@article{ART003380464},
author={Haknoh, Kim},
title={A Geopolitical Imagination of South Korea: A Sketch},
journal={The Journal of Northeast Asia Research},
issn={2005-4432},
year={2026},
volume={41},
number={2},
pages={33-72},
doi={10.18013/jnar.2026.41.2.002}
TY - JOUR
AU - Haknoh, Kim
TI - A Geopolitical Imagination of South Korea: A Sketch
JO - The Journal of Northeast Asia Research
PY - 2026
VL - 41
IS - 2
PB - The Institute for Northeast Asia Research
SP - 33
EP - 72
SN - 2005-4432
AB - This article sets out to develop a geopolitical vision that aims to enlarge the living space available to Korean compatriots, as seen from the perspective of the Republic of Korea. First, it explores the fundamental principles of this vision. I begin by rejecting the ‘bridge state theory’, which assumes that continental and maritime powers meet on the Korean Peninsula, giving Korea a role in connecting them. Instead, I propose that South Korea promote a ‘strategy of compounding continental and maritime powers’, whereby South Korea herself becomes a continental and maritime power, prioritizing advancement into the continent. Secondly, I present a plan for entering the continent. In the long term, I propose building on and developing the ‘Eurasia Initiative’ of the Park Geun-hye administration in an attempt to succeed the Northern policies of the preceding Korean governments. In the short term, I suggest creating and expanding spaces for peace and symbiosis centered on the border areas of Manchuria, Primorye and the northern parts of North Korea. Thirdly, I develop a maritime strategy. On a global scale, Korea should engage with and leverage the US Indo-Pacific strategy while avoiding becoming embroiled in the US–China conflict. In the short term, I propose viewing the East, West and South Seas around the Korean Peninsula and the East China Sea as one Mediterranean Sea and establishing, disseminating and implementing the concept of ‘Northeast Asia Mediterranean for Peace and Prosperity’.
KW - Geopolitical imagination;bridge state theory;land power;sea power;space of peace and symbiosis;Northeast Asia Mediterranean
DO - 10.18013/jnar.2026.41.2.002
ER -
Haknoh, Kim. (2026). A Geopolitical Imagination of South Korea: A Sketch. The Journal of Northeast Asia Research, 41(2), 33-72.
Haknoh, Kim. 2026, "A Geopolitical Imagination of South Korea: A Sketch", The Journal of Northeast Asia Research, vol.41, no.2 pp.33-72. Available from: doi:10.18013/jnar.2026.41.2.002
Haknoh, Kim "A Geopolitical Imagination of South Korea: A Sketch" The Journal of Northeast Asia Research 41.2 pp.33-72 (2026) : 33.
Haknoh, Kim. A Geopolitical Imagination of South Korea: A Sketch. 2026; 41(2), 33-72. Available from: doi:10.18013/jnar.2026.41.2.002
Haknoh, Kim. "A Geopolitical Imagination of South Korea: A Sketch" The Journal of Northeast Asia Research 41, no.2 (2026) : 33-72.doi: 10.18013/jnar.2026.41.2.002
Haknoh, Kim. A Geopolitical Imagination of South Korea: A Sketch. The Journal of Northeast Asia Research, 41(2), 33-72. doi: 10.18013/jnar.2026.41.2.002
Haknoh, Kim. A Geopolitical Imagination of South Korea: A Sketch. The Journal of Northeast Asia Research. 2026; 41(2) 33-72. doi: 10.18013/jnar.2026.41.2.002
Haknoh, Kim. A Geopolitical Imagination of South Korea: A Sketch. 2026; 41(2), 33-72. Available from: doi:10.18013/jnar.2026.41.2.002
Haknoh, Kim. "A Geopolitical Imagination of South Korea: A Sketch" The Journal of Northeast Asia Research 41, no.2 (2026) : 33-72.doi: 10.18013/jnar.2026.41.2.002
