남북 역사학(자) 교류와 역사인식의 공존을 향한 전망

The Prospects on the Coexistence of Historical Perceptions and the Exchange between North & South Korean Historians- Focusing on ‘the South-North Korean Historians’ Conference’ Case -

The exchange between North and South Korean historians represents a seemingly small and yet very significant step toward the coexistence of different historical perceptions of the Korean history. Although somewhat limited at this moment, the exchange between the two, through its continuous progress, will contribute to the better understanding of each other by providing with the various prospects on the historical conception and background for the academic discussion. For the past ten years, the exchange between North and South Korean historians has extended to diverse areas, including the cosponsored academic conference, exhibition, preservation of the historical landmarks, and co-excavation. The level of the contents discussed during the exchange has also been developed drastically. The fundamental issue between the North and South Korea in the 21st century has already surpassed the ideological conflicts. Approached from a different angle than the power struggle between the North and the South, the objective condition has no other choices but to choose the coexistence and symbiosis at the crossroad of the war. To this end, the exchange between North and South Korean historians based on reconciliation and cooperation forms the base for the cultural communication. In fact, it has now been extended to the extent where the mutual understanding of the different historical concepts has been made instead of the mere exchange of the scholars. If North and South Korea succeed to manage the balance in their relationship and establish the peace treaty, not only the quality of their exchange categories will change but also shall the awareness of the coexistence of different historical perceptions be extended.