역사적 관점에서의 일본 중상주의: 한일경제관계에 주는 함의

Abstract

This paper reconstructs the Korean-japanese economic relationship by tracing the unfolding of japan"s mercantilist strategies. It analyzes the political roots of japanese mercantilism and the role of Korea (Korean markets) in its pursuit as the key national strategy. The story begins with mid-nineteenth century japan which constructed a mercantilist system under the pressure of Western powers (i.e., the unequal treaty system) and shaped its policy toward Korea. Korea became japans major exporting outlet and supplier of raw materials. This policy survived the war (Asia-Pacific War) and continues today. This was because the resurgence of japanese economic supremacy in the East Asian region was the core of the US Cold War strategy. The upshot was that japan exports more and imports less by erecting and sustaining resilient informal non-tariff barriers. Ultimately this paper suggests that reducing market controls and encouraging imports are the core of japan"s contribution to the Korea-japan mutual prosperity.