• Journal of Korea Port Economic Association
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.139-157
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• 2007

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the competitiveness of the logistics industry of three countries - Korea, China and Japan - by looking into their logistics industry structure and the related regulations. For this aim, the paper examined the modal distribution of transportation, transport infrastructure, freight cost structure and regulation in transport sector in these countries. Furthermore, this study suggests some proposals for the further cooperation to bring sustainable progress in the logistics sector across Northeast Asia. The main suggestions of this paper are as follows: First, Korean government needs to strategize its options in the logistics industry, the most competitive in the country’s service sector, in upcoming FTA negotiations with China and Japan. Second, Korea needs to foster Busan into a strategic point for the Rail Ferry System and Road Feeder System. Third, Korea should participate in establishing shuttle flight service in Northeast Asia amid exploding flight demand from active economic interchange and tourism industry development.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Railway
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.77-86
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• 2016

Before urban railway vehicles reach their design life-span, operating agencies should determine when to buy new vehicles. Previous LCC (Life Cycle Cost) studies were limited because they independently focused on existing vehicles based on costs that directly impacted only the operating agency without considering effects such as social costs and the reduction of maintenance costs. Thus, it is difficult to systematically determine when to buy new vehicles. This study investigated the operating and maintenance related costs, especially from additional expenses and social costs due to unexpected vehicle failures and safety accidents, and did an economic analysis of scenarios with different discount rates. Considering that the public is very concerned about safety after the Sewol ferry accident, additional costs, which include social costs, should be included in the analysis. This study shows that the economic priority of scenarios may change depending on whether those costs are included and on the discount rate. The results of this study can help in the decision-making process for the planning and buying of new trains.