Ministry of Unification work report for the second half of 2026 — private contact with North Korea fully permitted, support for sanctions-exemption procedures
On 5 August the Ministry of Unification presented its work plan for the second half of 2026. Below we set out the points that bear directly on companies and organizations preparing private exchanges.
Main points on private exchanges
- The Ministry intends to permit private contact with North Korea without restriction, to support UN sanctions exemption procedures, and to expand support from the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund so that exchanges at the private level can resume.
- It said it would support exchanges arranged around international sporting, cultural, academic and religious events, including the 2026 Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games (19 September to 4 October).
- It is pursuing an amendment to the Enforcement Decree that would spell out what the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund may be used for. Projects in the DMZ and border areas, support for peace economic zones, promotion of civilian unification activities and rebuilding the research base in North Korean studies were given as examples.
- Noting that the execution rate of the fund has averaged only 2–3% a year since 2016, the Ministry plans to raise take-up by tidying up the rules.
If you are preparing a project
- Reporting contact: the reporting system itself is unchanged. Setting out in advance whom you will meet, for what purpose and on what dates will make the report quicker to prepare. You can check which procedure applies with the preliminary check tool on the Procedures page.
- Sanctions exemptions: projects that involve material assistance or carrying equipment out may need a separate UN sanctions exemption. We recommend looking at this while the project is still being designed.
- The fund: if the amendment to the Enforcement Decree changes what the fund may be used for, we will update the Fund page and post a notice.
Consultation
If you would like to shape your plans in the light of the above, please request a consultation. Reports, approvals and fund applications are filed and reviewed by the Ministry of Unification and the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation System.
Source: Ministry of Unification press release, "Ministry of Unification delivers its work report for the second half of 2026" (5 August 2026) https://unikorea.go.kr/web/unikorea/bbs/bbs_0000000000000004/59760