Ministry of Unification Work Plan for the Remainder of 2026

Press Release

"Three Feet of Ice Doesn't Melt Overnight"
Efforts for Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula Continue

- Ministry of Unification Work Plan for the Remainder of 2026 -

August 5, 2026

The Ministry of Unification (Minister Chung Dongyoung) reported its work plan for the remainder of 2026 to the President and the public on August 5, 2026. The report was made jointly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

The international environment surrounding the Korean Peninsula is undergoing a period of change, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Domestically, public expectations are growing for measures that promote peaceful coexistence and have a direct impact on people's everyday lives.

Based on this assessment, the Ministry presented its policy development plan for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula for the second year of the Lee Jae Myung administration, and reported that it would pursue the "Peacemaker-Pacemaker Plus" initiative to respond proactively to changes in the regional situation.

▮Task 1. Establishing a Policy Development Plan for Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula

Policy Direction

The Policy Development Plan for Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula is guided by three principles: (1) pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation while respecting differences; (2) peacefully resolving conflicts and managing crises; and (3) promoting a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula and peace in Northeast Asia. Peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula is the only viable path forward. It will improve people's lives, serve the interests of the South and the North, and contribute to peace and stability throughout the region and the international community.

Implementation Plan

First, to promote mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation, the Ministry will begin by addressing one another by name, replace confrontational or hate-inducing terms such as "principal enemy," and pursue discussions on a new unification approach that excludes unification through absorption.

Second, to facilitate the peaceful resolution of conflicts and effective crisis management, the Ministry will pursue proactive measures to ease tensions by beginning the process of restoring the September 19 Comprehensive Military Agreement and promoting the peaceful use of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). It will also establish "peace safeguards," starting in border areas.

Third, to promote a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula and peace in Northeast Asia, the Ministry will initiate discussions on replacing the armistice regime with a peace regime, develop a peace-led strategy to initially stop North Korea's nuclear program, and make every effort to facilitate a U.S.-North Korea summit while building momentum for four-party talks.

Establishing Peaceful Two-State Relations Oriented Toward Unification

Through the implementation of the Policy Development Plan for Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula, the Ministry will focus on making people's lives safer and more prosperous today, while ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to determine the future of unification. As part of this process, the Ministry will work to overcome North Korea's concept of "hostile two-state relationship" and establish peaceful two-state relations oriented toward unification. These efforts are consistent with both the history and current realities of inter-Korean relations. It is expected to ease North Korea's distrust, establish peace as the highest priority, and strengthen a forward-looking vision for unification.

Implementing the "Peacemaker-Pacemaker Plus" Initiative

While presidential engagement under the existing pacemaker framework is already underway, the Ministry plans to expand these efforts into the government-wide "Pacemaker Plus" initiative. The Ministry will further develop its vision for the Policy for Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula, multilateral peace cooperation, and an initial halt strategy for North Korea's nuclear program, while building concrete support for these initiatives.

The Ministry will concentrate its efforts on the APEC Summit in Shenzhen this November to mark a major turning point for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula. It will present a detailed policy vision on the occasion of the President's Liberation Day address on August 15, and actively utilize the special envoy for peace on the Korean Peninsula to launch the Peacemaker-Pacemaker Plus initiative. The Ministry will also propose launching discussions on a peace regime for the Korean Peninsula at the United Nations General Assembly in September, and work to broaden dialogue on a peace regime that contributes to the prosperity of the Asia-Pacific community on the occasion of the APEC Summit in Shenzhen this November.

▮Task 2. Restoring the Framework for Peace-Oriented Exchange on the Korean Peninsula

Developing a Ready-to-Go Peace Initiative

Building on the work plan it presented last December, the Ministry will further develop detailed plans for the four peace-oriented exchange projects* and foster public discussion. The Ministry will also work with leading research institutions to develop cooperation plans for shared growth that would position the ROK to play a strategic role should U.S.-North Korea dialogue advance.

* The four projects are: (1) a package of inter-Korean public health and medical cooperation initiatives; (2) peace tourism to the North's Wonsan-Galma area; (3) a Seoul-Beijing high-speed rail link; and (4) cooperation in connection with the Greater Tumen Initiative (GTI).

Actively Supporting Resumption of Civilian Exchanges

The Ministry will actively support the resumption of civilian inter-Korean exchanges by removing restrictions on civilian contacts with North Korea, assisting with UN sanctions exemption procedures, and expanding support through the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund. It will also support exchanges in connection with international sporting, cultural, academic, and religious events, including the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games (September 19-October 4). In addition, the Ministry will also build on the achievements of existing historical and cultural cooperation projects, including efforts to compile print and digital editions of the Gyeoremal Keunsajeon (Grand Dictionary of the Korean People's Language) and establish a permanent exhibition hall dedicated to Manwoldae.

Improving Regulatory Framework for the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund

The Ministry plans to enhance the effective use of the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund by improving the relevant regulatory framework, noting that the fund's annual disbursement rate has averaged only 2-3 percent since the closure of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex in 2016. It will pursue amendments to the relevant Enforcement Decree to clarify the purposes for which the fund may be used, thereby supporting efforts to create even a small opening in inter-Korean relations.

* Eligible uses would include projects carried out in the DMZ and border areas; support for Peace Economy Special Zones; revitalization of civilian-led unification initiatives that have declined amid the prolonged halt in inter-Korean engagement; and restoration of the research base for North Korean studies, which has been eroded by hostility and confrontation.

▮Task 3. Repositioning Border Areas from the Front Line to the Center

Resuming Restoration Work on ROK Section of Gyeongwon Line (Baengmagoji-Woljeong-ri)

The Ministry plans to resume work on the Gyeongwon Line Restoration Project, which has been suspended for the past decade. The project was launched in August 2015 and suspended in May 2016. Of the total project cost of KRW 179 billion, KRW 37 billion has already been spent. Land acquisition and design work have been completed, and trackbed construction is 3 percent complete. By improving access to peace and ecotourism in the DMZ, the project will help revitalize local economies in border areas, including Cheorwon and Yeoncheon.

Promoting Peaceful Use of the DMZ

The Ministry will continue its efforts to transform the DMZ into a hub for peace, ecology, and tourism by advancing initiatives that the public can experience firsthand and strengthening the relevant legal and institutional framework. Planned initiatives include developing attractions along the DMZ Peace Trail as freely accessible spaces where the public can experience peace firsthand; working to increase the frequency of the DMZ Peace Link Train from twice to up to eight times per month; and launching the DMZ Portal to provide comprehensive information on the DMZ. The Ministry will also continue to cooperate in efforts to enact the Act on the Peaceful Use of and Support for the DMZ, which is currently being pursued through legislation introduced by lawmakers.

Operating the Joint Council on Peace and Safety in Border Areas

The Ministry will continue to support border areas that have long been marginalized by national division and military tensions, including through the operation of the Joint Council on Peace and Safety in Border Areas. Taking into account requests from local governments in border areas - including support for infrastructure development in Peace Economy Special Zones, expanded basic income support for residents of rural and fishing communities, and a central role for border areas in the transition to a peace regime - the Ministry will work with relevant ministries and agencies to advance these proposals.

* Participants include the Ministries of Unification, National Defense, and the Interior and Safety; the mayor of Incheon and the governors of Gyeonggi and Gangwon Provinces; and the mayors and county heads of the 10 border area local governments. The first meeting was held on February 26 and the second on July 27.

▮Task 4. Resolving Humanitarian Issues

Alleviating the Pain of Division for Separated Families, Abductees and Others

The Ministry plans to continue diversifying its efforts to comfort and support those affected by the pain of division, including separated families and abductees, through events marking the 4th Separated Families Day on September 23, regional gatherings, and visits to elderly individuals. The Ministry will also formulate a "Master Plan for Collecting Life History Records" by the end of the year and continue efforts to preserve records through video letters and DNA testing, and prepare for future exchanges. It will also foster understanding among younger generations through exhibitions of artwork and life history records relating to separated families, as well as interactive talks.

Seeking Tangible Improvements in the Human Rights of North Korean residents

Moving away from the previous administration's hard-line and confrontational approach, the Ministry will continue its efforts to reorient its policy framework toward achieving tangible improvements in the human rights of North Korean residents.

The Ministry will pursue a policy of inter-Korean human rights cooperation grounded in trust and cooperation. To this end, it will explore avenues for phased cooperation with the international community in areas concerning persons with disabilities, women, and children; support National Assembly deliberations on amendments to the North Korean Human Rights Act; and foster conditions conducive to sustainable human rights cooperation.

▮Task 5. Strengthening the Settlement Support System for North Korean-Born Citizens

Promoting Greater Autonomy and Openness at Hanawon

The Ministry will continue its efforts to improve access to information for trainees at the Settlement Support Center for North Korean Refugees (Hanawon). In January it began providing smartphones to trainees for the first time, fulfilling one of their long-standing requests.

The Ministry will also repurpose the Hanawon Hwacheon Branch as a center providing local settlement support for North Korean-born citizens, including vocational training and psychological counseling. It will further promote greater openness at Hanawon by offering Hwacheon County residents medical services in internal medicine, dentistry, and Korean medicine, provided by three public health doctors.

Reducing Suicide Rate Among North Korean-Born Citizens

Drawing on baseline data gathered through a general survey conducted from May to June and an in-depth survey scheduled for completion in August, the Ministry plans to proactively identify North Korean-born citizens at risk and provide attentive support.

The Ministry will also strengthen its round-the-clock outreach and response system for North Korean-born citizens at risk. The system includes the 24-hour Hanawon Call Center, which has been operating since December 2025; and AI-powered check-in calls, introduced in July 2026 to provide well-being checks, medication guidance, and health monitoring.

Building a Comprehensive Support Network for Stable Settlement

The Ministry plans to strengthen coordination with the Korea Hana Foundation, Hana Centers (regional adaptation centers), and private-sector sponsors. It will also pursue the introduction of supplemental allowances and other measures to improve the compensation and working conditions of social workers, integrated support teachers, and counselors who assist North Korean-born citizens.

The Ministry will further strengthen education and employment support for North Korean-born citizens. It will expand participation in the WEST (Work, English Study and Travel) Program from four to ten participants, and ease the requirements for business owners to be recognized as having set an example in employing North Korean-born citizens.

▮Task 6. Expanding and Strengthening Peace, Unification and Democratic Citizenship Education

Shifting the Paradigm from "Security-Focused Unification Education" to "Peace, Unification and Democratic Citizenship Education"

The Ministry plans to shift from security-focused education to an approach that emphasizes peaceful coexistence, dialogue and cooperation, and democratic values. Based on this shift, it will strengthen education on peaceful unification and democracy grounded in constitutional values, including by expanding field visits for participants in programs at the National Institute for Peace, Unification and Democracy Education.

Strengthening Peace, Unification, and Democratic Citizenship Education for Those Aged 10 to 29

In June 2026, the Ministry initially appointed 3,940 people, including teachers at approximately 12,000 elementary, middle, and high schools across the country, as members of the 25th Peace, Unification, and Democratic Citizenship Education Committee. It plans to make additional appointments. The Ministry will also strengthen experiential learning, including by launching a new Youth Peace and Unification Leadership Camp.

Building Consensus on Principles of Peace and Unification Education through Social Dialogue

Drawing on Germany's Beutelsbach Consensus on civic education - including its principles of no indoctrination, presenting controversial issues as controversial, and enabling students to analyze political situations in light of their own interests - the Ministry plans to build social consensus on the principles and direction of a Korean model of peace and unification education.

Reforming Faculty Appointment System at the National Institute for Peace, Unification and Democracy Education

The Ministry plans to replace the current professional fixed-term faculty system - under which faculty members hold general civil service positions with employment protection for up to 10 years - with a full-time faculty system modeled on that of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy. Under the new system, faculty members will hold special civil service positions with employment security until the mandatory retirement age of 65. The reform is intended to strengthen expertise and provide greater stability.

▮Task 7. Empowering Youth through Dialogue and Participation

Establishing a Dedicated Youth Engagement Unit within the Ministry

The Ministry established the Public Engagement for a Peaceful Korean Peninsula Bureau under the direct supervision of the Minister, and appointed an individual from outside the Ministry to head the Bureau. With the new bureau in place, the Ministry plans to continue operating a multi-level platform for public engagement and dialogue.

The Ministry will also seek active collaboration with the Presidential Office's Youth Fellowship Program as part of its efforts to build a framework for public engagement that places the younger generation at the center.

Positioning Youth as Leading Actors in the Transition to a Peace Regime on the Korean Peninsula

The Ministry will broaden its outreach to the younger generation through programs such as "Peace Listening ON Campus," helping today's youth take the lead in transitioning to a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, as earlier generations did in Korea's independence and democratization movements.

Establishing a Future-Oriented Platform for Policy Participation and Deliberation

The Ministry plans to conduct all stages of social dialogue and deliberation online and build a system that uses AI-enabled features to facilitate dialogue. In this regard, the Ministry will seek to conclude a memorandum of understanding with Stanford University's Deliberative Democracy Lab.

▮Task 8. Normalizing Use of North Korea-Related Materials

Moving from Restricted Access to Public Availability and Openness

In February, the Ministry completed the necessary steps to make Rodong Sinmun available to the public without restriction. It will continue discussions on opening access to North Korean websites, including amendments to the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection.

Improving the Management of North Korea-Related Materials

The Ministry plans to transfer responsibility for managing North Korea-related materials from the National Intelligence Service to the Ministry of Unification, including by pursuing the enactment of the North Korean Materials Act. It will also work to improve public access to these materials. The Ministry will put accompanying safeguards in place, including user guides for young people and students as well as educational programs on how to properly read and understand North Korea-related materials.

Opening the Northeast Asia Peace Archives: A Repository of Materials on Modern History of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia

The Ministry plans to develop the Northeast Asia Peace Archives, scheduled to open in Goyang in early 2027, into a world-class digital archive for the exhibition, educational use, research, and preservation of materials concerning North Korea and peace in Northeast Asia. A joint management committee comprising the Ministry of Unification, Goyang City, and civil society organizations will oversee the Archives. Cultural events and educational programs will encourage public participation and deliver tangible benefits to the local community.

At the conclusion of the work plan briefing, Minister of Unification Chung Dongyoung said, "Together with the people, we will do our utmost to make peaceful coexistence part of everyday life on the Korean Peninsula."

* Unofficial translation