Issues on Agricultural Land Reform of North Korea after Unification of Korean Peninsula : Theoretical and Empirical Perspectives

We compare the big bang and gradualist approaches of transitional process both in theoretical and empirical perspectives in order to get a helpful decision criterion when designing a land reform program in northern part of Korea under the assumption that the two Koreas are merged into a market economy. The theoretical and empirical perspectives, including our own experience of land reform in South Korea, require more attention to a gradualist approach than a radical approach. Especially, the foremost attention must be given to the possibility of food crisis after privatization process in the northern part of the unified Korea. This suggests that the most immediate consideration must be given to the smooth path. without chaotic recession, toward the final destination of market system.