Between Economic Reform and Support of an "Independent National Economy": Special Economic Zones in North Korea.

Purpose--This article aims to introduce the evolution of North Korean SEZ and their related policies as well as examine their potential role in the current economic reform in North Korea. Design/Methodology/Approach--Based on a survey of official literature as well as field research interviews conducted in China and the DPRK, this article analyzes North Korea SEZs and their related policies against the backdrop of Pyongyang's longstanding objective of building an "independent national economy." Findings--This article finds SEZs are not used in support of a wider economic reform but rather seem to be used as interfaces with profit- seeking actors, with limited impact on the current economic system. Practical Implications--This study shows that Pyongyang, while increasingly bolder and determined in establishing economic cooperation programs with foreign actors, its economic policies remained determined by the quest for political and economic independence. Originality/Value--This article offers an original viewpoint on North Korean SEZs, partially based on field research interviews, and provides keys to understand both the logic behind North Korean SEZs and their lack of success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]