Perceptions of Security on the Korean Peninsula: Key Security Concerns
Purpose: The aim of this article is to investigate perceptions of the security environment on the Korean Peninsula and to determine the factors that contribute to variations in individuals’ assessments of regional security. Particular attention is devoted to the extent to which selected sociodemographic characteristics, personal experiences, and attitudes toward military service influence the way respondents perceive and evaluate security conditions on the peninsula. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study adopts an empirical research design based on a questionnaire survey administered to respondents representing diverse demographic and social backgrounds. The analysis incorporates a range of variables, including age, gender, place of origin, educational attainment, previous visits to the Korean Peninsula—including both South and North Korea—and attitudes toward military service. Descriptive statistical methods, complemented by comparative analysis, were employed to identify and assess variations in respondents’ perceptions of security across selected demographic and experiential groups. Findings: The article examines key security concerns on the Korean Peninsula and how they shape respondent’s perceptions of the regional security environment. The findings highlight political differences between the two Koreas and North Korea’s nuclear capabilities as the most significant security factors. Respondents generally perceived renewed conflict and reunification as unlikely or difficult, reflecting uncertainty, caution, and skepticism about the peninsula’s future. Overall, the study demonstrates that security on the Korean Peninsula is multidimensional, shaped by political, military, nuclear, economic, social, and geopolitical factors. Practical implications: The findings may be of particular relevance to researchers, policymakers, and institutions engaged in the fields of security studies, international relations, and strategic communication. A deeper understanding of the factors shaping perceptions of security can contribute to more effective assessments of public attitudes toward armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and evolving challenges to regional stability.