Territorial spatial structure vision for the unified Korean peninsula was proposed but reunification may not be realized unless we actively prepare for the reunification. To make it happen, we need to help North reform, open-up and develop. From former socialist countries’ experiences, one of the effective measure is the special economic zone, which promotes economic development and introduces reform and open-up. In particular, this study investigated the success factor of Shenzhen special economic zone (SEZ) which was the first SEZ in China in 1979, focusing on the role of Hong Kong as a ‘link city.’ This research found that a ‘link city’ can help boost an SEZ. Hong Kong plays a role of facilitate the link between China and the outside world and transferred capital, technology, and export goods between China SEZ and outside of the world. Interestingly, these economic change had reinforced China’s reform and open-up. To promote North’s transition, we need to develop ‘link cities’ in South, especially Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces, which can connect North SEZ with the world. From the Chinese experience, such incremental, but highly effective approach would make unification smoother and furthermore after-unification settlement easier in the reunified Korean Peninsula.