks in order to settle peace and establish a foundation for a unified Korea considering the security circumstances and national consensus.[5]
During Moon Jae-in administration, the MOU had initiated several tasks to ease the tension with North Korea. Initiatives and plans including Asian Highway 1 and AH6 (highway), Trans-Korean Main Line. Also, Pyongyang and Seoul agreed to build a liaison office in Kaesong, nearby Kaesong Industrial Region.
The minister is supported by one vice-minister.
The ministry's aims as of 2008[6] were:
According to the Ministry website, its major duties are as follows:
The Hong Yong-pyo administration is guided by four principles: a balanced approach; North Korea policy that evolves over time; and cooperation with the international community.
The current minister of MOU is Kim Yung-ho.
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