By Choi Ha-young

More South Koreans are in favor of inter-Korean economic and cultural exchanges and these sentiments are largely based on economic considerations, according to a state-run think tank's annual survey issued Wednesday.

The poll, conducted by the Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU), showed that 76 percent of respondents backed the idea that the two Koreas should expand sports and cultural exchanges. The figure has grown compared to 66.6 percent in 2017.

The outcome is in line with growing support for the economic cooperation initiative. This year, 61.8 percent of respondents said the rival Koreas should continue economic exchanges despite the military confrontations.

Specifically, support for the resumption of Mount. Geumgang tourism ― 58.3 percent ― was about 10 percent higher than that of reopening the Gaeseong Industrial Complex that stood at 44.3 percent.

The KINU held the 2017 survey in April, a month ahead of President Moon Jae-in's inauguration in May. This year's dramatic rise reflects the anticipation for inter-Korean rapprochement following the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, KINU researcher Lee Sang-shin said in a statement.

Lee pointed out the majority of support for inter-Korean economic exchanges under the former conservative government ― 56.4 percent in 2016 and 68.7 percent in 2015 ― when military tension peaked, involving accidental military clashes.

"This means the overwhelming support for Moon's peace overture is based on this sentiment. It's groundless to say that Moon's popularity heightened support for the peace overture. Rather, it is the opposite," Lee noted.

Seven out of ten South Koreans think better inter-Korean ties are good for them economically, the poll showed. In 2018, 76.7 percent responded that North Korea's young and disciplined workforce and natural resources will help the South Korean economy. It was 75.2 percent in 2015.

"Considering the stir around the inter-Korean unified team, expectations about economic benefits overtake the nationalistic desire for unification," Lee said.

Still, the majority of South Koreans agreed that the nation should keep pace with international sanctions against the North ― 66.2 percent in 2018; 73.8 percent in 2017; 72.8 percent in 2016 and 35 percent in 2015.

"It seems South Koreans believe the positive influence of the sanctions led to the dialogue mood. Otherwise, some distrust of North Korea seems to linger," Lee said.

Despite the overwhelming support for better inter-Korean ties, people tend not to agree with humanitarian aid for the North. The support stood at 50.7 percent in 2016 but it dropped to 32.6 percent in 2017 and only came up to 40.7 percent in 2018.

Asked about "unconditional" food assistance, only 23.6 percent of respondents were in favor of it this year.

"Therefore, the government should specify the political and economic boon that Seoul could achieve through exchanges with the North, rather than implementing unconditional aid projects for the North," the researcher added.

It is also notable that over 60 percent of South Koreans view that "peace" and "co-existence" are more needed than "unification." The outcome shows people prefer peace to unification which is expected to accompany financial burdens and social conflicts.