Division of Korea facts for kids
The division of Korea into North and South Korea is a historical event that occurred in the aftermath of World War II. Here's how and why it happened.
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Why Did Korea Split?
After World War II ended in 1945, Japan, which had ruled Korea for 35 years, was forced to give up control of the Korean Peninsula. The Allies (countries like the United States and the Soviet Union) decided to temporarily occupy Korea to help it become independent. They split Korea into two parts along the 38th parallel, an imaginary line that divides the peninsula into north and south. The Soviet Union took control of the north, and the United States took control of the south.
The Soviet Union and the United States had very different ideas about how Korea should be run. The Soviet Union wanted a communist government, where the state controls everything, while the United States wanted a democratic government, where people have more freedom. Because they couldn’t agree, Korea ended up with two separate governments:
- North Korea became the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in 1948, led by Kim Il-sung, a communist leader supported by the Soviet Union.
- South Korea became the Republic of Korea in 1948, led by Syngman Rhee, a leader supported by the United States.
The Korean War (1950–1953)
In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea to try to reunify the peninsula under communist rule. This started the Korean War, a conflict that involved many countries, including the United States and China. The war ended in 1953 with a stalemate, meaning neither side won. The border between the two Koreas was set near the 38th parallel, and a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was created to separate them. The DMZ is a heavily guarded area where no military activity is allowed.
How are North and South Korea different today?
Since the division, North Korea and South Korea have taken very different paths:
- North Korea is a communist country with strict government control. It is isolated from much of the world and has struggled with economic problems. The country is ruled by the Kim family, with Kim Jong-un as the current leader.
- South Korea is a democratic country with a strong economy. It is known for its technology, like smartphones and cars, and its popular culture, including K-pop music and Korean dramas.
Can Korea be reunited?
Many people in both Koreas dream of reuniting the peninsula one day. There have been efforts to improve relations, like the Sunshine Policy in the 1990s and 2000s, which aimed to build trust between the two countries.
On 27 April 2018 the leaders of North and South Korea met in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and signed the Panmunjom Declaration. The document called for the end of longstanding military activities near the border and the reunification of Korea.
On 1 November 2018, buffer zones were established across the DMZ to help ensure the end of hostility on land, sea and air. The buffer zones stretch from the north of Deokjeok Island to the south of Cho Island in the West Sea and the north of Sokcho city and south of Tongchon County in the East (Yellow) Sea. In addition, no fly zones were established.
However, reunification is very complicated because of the huge differences in politics, economics, and culture between North and South Korea.
Fun facts about Korea
- Korea has a rich history that goes back thousands of years. It was once ruled by ancient kingdoms like Silla and Goryeo.
- The Korean alphabet, called Hangul, was created in the 15th century by King Sejong the Great. It’s one of the most scientific writing systems in the world!
- The DMZ is not just a border—it’s also a wildlife sanctuary where rare animals like the Amur leopard and red-crowned crane live.
Images for kids
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Lyuh Woon-hyung giving a speech in the Committee for Preparation of Korean Independence in Seoul on 16 August 1945
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South Korean citizens protest Allied trusteeship in December 1945
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South Korean demonstration in support of the U.S.-Soviet Joint Commission in 1946
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South Korean general election on 10 May 1948
See also
In Spanish: División de Corea para niños
