4. Kaesong

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden... In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5: 14, 16

The city of Kaesong city is currently being economically developed by both North and South Korea. It has a population of about 400,000 and lies about five miles north of the 38th parallel and about six miles west of the truce village of Panmunjom located right on the 38th parallel. Historically, Kaesong was the capital of unified Korea. Though it is now part of North Korea, it was owned by South Korea before the Korean War (1950-53). Consequently the North has looked upon it as not a true part of North Korea, and have labeled its people as not “true Chosun people.”

About 3,000 people are already working in the industrial park in Kaesong. At least 2,700 of these are from North Korea, and the rest are from South Korea. This is a sign of new co-operation that is developing between the North and South. Many South Korean businesses are looking forward to the inexpensive labor that the North can provide and North Korea is looking forward to the profits they can receive as they connect with South Korea’s technology. This is a mutual arrangement that should bring a new unity to Korea. All companies, from small business to large groups like Hyundai should benefit. The North is also allowing other international investors to visit the site.

The South began supplying electricity to the Kaesong area in March of 2005, and telephone service is also being set up. One North Korean watcher said that if the North opens Kaesong to South Korean business, this will eventually affect all of North Korea. Many countries have reservations about this development, though, as there is the possibility that “strategic products” such as high-tech computers could be shipped to North Korea or other countries that support terrorism. Here, North Koreans are at least being exposed to South Korean businesses; and some of the businessmen are followers of Christ.

• Praise God that North and South Korea are working together economically in Kaesong.
• Pray for the North Koreans in Kaesong who are meeting South Koreans.
• Pray that the light of Christian businessmen will shine clearly in this industrial park.