The Korean peninsula has been divided for more than half a century. During that time, the South maintaining its pre-1945 culture and traditions, has moved toward a political, economic and cultural development based upon a freely elected democratic government, while the North, proclaiming a uniquely North Korean-style socialism fueled by the idolization of Kim Il-sung and his son Kim Jung-il, has succeeded in creating its own set of political, economic and cultural systems. Though the two Koreas differ dramatically and drastically in what seem to be the most fundamental of ways, many Koreans still hold hope for a unified homeland. They are inspired by the unification of the long divided and disparate West and East Germany in 1990 following the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989. The new millennium, ushering in new developments in inter- Korean relations, fans hope for a unified Korea. A historic summit meeting was held between the South and the North and exchange between the two Koreas is more active than ever. These new developments are expected to have an even deeper and broader influence on the future.
I. Introduction II. Comparison of Early Childhood Education and Care Ideologies and Policies III. Comparison of Early Childhood Education and Care Operating Practices IV. Establishing a New Early Childhood Education and Care System for One Korea V. ConclusionDiscussion on “An Examination of Early Childhood Education and Care in the South and the North: Toward One Korea” (Myung-Lim Chang) Discussion on “An Examination of Early Childhood Education and Care in the South and the North: Toward One Korea” (Sung-Ae Chi)
